Water Heater Pilot Lights But Wont Stay On

6 reasons why a water heater pilot light won t stay lit written by perry carpenter on mar 08 2010.

Water heater pilot lights but wont stay on.

Pilot light won t stay lit when you turn knob from pilot to on it goes out as soon as the knob pops up before you can turn it to on pilot light on my reliance 501 gas water heater won t stay lit when you turn it from light pilot to on it goes out as soon as the knob pops up. Pilot light issues are some of the most common problems experienced with gas water heaters. Make sure to follow the directions on your water heater label. Watch out for large objects as they might be the biggest culprits.

When you re done test the heater on and see if the pilot light stays lit. If it doesn t remove the tube and clean it again. If your pilot doesn t re light won t stay lit or keeps going out after a short time you most likely have an issue with the hot water heater thermocouple. This also another possible reason why your pilot s light won t come on.

The water heater pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner on your water heater. This can happen with age. Not only does it prevent a furnace from operating properly but an unlit pilot can also steal away the comforts of a hot morning shower. Here s a solution for your hot water tanks that won t stay lit.

For more information about life expectancy read this article entitled how long do water heaters last. Although a blocked gas line is one reason why the pilot light on a rheem water heater won t light or stay lit there are other reasons as well some easier to correct than others. If your gas water heater doesn t stay lit you may have a defective control thermostat. The gas supply to the pilot assembly is controlled by this valve.

A faulty thermocouple or malfunction of the gas valve could be the culprit but the problem may be as simple as a draft coming from a crack in the wall or under the door. Without it the water heater won t be able to maintain internal temperatures allowing the water to cool off. When the pilot light goes out for any reason the thermocouple closes the burner. This control is part of the gas valve assembly and normally has a dial that will allow for temperature adjustment and will also have a probe that monitors the water temperature.

Water heater pilot light keeps going out. Your heater s pilot light allows the burner to cycle on and off while maintaining the water in the tank at a constant temperature. There are other tanks that have light sensors flame sensors and someone if that s yours th. When the water heater pilot light goes out first try relighting it following the directions on the water heater label.

The first sign of trouble with your water heater s pilot light is usually a cold shower.