Common Reasons Your Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Come On

If your water heater pilot won’t turn on, you may be left without the hot water you need for your daily tasks. As a critical component of your system’s ignition, a steady pilot light ensures that your water can be heated safely. Fortunately, pilot light issues are not uncommon and can be fixed by a licensed professional.

In this article, the experts at Apex Pros Plumbing, Electrical, Heating, and Air discuss why your pilot light may be malfunctioning and the signs that it’s time to call a professional.

What is a Water Heater Pilot Light?

Gas water heaters have a small, continuously burning flame as part of their ignition system. It works with the thermocouple and gas control valve to ensure the water heater operates safely and efficiently whenever hot water is needed.

Common Pilot Light Problems

Some common pilot light issues include:

• Pilot light won’t ignite
• Pilot light won’t stay lit
• Weak pilot flame
• Flickering pilot flame
• Yellow or orange pilot light
• Frequent pilot light outages
• Clicking without ignition
• Delayed ignition
• Burning smells or soot around the pilot light

1. Residual Gas Inside the Unit

Residual gas inside the unit can often arrest the flame, preventing it from lighting the pilot. In turn, you will end up with a water heater that isn’t heating the water as needed.

How to Clear Residual Gas

• Turn off the gas supply to prevent more gas from entering the unit
• Ventilate the area where the water heater is located by opening doors and windows.
• Allow 1 to 60 minutes for the gas to disperse from the unit.
• After the gas has been vented, check for gas leaks using a gas leak detector.
• Look over the water heater for issues like damaged components, loose connections, or obstructions in the pilot light orifice.
• Try relighting the pilot light after the excess gas has dispersed.

If clearing the leftover gas didn’t help you reignite the pilot light, you will need to call a professional water heater technician. It is also best to call a professional if you ever feel unsure about any of the suggested steps above.

2. Automatic Igniter Isn’t Working

Most pilot lights have an igniter button. This is similar to the automatic igniter on propane grills. When you press the button, it emits a small spark that ignites the gas and lights the pilot flame. The igniter often wears out and will no longer produce a spark when you press the button.

A faulty igniter is easy to diagnose because you should see it spark every time you press the button. If you don’t see a spark, then you’ll need to use matches or a lighter to ignite the pilot instead.

How to Troubleshoot an Automatic Igniter

• Clean the igniter with a soft brush, removing dirt, dust, or debris. Be sure to turn the gas supply off before doing so.
• If your water heater comes with a battery, try replacing it. The battery can be found near the ignition button.
• Check the electrical connections to ensure everything is connected properly. Tighten any loose connections if needed.
• Replace the igniter with a new, compatible one.

When in doubt, call a plumber for assistance.

3. Pilot Tube Is Clogged

A blocked pilot tube restricts gas from flowing to the pilot assembly, causing a weak or flickering flame or a light that won’t stay lit. This is often caused by dirt, rust, or debris.

How to Clean the Pilot Tube

• Turn off the gas supply and the water heater.
• Access the pilot assembly by removing the panel covering and locating the pilot tube.
• Disconnect the pilot tube and clean it with a pipe cleaner.
• Check the pilot orifice for damage and ensure that it is clear.
• Reassemble the pilot light assembly, ensuring all the connections are secure.

If you cleaned the pilot tube but the water heater still won’t light or stay lit, contact a professional to address the issue.

4. Flex Gas Tube Is Damaged or Kinked

The gas tube that runs to your pilot light should be free of any physical damage. If it is bent or kinked, gas flow can be reduced. Without proper gas pressure, the pilot cannot light. This is also a safety concern and easy to spot.

If you notice the gas tube is kinked, call a professional plumber to repair or replace it. This is not something you should attempt to fix on your own, as you could further damage the tube and potentially cause it to leak.

5. Thermocouple Is Dirty or Obstructed

The role of the thermocouple is to control the gas flow into the unit. When it detects the pilot flame, it opens up the valve to allow gas to flow into the unit. If the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple will detect the absence of flame and automatically close the valve to shut off the gas flow.

Over time, the thermocouple can become covered in dirt and grime. When this happens, it can prevent it from properly detecting the pilot light when it is lit. As a result, the water heater pilot won’t stay lit.

How to Clean the Thermocouple

• Turn off the gas supply and the water heater
• Access the thermocouple by removing the covering from the burner assembly.
• Locate the thermocouple, disconnect it, and clean it with sandpaper or steel wool. Be gentle with your movements, as this part of the water heater is very fragile.
• Check the thermocouple for damage and notify your technician if you find any.
• Reconnect the thermocouple and replace the access panel, turning the gas supply and water heater back on.

6. Thermocouple Is Faulty or Damaged

When the pilot is lit, the thermocouple should basically touch the flame. If it is damaged, it won’t work properly to help the pilot detect the flame. Look for any of these signs of damage in the thermocouple:

• Cracks or breaks
• Corrosion or rust
• Burn marks or soot
• The bent or warped anode rod
• Loose connections
• The pilot light won’t stay lit

If there are no signs of damage, the thermocouple is likely faulty. Thermocouples can wear out with age. When this happens, it will need to be replaced before the water heater can work again. This is a fairly simple repair, but it is still best left to the professionals.

A plumber can test whether the thermocouple is working with a multimeter. When the thermocouple is working properly, it will carry a small electrical charge. If the multimeter doesn’t detect a charge, then this indicates that the thermocouple needs to be replaced.

7. Control Valve Is Worn Out

If the thermocouple isn’t the problem, the pilot control valve is most likely worn out. This component of the water heater houses the pilot control knob and is what allows you to control the gas flow and turn the pilot light on.

Signs of a Worn-Out Control Valve

• The water heater lights up but won’t stay lit.
• There is an inconsistent water temperature or an inability to reach the desired temperature.
• There is no hot water.
• The water heater is making weird noises.
• There is a gas smell.
• There is visible damage, such as corrosion or wear, on the control valve.

If the main control valve fails, the only solution is to hire a professional to replace it. This job is a bit more costly and time-consuming than the other fixes, but it is still preferred to replacing the entire unit.

8. Low Gas Pressure

Obviously, gas is a key component of a water heater, as it ignites and sustains the pilot light. When gas pressure is low, there could be issues with either the gas supply or its regulator.

How to Troubleshoot Low Gas Pressure

• If you have other gas appliances in the house, check them to see if they are having gas supply issues as well.
• Inspect the gas regulator on your water heater for any damage.
• Check the gas meter for any damage or faulty operation. Be sure that the gas valve at the meter is completely open.
• Test the unit for gas leaks.

If you notice damage to the gas meter or any gas leaks, you must contact the gas company immediately. If there are issues with the gas lines or the water heater, you will need to contact a plumber or a professional water heater technician immediately.

9. Draft or Air Flow Issues

Another reason the gas water heater may not be working is a draft or airflow issue. This is especially true if you find that the water heater pilot light won’t stay lit. Any wind blowing through the area where the water heater is located can cause the pilot light to go out as quickly as you turn the gas knob on.

How to Stop Drafts

• Seal any gaps and cracks using caulk or weatherstripping materials
• Install a draft diverter
• Move the water heater to a better location where there are minimal drafts
• Install a flue vent cap
• Use a pilot light shield to protect it from drafts
• Ensure proper ventilation in the area
• Install a wind guard around the exterior vent pipe to reduce the impact of wind gusts.
• Make sure the venting system is free of obstructions and is properly installed.d

Your best bet for addressing excessive draft issues around your gas water heater is to hire a professional. Contact us today for a quick resolution to your issue.

10. Old or Worn-Out Water Heater

Any problems with the pilot burner or the light not working properly can be due to an old or worn-out water heater. The typical lifespan of a gas water heater is normally between eight and 12 years, depending on maintenance and installation quality. If your water heater has reached the end of its lifespan, it may be time to replace it to avoid future problems with the desired temperature or hot water in your home.

Signs You Need Gas Water Heater Repair

Homeowners should call Apex Pros for professional water heater repair if they are struggling with the following:

• Inconsistent hot water
• Strange noises
• Discolored water
• Leaks around the unit
• Low hot water pressure
• Pilot light issues
• High energy bills
• Hot water odors

How Sediment Affects Water Heaters

In Central Ohio, buildup of minerals like calcium and magnesium can settle at the bottom of your tank, making your system less efficient and increasing your risk of repair. That’s why Apex Pros offers water heater maintenance to keep your system operating at peak performance.

From flushing the tank to checking for dangerous gas issues, our team can give you peace of mind knowing your system is in excellent condition.

Restore Reliable Hot Water with Apex Pros in Columbus, OH

Central Ohio homeowners can trust Apex Pros for all of their residential water heater needs. Built on trust, service, and community, our team offers a 5-star satisfaction guarantee. Plus, we have over 10,000 five-star Google reviews. Trust our highly skilled team, and you’ll receive flat-rate pricing, honest recommendations, and the utmost respect for your home and time.

Call Apex Pros today to schedule water heater services in Columbus, OH.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my water heater pilot light keep going out?

There are many reasons that a pilot light keeps going out, ranging from dirty components to gas supply issues. To determine if your system needs cleaning, adjustment, or professional repair, trust one of our licensed experts.

How do you clean a thermocouple on a water heater?

To clean your thermocouple, follow these simple steps:

• Turn off the gas supply to your water heater
• Allow the unit to cool completely
• Locate the thermocouple and lightly clean the metal tip
• Remove dirt, soot, or corrosion carefully with steel wool
• Wipe away any residual debris
• Reassemble the components and turn on the gas
• Relight the pilot light

Can a dirty water heater prevent the pilot light from igniting?

Dirty components are a leading cause of ignition issues. Clogging the pilot tube or restricting airflow around the burner can weaken gas flow. This disrupts proper combustion and prevents the pilot from lighting.

What should I do if my pilot light will not stay lit?

If your pilot light won’t stay lit, check the following:

• Make sure the gas supply is fully open
• Check for a dirty or loose thermocouple
• Inspect for drafts near the pilot

If this doesn’t solve the problem, contact a professional for repair.

How do I turn my water heater pilot back on?

Relighting a pilot light can vary by model. The basic steps include turning the gas control knob to “Pilot” and holding the reset or pilot button. Then, use a long lighter or igniter button to light the flame. Then, turn the gas control knob to “on.”