Why does my pilot light go out when I turn it to on?
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.
How do you fix a pilot light that keeps going out?
This is and easy fix, simply let it cool down and brush off the dirt or debris. Your thermocouple might bend. The end that sits near the pilot light flame is what communicates with the gas valve and tells it to open or close. If it is bent away from the flame it won’t register heat and will keep the gas valve closed.
How do I know if my thermocouple is broken?
If you can’t get the flame to light at all, and you’re sure the gas is on, there’s probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that’s the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.
What does it mean when your water heater pilot light keeps 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.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?
Thermocouple – $20 to $150
The thermocouple is an apparatus that senses whether the pilot light is lit and triggers the gas control valve. Repairs typically cost about $150 to have it done professionally, though a new thermocouple itself only costs about $20 on average.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple on a furnace?
$150 to $250
Replacing a thermocouple costs $150 to $250, mostly due to labor time. On older models without an ignitor, it checks to make sure your pilot light is lit. If it’s not, it’ll shut the gas off.
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. Cleaning a thermocouple is not a fix for an issue, such as inaccurate readings.
How do you clean a thermocouple on a furnace?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Use a soft abrasive pad or emery cloth to gently clean the outside of the thermocouple. Be careful not to scratch the coating. Next insert the thermocouple into the pilot assembly.
Is it safe if pilot light goes out?
A pilot light may need to be re-lit from time to time after being extinguished on purpose or by accident. If it is accidentally extinguished, there exists a danger that the gas used to keep the flame lit will continue to vent, possibly into the living space.
How do you fix a thermocouple?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Here putting in the new thermocouple is very easy all we do is take new thermocouple. We push it back into the bracket. And there's usually some type of compression fitting that holds.
Can I replace a thermocouple myself?
It’s easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Rather than trying to unfasten the thermocouple inside the water heater’s burning chamber, it’s easier to remove the whole burner and thermocouple assembly.
How do you bypass a thermocouple?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Okay that's the thermocouple here's a main igniter wire. And here is the tube that gives you propane. So you follow this wire down.
How long does a thermocouple last?
Thermocouples can last up to 10 years if properly installed and maintained, while furnaces can last 15-20 years, although either may wear out sooner in multifamily units.
What happens if a thermocouple fails?
When a thermocouple fails, the pilot light won’t stay lighted. A burned out or broken thermocouple should be replaced.
What makes a thermocouple go bad?
Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction.
What can go wrong with a thermocouple?
Sudden loss of heat.
A faulty thermocouple will often “cut out” when it’s experiencing problems, meaning that it misinterprets the pilot light’s temperature and shuts off the gas. This can lead to your heater turning off unexpectedly, even though there’s nothing wrong otherwise.
What does thermocouple look like?
The thermocouple looks like a piece of metal tubing smaller than a soda straw. To find it, first locate the gas control box. This is the box that the main gas line enters, where you turn the gas on in the furnace. (On most furnaces, it also houses the button that you hold open or push to relight the pilot.)
How do I know if my thermopile is bad?
Just like the thermocouple, the thermopile can be read with a multimeter to check if it’s the cause of the problem. Three hundred millivolts or higher voltage is a sign of a good thermopile. A reading below 300 millivolts would require you to replace the thermopile.
