Why Water Heater Pilot Went Out

Your water heater pilot light is a small flame that keeps the gas flowing to your water heater. If the pilot light goes out, your water heater will not be able to heat your water. There are several reasons why a water heater pilot light might go out, including:

• Drafts: A draft can blow out the pilot light. This is most common in homes with older windows or doors that let in a lot of air.
• Dust and debris: Dust and debris can build up on the pilot light and smother it. This is most common in homes with pets or smokers.
• Malfunctioning thermocouple: The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas flow if the pilot light goes out. If the thermocouple is malfunctioning, it can shut off the gas flow even when the pilot light is still lit.
• Clogged gas line: A clogged gas line can prevent gas from reaching the pilot light. This is most common in homes with old or rusty gas lines.
• Faulty ignition system: The ignition system is responsible for lighting the pilot light. If the ignition system is faulty, it will not be able to light the pilot light.

How to Relight a Water Heater Pilot Light

If your water heater pilot light has gone out, you can relight it yourself. Here are the steps:

1. Turn off the gas supply to the water heater.
2. Wait 5 minutes for the gas to dissipate.
3. Locate the pilot light. The pilot light is usually located at the bottom of the water heater.
4. Push the reset button. The reset button is usually located near the pilot light.
5. Hold down the reset button and light the pilot light with a match or lighter.
6. Release the reset button and hold it down for 30 seconds. This will allow the thermocouple to heat up and keep the gas flowing.
7. Turn on the gas supply to the water heater.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you are unable to relight the pilot light, there may be a more serious problem with your water heater. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Check the thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas flow if the pilot light goes out. If the thermocouple is malfunctioning, it can shut off the gas flow even when the pilot light is still lit. You can test the thermocouple by holding a lit match or lighter near the tip of the thermocouple. If the thermocouple is working properly, the gas flow will increase.
• Check the gas line. A clogged gas line can prevent gas from reaching the pilot light. You can check the gas line by turning off the gas supply to the water heater and then opening the gas valve. If there is no gas flow, the gas line is clogged.
• Check the ignition system. The ignition system is responsible for lighting the pilot light. If the ignition system is faulty, it will not be able to light the pilot light. You can check the ignition system by turning off the gas supply to the water heater and then turning it back on. If the pilot light does not light, the ignition system is faulty.

When to Call a Plumber

If you are unable to relight the pilot light or if you have any other problems with your water heater, it is important to call a plumber. A plumber can diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.

Summary: Why Water Heater Pilot Went Out and How to Fix It

A water heater pilot light can go out for a variety of reasons. If your pilot light has gone out, you can relight it yourself by following the steps outlined above. If you are unable to relight the pilot light or if you have any other problems with your water heater, it is important to call a plumber.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Why does my water heater pilot light keep going out?

A: There are several reasons why a water heater pilot light might keep going out, including:

• Drafts
• Dust and debris
• Malfunctioning thermocouple
• Clogged gas line
• Faulty ignition system

Q: How can I prevent my water heater pilot light from going out?

A: There are several things you can do to prevent your water heater pilot light from going out, including:

• Keep the area around your water heater free of drafts.
• Clean the dust and debris from your water heater regularly.
• Have your water heater serviced by a plumber once a year.

Q: What should I do if my water heater pilot light goes out?

A: If your water heater pilot light goes out, you can relight it yourself by following the steps outlined above. If you are unable to relight the pilot light or if you have any other problems with your water heater, it is important to call a plumber.