August 6, 2024
An operational water heater is essential for daily comfort, from showering to washing dishes and cleaning. The situation can become frustrating and inconvenient when your water heater needs to light up. Your water heater consists of a component called the pilot light. If this goes out, the heater won’t work. Various reasons can contribute to your water heater not lighting. Thus, in this post, we will look at some of the most common reasons your water heater might not light up and also provide guidelines for troubleshooting and fixing the real issue.
Book your Plumber
-
1. Faulty Thermocouple
The thermocouple is essential in various gas-operated devices, such as gas water heaters. Its primary function is monitoring the pilot light to ensure the appliance is used safely. Some common thermocouples-related problems include wear and tear, misalignment, or contamination.
- Symptoms:
The pilot light keeps going out right after it is lit. Also, the pilot light doesn’t stay lit. Inconsistent Flame and Gas Valve Problems are other symptoms of a faulty thermocouple.
- Solutions:
Check for signs of damage or corrosion. Ensure that it is appropriately aligned with the flame. Brush the thermocouple to remove any dirt that might make it malfunction. If you have access to the right tools, you can check if the voltage falling from the thermocouple is within its limits. It must be replaced if any problem occurs with the thermocouple or gets damaged. For this, contact a professional technician.
-
2. Dirty Pilot Tube
It is responsible for delivering gas to the pilot light. Over time, it can become clogged with dirt, dust, or even carbon build-up, blocking gas flow.
- Symptoms:
If the thermocouple appears in good working condition, a dirty pilot tub is another potential cause for a heater failing to light. If the pilot tube becomes filthy, the pilot light may flicker, go out frequently, or fail to burn.
- Solutions:
First, turn off the gas supply and let the pilot light cool off. Take a thin, firm object like a needle and gently clean the pilot tube. Clean out any debris or blockages that could block free gas flow. Now, turn on the gas and try to light the pilot again. If it does not fix the issue, call for a professional.
-
3. Issues Flex Tubing
There is a gas line from which flexible tubing extends to the water heater, supplying the burner and pilot light with gas. With time, the pipes can get twisted, worn out or rotten.
- Symptoms:
A defective flexible pipe may lead to irregular gas supply that blows out the pilot flame.
- Solutions:
You need to check the flex tubing for any damage or twists. Straighten the flex tubing if it is twisted. If it’s worn or damaged, replace it immediately. This may need professional help in its proper installation and sealing, so call a professional.
-
4. Malfunctioning Main Control Valve
This valve controls the gas flow into the burner and pilot light. It’s a key component of a water heater.
- Symptoms:
If the main control valve of your water heater is defective, then the pilot light will not stay on, or even you cannot turn it back on.
- Solutions:
You must replace your faulty valve. This is a complicated and lengthy task that requires the services of a professional, so if needed, call a certified technician for your valve replacement.
-
5. Drafts or Ventilation Issues
Drafts or poor ventilation will impact the stability of a pilot light. If there is a draft near the water heater, it could blow out or will not allow the pilot light to stay lit.
- Symptoms:
Your pilot light keeps going out, especially when doors or windows have opened.
- Solutions:
To fix the issue, you must check for drafts in the surrounding area of the water heater. Make sure that vents or flues are clean. If you think drafts are the issue, seal them off by relocating your water heater and installing draft guards.
-
6. High-temperature cut-off
- Symptoms:
When your water heater shuts down and fails to start again or if there is a sign of high temperature, then it is possible that the high-temperature cut-off switch has tripped.
- Solutions:
The high-temperature cut-off switch should be checked and reset if necessary. If it trips again, check the thermostat settings for proper value. Overheating problems could indicate malfunction in the thermostat or heating elements and will need professional evaluation.Troubleshooting these common reasons for a water heater not lighting can help you gain back your hot water supply, bringing comfort back into your home. If these simple steps for troubleshooting do not work, call the professional plumbers near you at Magnificent Plumbing for expert advice.
Contact Now
