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?
We recommend replacing your thermocouple if you notice physical damage or if the pilot light keeps going out. Not only can these issues be frustrating and time-consuming, but they could also be a safety risk. If your pilot light just won’t stay on, try replacing your thermocouple.
Why does my gas pilot light keep going out?
Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds. If you believe there is a serious problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?
1 cause of pilot lights that won’t stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. 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 clean a dirty 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 long does a thermocouple last?
10 years
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.
How do I know if my thermocouple is working?
Test the Thermocouple
If the thermocouple is working, you should be able to measure 30 to 40 millivolts of voltage at the connection end of the tube when the pilot flame is on. You can test this yourself using a multimeter, but you may need a helper to keep the pilot flame burning while you do it.
Why does my water heater pilot keep turning off?
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.
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.
Why does my thermocouple keep going bad?
Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction. The fix here is as easy as removing the thermocouple, cleaning it with a wire brush or something coarse (even an ordinary dollar bill works), and replacing.
How do I reset my thermocouple?
Press the reset button on top of the box to turn on the pilot light. Hold the reset button between 30 to 60 seconds to give the thermocouple time to heat up. Release the button to see if the pilot light goes out. The pilot light should stay on after the reset.
How do you replace a thermocouple on a boiler?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And that's now off make sure that the thermostat controls are switched off for a start I've got a 3/8 of an inch span.
How do you change a thermocouple on a pilot light?
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.
Why won’t my pilot light stay lit on my boiler?
If it’s not staying lit though, then you’re probably dealing with a thermocouple issue. The thermocouple of a boiler system is a long metal wire that acts as a heat sensor for the pilot light. One end of this wire is installed near the flame to be heated by it, and the other end is connected to the gas valve.
