When a gas water heater won’t stay lit, it can throw off your whole routine. From early morning showers to washing dishes in the evening, having hot water when you need it plays a big role in day-to-day life. Homeowners in Easton expect their water heaters to work quietly in the background. So when the pilot light keeps going out or refuses to stay lit, it becomes a frustrating interruption that often needs more than a quick fix.
This issue may seem minor at first, but it’s usually a warning sign that something deeper is going on. The problem could be with the supply of gas, buildup around the burner, or a faulty part that isn’t doing its job anymore. Figuring out the cause quickly helps avoid bigger repair needs later on. If you’re noticing that your hot water vanishes right when you need it most, there are steps you can take to check for common causes and know when it’s time to bring in our professionals.
Identifying Common Causes For A Pilot Light Going Out
Gas water heaters that won’t stay lit are usually dealing with one of a few common problems. Each one can interfere with the pilot light’s ability to hold a flame or even stay on long enough to work properly. Understanding where to look gives you a better idea of what might be wrong.
1. Gas Supply Issues
– The pilot light relies on a steady gas supply. If there’s a blockage or the valve isn’t fully open, it can cause the flame to flicker out.
– Check that the gas shutoff valve is fully open. If you recently had service done or were away from the home, someone may have adjusted it.
– You’ll also want to make sure your gas appliances aren’t all pulling from the same source at once, which could affect pressure.
2. Thermocouple Malfunction
– The thermocouple is a safety part that detects whether the pilot light is on. If it senses no flame, it stops the gas flow to prevent leaks.
– Over time, the thermocouple can wear out or shift slightly out of alignment, making it unable to detect the flame even when it’s present.
– If the part is damaged, dirty, or positioned incorrectly, the pilot light won’t stay lit even if everything else works as it should.
3. Dirty Pilot Tube Or Burner
– Dust, rust, or debris near the pilot assembly can block the flame port, making it hard for the pilot to stay on.
– Accumulated dirt can affect how strong the flame is or keep it from heating the thermocouple enough.
– This is more likely in older units or those located near laundry machines where lint builds up over time.
These types of problems are common among gas water heaters in Easton, especially after long hot summers or during the start of cooler months when demand shifts. A homeowner in Easton recently called in after noticing that their pilot light was fine during summer but began cutting out every other day come September. Turns out, the unit had a thermocouple on its last leg and was also clogged with lint from a nearby dryer vent.
Steps To Safely Relight The Pilot Light
If your gas water heater’s pilot light has gone out, one of the first steps is trying to relight it. But before you do anything, take time to focus on safety. Working with natural gas always carries risk, so it’s important to proceed with caution and to know when to step back and ask for help.
Before attempting to relight the pilot, follow these preparation steps:
– Make sure the area around the water heater is well ventilated
– Turn the gas control knob to the off position and wait at least 5 minutes
– This gives any lingering gas a chance to clear out and reduces the chance of ignition outside the flame area
Now locate the access panel at the base of the water heater. Behind this, you’ll find the pilot light and the burner area. Most newer models have instructions nearby that describe exactly how to relight the flame. If your unit uses an igniter button, you’ll press it while holding down the gas control knob. With older models, a long lighter may be required in place of an igniter.
Hold down the knob as instructed, light the flame, and continue holding the knob for 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to sense that the flame is present. Once it does, the gas valve will stay open and keep the pilot lit when you release the knob. Then, replace the cover panel and set the thermostat to the desired temperature.
If you’ve followed every step and the flame won’t stay lit after multiple tries, stop there. A persistent failure to light usually points to something more serious that needs professional attention. Trying over and over again could lead to gas buildup or damage the system further. Our technicians can check each part to find out what’s stopping the system from working.
When To Call Our Professionals
If you’ve reviewed the common causes and attempted to relight the pilot without progress, it’s time to take a step back. At that point, continuing to troubleshoot on your own can risk further damage or create a safety concern. A gas water heater that won’t stay lit after several attempts is often dealing with a failing internal component or more advanced gas flow issue. Only trained professionals should handle those repairs to keep your system safe and working properly.
Here are some signs that it’s best to bring in our technicians in Easton:
– You’ve tried multiple times to relight the pilot with no success
– The pilot light goes out again shortly after staying lit
– You hear unusual noises coming from the heater during operation
– You smell gas around the unit
– The water temperature is inconsistent, even when the pilot appears to be on
Our professionals are trained to assess worn-out parts like thermocouples and gas control valves, test for proper gas pressure, and inspect for any signs of corrosion or buildup that limits efficiency. Rather than guessing at the next fix, our technicians perform targeted diagnostics to identify and resolve the real issue behind the unreliable flame. That saves time, limits risk, and helps your home get back to running the way it should.
Maintaining Your Gas Water Heater For Reliable Performance
One of the best ways to cut down on pilot light problems is to stay ahead of them. Regular upkeep goes a long way in making sure your gas water heater runs efficiently and doesn’t break down when you need it. Many issues linked to intermittent pilot flames are tied to a lack of cleaning or general wear over time.
To keep your gas water heater working properly, focus on these simple upkeep tasks:
– Schedule a professional inspection once a year to check for worn or dirty components
– Clean the burner and pilot assembly to remove buildup that could interfere with the flame
– Test the thermostat setting every few months to make sure it holds a steady temperature
– Keep the area around the water heater clear of dust, storage items, or lint-producing machines
– Watch out for small changes over time, like water that takes longer to heat, weak flame color, or strange noises from the tank
These steps help extend the life of your system and reduce your risk of surprise breakdowns. Even newer units need routine care as they age. Skipping maintenance increases the chances of problems right when demand for hot water rises, like in fall or early winter.
Reliable Hot Water Solutions For Easton Homes
Whether you’ve recently felt the frustration of cold water or are dealing with a pilot light that keeps clicking off, the problem is more than just an inconvenience. It’s a sign your gas water heater needs attention. Small fixes can sometimes help, but anything more than a basic relight should be handled by someone with training. Lingering issues often stem from deeper wear inside the system.
Homeowners in Easton don’t need to guess when something feels off with their water heaters. If the pilot light keeps dropping out or your hot water supply has become unpredictable, it’s time for a closer look. A steady and reliable pilot light ensures that water stays warm when your household needs it most. With the right maintenance and support, even older heaters can keep up with demand without surprise interruptions.
If your water heater still gives you trouble after your troubleshooting efforts, having a professional check on your gas water heaters in Easton can help identify and resolve any lingering issues. Reach out to Tidewater Heating & Cooling for a quick estimate or to book a service visit by contacting us.