What happens when the pilot light goes out?
Chloe Ramirez
Updated on April 08, 2026
What happens when the pilot light goes out?
Otherwise known as the flame sensor, the thermocouple automatically shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. When the thermocouple is dirty, broken, or misaligned, it can’t see your flame. As a result, it is continually assuming that your pilot light is out.
Why does my gas light keep blowing out?
The gas valve is wired to the thermocouple, and, if the thermocouple is functioning but the pilot won’t stay lit, there may be a faulty connection in the valve or the valve itself may be defective. Try holding a flame next to the thermocouple for about a minute before turning the unit on.
Why does my fireplace pilot light keep going out?
Several possible reasons exist as to why a pilot light won’t stay lit. A draft might be the reason your pilot light keeps going out. The draft can come from under a doorway, through a window or even from under the floor.
Why does my water pilot keep going out?
Therefore, a dirty thermocouple might be the reason why your water pilot keeps going out. A layer of dirt and grime can hinder the electric current from reaching the thermocouple. As a result, the gas supply will be cut off and the pilot light will go out.
Why is my pilot light not staying lit?
The primary reason a pilot light won’t stay lit is simply equipment malfunction. If you’ve checked everything else and the light continually goes out, this is probably the cause. In this case, you may need to replace your pilot light. A pilot light can also keep going out because of a problem with the thermocouple .
Why does my furnace pilot light keep going out?
If your furnace pilot light keeps going out, it’s likely you have a broken thermocouple in your gas furnace. The thermocouple is a rod that comes into physical contact with the flame in your system. This component will deactivates the gas when the pilot light goes out.
Why does your pilot light go out?
However, if the light goes out frequently there could be other issues. 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.
How do pilot lights work?
Pilot lights serve a fairly straightforward purpose in gas furnaces; they ignite the gas that’s flowing through the furnace in order to create heat. When the furnace is turned on, gas flows from a valve into the burner, where it is lit. A small amount of gas is also fed from a valve into the pilot light, which is how it keeps burning all the time.
A small amount of gas is constantly released from the gas pipe, meaning that the flame lights the gas and it permanently burns. However, if the pilot light goes out, the gas will still be released from the pipe and this build-up of gas is obviously very dangerous.
What should I do if my pilot flame blows out?
Stick around for a moment and be sure that the pilot flame stays lit. Look around and inspect the area for any drafts or sources of air that could’ve blew out the pilot in the first place. If you locate anything that seems like it will blow out the pilot flame again, address it. Otherwise you’ll be right back where you are very soon.
What is the pilot light on a furnace?
The pilot light is an important component of all older furnaces and boilers. The pilot light is the flame that lights the gas provided by the main burner. A small amount of gas is constantly released from the gas pipe, meaning that the flame lights the gas and it permanently burns.
What should I do if my water heater pilot light keeps going out?
The solution: First, cut off the gas supply, switch off your heater, and wait for the thermocouple to cool off. You’ll have to manually bend or straighten the thermocouple back to position.
What should I do if my pilot light keeps going out?
Before purchasing a new thermocouple a check of the gas line to the pilot assembly should be done. In a few cases debris got trapped in the gas line and blocked the gas. Cleaning the tubing by blowing through it should clean all the debris from the line. The pilot assembly, pilot nozzle, and even the thermocouple should be clean.
What happens if your pilot light goes out on your water heater?
In most cases, most water heaters tend to come with a 1 or 2-year warranty. If your pilot light malfunctions during this period, you can always go back to where you bought it and get it fixed. This is exceptionally beneficial because, in most cases, they may replace any damaged equipment or replace the water heater entirely.
Why does the pilot light on my furnace keep going out?
The thermocouple is the copper rod the pilot flame directly hits. Sometimes it’s referred to as the “flame sensor.” It’s a safety mechanism that shuts the gas off should the pilot go out. If the thermocouple fails to shut off the gas, all the gas flowing through the furnace could get into your home.