If your gas water heater keeps shutting off, the thermocouple could be dirty, bent or damaged. The thermocouple is usually easily visible next to the pilot light. Inspect the thermocouple to determine if it is dirty or damaged in some way. If it is dirty, turn off the gas to allow the thermocouple to cool.
Why does the pilot light on my water heater keep going out?
Thermocouple Issues
If it senses that your water heater pilot light keeps going out, the thermocouple will shift off the gas supply to the heater. Over time, thermocouples can malfunction, accumulate dust buildup, or the device can get bent away from the pilot light’s flame.
Why does the pilot light on my gas heater keep going out?
A faulty, misaligned, dirty, or damaged thermocouple is often the culprit behind your pilot light going out. The thermocouple is an automatic safety shutoff device that prevents the gas valve from opening if the pilot light is out.
What does it mean when your pilot light won’t stay lit?
If your pilot light won’t stay alight, it might be the thermocouple. Sometimes dust buildup collects on the thermocouple and blocks the sensor. Try cleaning the thermocouple and then relighting the pilot light. If it continues to go out, the thermocouple might need to be replaced.
How do you fix a pilot light that keeps going out?
If it’s filthy shut your gas off so that the unit can cool down, then gently clean it by carefully rubbing it with fine grain sandpaper. When you’re done, simply turn the gas back on and light the pilot again. If dirt or grime was the issue, your light shouldn’t go out again!
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my water heater?
If the pilot lights but the flame goes out as soon as you release the button after holding it for 60 seconds, then the thermocouple is bad. It’s possible to replace the thermocouple without removing the burner assembly, and many repair people do this.
How much does it cost to replace a water heater thermocouple?
The cost to replace the thermocouple on a water heater is $100 to $325. The thermocouple detects whether the pilot light is lit and signals the gas control valve to turn on the gas flow. Thermocouple replacement is the most common repair needed for gas tank water heaters.
Can you clean a thermocouple?
Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up.
