Why does the pilot light turn off on water heater?

Thermocouple Issues Your thermocouple senses when your pilot light is burning. The tip of the thermocouple sits over the pilot flame, generating a voltage that keeps the gas valve open. If it senses that your water heater’s pilot light has gone out, the thermocouple will shift off the gas supply to the heater.

What does a pilot light on a water heater do?

The water heater pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner on your water heater. When the water heater pilot light goes out, first try relighting it, following the directions on the water heater label.

Why does my gas water heater keep going out?

If you can light your pilot light, but it keeps going out, the first item to check is the thermocouple. When the water heater is first lit, a valve releases gas into the burner, and the pilot light ignites that gas.

Why is my gas water heater pilot light yellow?

Also, some homeowners reported that while they were cleaning the unit, a small orifice cap found on top of the pilot tube fell out making the pilot light unstable, yellow and very high. If the gas pressure is too low, the flame can become too small. Check with the utility company about this problem.

Why does my water pilot keep going out?

Therefore, a dirty thermocouple might be the reason why your water pilot keeps going out. A layer of dirt and grime can hinder the electric current from reaching the thermocouple. As a result, the gas supply will be cut off and the pilot light will go out.

How does the pilot light work on a water heater?

When the water heater is first lit, a valve releases gas into the burner, and the pilot light ignites that gas. After about 30 seconds, heat from the ignited pilot light flame activates a simple electrical switch called a thermocouple which ensures that the gas supply to the pilot stays open and your water heater keeps functioning.

How do you turn off the pilot light on a gas heater?

Here is how to turn off the pilot light on a gas heater. First, turn your thermostat all the way down, so only the gas pilot light is burning. Next, locate the gas heater shut off valve. To turn the heater’s gas valve off, press the on valve in, and then turn it to the off position. That is how to turn off a gas heater.

Why is my gas heater shutting down the flame and pilot?

If so, check for low gas pressure. Also, there may be a pilot adjustment valve on your gas valve. There could a fault in the gas valve’s main burner solenoid, causing it to draw excessive power and starving the pilot flame solenoid. If so, replace the entire valve. Gas valve are allowed 30seconds to “fall out”.

What should I do if my pilot light goes out?

If a pilot light goes out, you can relight it with a match, using the proper precautions. Related Articles. On some gas-powered appliances — such as gas ranges, water heaters, boilers and gas fireplaces — the pilot light works to ignite the main flame when the gas is switched on to the burner by the regulating valve.