Why Does My Water Heater’s Pilot Light Keep Going Out?

These days, when our hot water goes out on us, it is more than an inconvenience. Our lifestyles depend on hot water in our daily routines. In fact, we are so dependent upon it that water heating ranks second to only space heating for the highest energy consumption in the United States.

According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), a four-person household consumes 24 percent of its energy to heat water.

Why Your Pilot Light Goes Lights Out

If your water heater’s pilot light won’t stay lit, a faulty thermocouple could be to blame. This small but essential component detects whether the pilot light is on and allows gas to flow accordingly. When it malfunctions, your water heater may shut off unexpectedly, leaving you without hot water.

But how can you tell if the thermocouple is the issue?

Common signs include a pilot light that repeatedly goes out, difficulty relighting it, or visible damage to the thermocouple itself. In this blog, Blue Fox Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing will walk you through how to diagnose a bad thermocouple and what steps you can take to fix or replace it.

Whether you’re comfortable with a DIY approach or need professional help in Kokomo, understanding the thermocouple’s role can save you time and frustration. Keep reading to learn how to get your water heater back up and running!

What Is a Thermocouple?

In the simplest of definitions, your water heater’s thermocouple measures temperature. More importantly, it is the device that regulates the gas flow inside your water heater or even your furnace. 

Your thermocouple has two wires—one sits near the thermostat, and the other rests by the pilot light flame. When the temperature goes up, the thermocouple sends an electric signal to open the gas valve and allows the combustion to take place.

If your pilot light goes out, the thermocouple senses the drop in temperature and signals for the gas valve to close. When your issue is a faulty thermocouple, the most common sign is a malfunctioning pilot light.

What Causes the Thermocouple to Malfunction?

When your thermocouple is at fault, these are the top three reasons:

1.  Dirty thermocouple

     Over time, your water heater will collect dirt, dust, and other types of debris. Buildup on your thermocouple can cause a malfunction. This is an easy do-it-yourself (DIY) fix—simply let everything cool down and brush the dirt or debris carefully off your thermocouple.

2.  Bent thermocouple

     Your thermocouple easily bends, and this could be the issue. The end sitting near the pilot light flame is what communicates with the gas valve and tells the valve to open or close.

     If it is bent away from the flame, it will not register heat and will keep the gas valve closed.  So just wait for your water heater to cool down, then delicately bend the end back.

     Not comfortable proceeding with this? Then do not attempt the repair yourself. Instead, call Blue Fox Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing and let one of our experts address the adjustment. 

3.  Damaged thermocouple

     If your thermocouple is neither dirty nor bent, you most likely have a damaged or malfunctioning product. This needs professional involvement. Our highly trained team members can promptly come out to your Indiana home and diagnose and replace, if necessary, your thermocouple.

Sometimes the scenario may not directly involve the thermocouple. It is possible it can be something else—perhaps a dirty pilot light opening. In this case, the sullied opening causes the pilot flame to cool down, preventing the thermocouple to warm effectively.

If you attempt to diagnose and repair the issue on your own but have no success, then it is definitely important to get one of our professionals involved.

Contact Us for All Your Water Heater Needs

A faulty thermocouple can leave you without hot water, but recognizing the warning signs can help you address the issue quickly. If your pilot light won’t stay lit or you notice visible wear on the thermocouple, it may need cleaning or replacement.

If you’ve gone through troubleshooting steps and your water heater still isn’t working properly, it’s best to call an expert. Ignoring the issue could lead to further complications and costly repairs down the road.

Need help diagnosing or fixing your water heater? Contact Blue Fox Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing today for expert water heater repair and maintenance services. 765-252-0051 or request service online today. We’ll make sure you have reliable hot water when you need it most!