Is there anything more frustrating than the hot water going out halfway through a shower on a cold morning? Hot water plays an essential role in our daily lives, and if your gas hot water system keeps cutting out, it’s a problem you’re going to want to get on top of. Today, we’re going to look at one of the most common issues with gas hot water heaters. Problems with the pilot light.
The water heater pilot light plays an essential role in the operation of your hot water system. Your pilot light flame lights the main burner of your heater, thereby creating hot water. It should be operational at all times, and therefore, if it is faulty, broken or simply won’t stay lit, you’ll experience inconsistent or no hot water at all.
Fixing a pilot light isn’t a DIY job and can be incredibly dangerous if done incorrectly. Always call a professional for these issues unless you’re qualified to fix this problem yourself. Never try anything while the gas supply is still on. Always disconnect your gas and leave for at least five minutes before attempting any maintenance with your hot water heater.
The pilot tube supplies gas to the pilot light so it can combust and heat your water. If this tube is clogged, gas will struggle to get through. The result of this is inconsistent or no functionality in your hot water system and an unpleasant shower for you.
This is one of the most common issues gas hot water systems will experience. The great news is it’s easy to fix and there’s nothing wrong with your hot water heater.
Troubleshooting
Hopefully, a good clean is all you’ll need to get your hot water system back in good form. A needle can be used to gently unclog the tube. This can be finicky and take longer than you’d think, so be patient.
Your thermocouple plays a simple but vital role, which is cutting of the gas supply in the event there is any issue with your pilot light goes out. When this part is clogged or unclean
Troubleshooting
Turn off your gas supply and allow everything to cool down. Then, it’s time to get cleaning, using sandpaper to scrub away the grime and debris from the thermocouple.
Your thermocouple needs to be close to the pilot light to work in order to sense the heat and open the gas valves. Being kinked or too far away will mean the electric current won’t be produced, and the thermocouple won’t do its job.
Troubleshooting
Turn off the gas, allow everything to cool down, and adjust the thermocouple to ensure it is in the right position.
If you’ve tried step 2 and 3 and notice your thermocouple hasn’t improved, it might be time to consider that it’s broken.
Troubleshooting
The thermocouple will need to be replaced by a professional.
A flex tube connects your burner that houses you pilot light and thermocouple to your gas supply. Issues with this tube can impact gas reaching your heater, which will bring any gas power water heater to a stop pretty quickly.
Troubleshooting
Check the flex tube for any kinks or obstructions, and while you’re there, see if there’s any damage or holes where gas leaks may be occurring. Gas leaks not only reduce the amount of fuel reaching your pilot light, they are potentially dangerous and need to be fixed.
A faulty main valve will result in the valve closing at random times, not opening at all or affecting the pilot light flame. As you can imagine, this means your heating elements won’t functions properly and your hot water will be at the very least, unreliable.
Troubleshooting
If it is your main control valve that is faulty, its a problem that probably can’t be fixed. The good news is that while this is an appliance ending problem, it’s also the rarest issue on this list. Whoever is checking your system should check numerous other parts of the heater first as these will be much more likely to be the culprit.
Most likely to be an issue with an electrical water heater. It’s a mistake that’s easily avoidable by having a professional install your unit for you.
Troubleshooting
Electric water heaters, or any type of water heater tanks, should be installed by a professional to avoid issues like this.
There are a few general rules of thumb when it comes to determining when you should replace your hot water heater. First, if your repairs are going to cost more than half of what you initially paid for your system, your best bet is to replace the system. This is also the case if your heater is nearing or has exceeded its expected lifespan.
If you’re experiencing low water pressure, inconsistent water temperature or just find your system isn’t heating water, your system may just need a service. Something as simple as mineral deposits in your storage tank can be easily sorted, leaving your hot water heater as good as new.
When your hot water system needs a service, repair or replacement, Same Day Hot Water Service is the only name you need to remember. Whether you’re after a new gas hot water heater or need your current hot water tank services, our team will ensure your home has warm water in no time. Get in touch today to see how we can help you.
The most common causes are a dirty or faulty thermocouple, a clogged pilot tube, or a flex tube that restricts gas flow. If you have an outdoor unit in a coastal or exposed area, wind can also blow out the pilot light. If it won’t stay lit after relighting, the thermocouple is usually where a technician will start.
If your pilot light comes on but goes out the moment you release the ignition button, the thermocouple is almost certainly the problem. It is designed to shut off the gas supply when it cannot detect a flame, so if it is faulty, dirty, or sitting too far from the flame, it cuts the gas even when the pilot is lit. A licensed gasfitter can test and replace it in a single visit.
On some older systems, relighting the pilot is a simple process outlined in the manufacturer’s instructions. That said, if your pilot light keeps going out after relighting, or you can smell gas at any point, stop and call a licensed gasfitter. Relighting repeatedly without finding the cause is not a fix.
It should be blue, steady, and large enough to wrap around the thermocouple tip. Take a look at the flame colour guide below for more on what different colours can indicate.
Outdoor gas hot water systems can be vulnerable to this, particularly in exposed or coastal locations. A strong draught can simply blow the flame out, especially if the unit’s protective casing is damaged. A technician can check the casing and draught shield to reduce the frequency with which it happens.
In most cases, it is a hot water problem rather than an immediate safety issue. The thermocouple is designed to cut off the gas supply when the flame goes out, so gas does not flow unchecked. However, if you smell gas at any point, do not try to relight the system. Turn off your gas supply at the meter if it is safe to do so, leave the area, and call your gas provider or a licensed gasfitter straight away.
It depends on the cause. Cleaning a blocked pilot tube or repositioning a thermocouple is straightforward. Replacing a thermocouple is also relatively affordable. A faulty gas valve is a more involved repair, and on an older system, replacement may be the more sensible option. Same Day Hot Water Service can assess your system and give you a straight answer on the best path forward.
Most pilot light issues can be sorted in a single visit. Our team carries common parts, so in most cases, there is no need for a return trip.
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