There’s nothing worse than being without heating and hot water, especially in the cold winter months. If you’re having trouble with your pilot light, read on to find out the reasons why it may not be lighting, and how you can resolve this.
Fix It Immediately
It’s highly important to resolve any pilot issues as soon as possible. If your pilot light does not stay lit, there are a wide variety of reasons as to why this may be. Usually, the reason lies within the thermocouple which generates an electrical current powered by heat. If the thermocouple begins to cool, it believes that the pilot light is off, therefore shuts down the gas completely.
A Rusty Thermocouple
One of the biggest problems that your thermocouple may be suffering from is rust. This can cause the pilot light to go continuously out. If your thermocouple is rusty, the best way to remove any debris and rust is to sand it with sandpaper. Before you begin this process, ensure you turn the gas off and wait for it to cool.
A Bent Thermocouple
Often, your thermocouple can become bent due to mishandling, age, and wear and tear. This can ultimately prevent your pilot light from lighting as the flame doesn’t catch. Luckily, the thermocouple needs to be bent back into shape for it to work. Again, wait until the thermocouple has cooled down before you bend it back into shape.
A Dirty Pilot Tube
Your pilot light tube can become dirty and filled with debris. It’s very straightforward to resolve this issue. All you need to do is use a pin or needle, and stick it into the tube to clean the dirt out.
Speak To A Professional
If you are still experiencing issues with your pilot light, it may be time to get in touch with a professional by calling us at 972-247-6121.