Introduction

There is nothing as frustrating as finding out your water heater has gone cold at the exact moment you need it most. More often than not, the reason behind this will have something to do with a water heater pilot light going out. While lighting the pilot again can provide temporary relief, when the pilot light continues to go out, the homeowner will know that there is a more complex problem developing within the system.

The purpose of a water heater’s pilot light is to ignite the main burner which then heats up the water inside the tank. If the pilot light goes out without warning, it could result in less than ideal hot water, increased gas and electric bills, and an overall decrease in how well your system performs. Not addressing the issue right away could result in a larger expense down the road and/or total loss of the water heater.

At AC Plumbing Construction, our goal is to provide homeowners in San Diego with a way to determine why their pilot light keeps going out before it results in a costly repair bill. We offer professional water heater inspections, maintenance and repair services to help families have reliable hot water and enjoy a long-lasting plumbing system.

Common Causes of Water Heater Pilot Light Problems

More often than not, multiple things can occur to cause a pilot light to turn off and on continuously. Sometimes it is just a minor matter that requires little correction; other times, it is more involved and needs to be inspected by a trained technician.

One very common reason for a pilot light to stop working is a broken thermocouple. The thermocouple is used as a safety mechanism to make sure the pilot flame remains lit. If the pilot flame stops burning, the thermocouple cuts-off the gas supply to prevent a potential explosion caused by escaping gas. However, thermocouples will eventually fail after being turned on/off many times, get clogged with dust/dirt or simply age out. If the thermocouple fails, the gas valve can shut off prematurely even though the pilot light is functioning properly.

Additionally, dirt and grime building-up on parts of the burner assembly or pilot tube can hinder normal function. Airflow (or lack thereof) may also be disrupted by excessive dust, debris and/or dirt accumulation in surrounding areas. As a result, the pilot light may either burn poorly or completely shut down due to inadequate airflow.

Poor venting can be another source of problems. Traditional tank-type gas-fired water heaters require sufficient airflow for safe and efficient operation. Poorly ventilated units may have draft-induced shutdowns of the pilot flame. Strong gusts of wind blowing into the area where the unit sits may also negatively impact the pilot flame.

In addition to those mentioned above, homeowners may encounter pilot light issues due to failing gas control valves. These valves regulate the amount of gas supplied to the burner and pilot tubes. Once these valves start to malfunction, it may cut-off gas supplies needed for maintaining the constant ignition of the pilot light.

Warning Signs Your Water Heater Pilot Light Needs Attention

Typically, pilot lights that frequently die-out produce several indicators throughout a home. Being aware of these symptoms can allow homeowners to recognize potential problems before they become much bigger and potentially hazardous plumbing issues.

Frequent warning signs include:

• inconsistently warm/hot water temperature
• water takes longer to heat
• runs out of hot water sooner than usual
• abnormal clicks/pop sounds coming from the water heater
• gas smells emanating from the vicinity of the water heater
• inability to successfully reignite the pilot light
• escalating monthly energy/gas bills
• presence of visible soot or dis-colorization around/below burner tube

Should you see any of these warning signs, immediate evaluation through a certified plumber is highly advised. Delays in service may significantly enhance the probability of a full-blown catastrophic failure of your entire system.

👉 For further details regarding plumbing repair services:
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To learn more about safety precautions related to gas appliances, please refer to:
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/water-heating

Water Heater Pilot Light Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance of your water heater is one of the most successful methods for preventing repetitive pilot light failures. Homeowners rarely schedule routine inspections of their plumbing equipment until the onset of hot water-related disruptions that directly affect day-to-day activities.

By scheduling regular maintenance visits, plumbers can assess and test various aspects of your water heater including:

• condition of burner components
• operation integrity of gas connectors
• cleanliness/debris removal from various parts of burner assembly/pilot opening
• identify worn parts before damage develops internally
• perform preventive maintenance services today that will eliminate costly emergency repairs tomorrow

Our AC Plumbing Construction technicians perform comprehensive evaluations of every aspect of your water heater systems’ performance and operation. At scheduled maintenance appointments we check:

• functionality/performance of thermocoupler(s)
• proper operation/functionality of gas valves
• adequate performance/volume of ventilation systems
• cleanliness and functionality of burner components
• performance/effective efficiency of water heater
• accumulation/sediment level in tank
• evidence of corrosion/leaks anywhere within tank or external piping system

Not only does routine maintenance improve reliability and longevity of your plumbing equipment; it extends the operational lifespan of your water heater.

When to Replace a Water Heater With Pilot Light Problems

While most pilot light malfunctions can be corrected; older systems at times require replacement. Should your water heater reach the end of its expected lifespan; spending money repeatedly on repairs would likely become financially impractical.

On average most traditional tank-style water heaters last approximately 8-12 years dependent upon maintenance history; local water chemistry; and usage levels. As your water heater ages, you may find yourself experiencing repeated pilot light malfunctions simply because many internal components are wearing out and your overall system is degrading.

Other indicators that may suggest replacement is warranted include:

• multiple frequent repair calls
• discoloration/Rust color present in discharged water
• leaks present within close proximity to water tank
• increased utility costs
• shortage of usable hot water for household needs
• frequent/continuous shutdowns of pilot flames

AC Plumbing Construction evaluates with you whether repair or replacement will ultimately prove more economical for your property/family budget.

Conclusion

A pilot light that repeatedly shuts-down is far more than merely an annoyance. Most times, it indicates significant problems with your water heater system that will continue to worsen unless promptly addressed.

Faulty thermocouples, dirty burner tubes, improper ventilation, sediment buildups, damaged gas valves are but a few examples that can be responsible for continuous shutdowns of pilot flames.

With routine maintenance and repairs, homeowners can greatly enhance their chances of having reliable hot-water access while avoiding costly plumbing emergencies.

AC Plumbing Construction is dedicated to providing top-notch residential plumbing repair and maintenance services throughout San Diego. Experienced AC Plumbing Construction technicians rapidly assess and resolve pilot light issues so homeowners can count on comfortable and reliable plumbing access for months and years to come.