Your Water Heater’s Secret: Why It’s Always Going Out and Leaving You Cold
What To Know
- The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas supply to the burner if the pilot light goes out.
- Make sure to wait a few minutes after relighting the pilot light to allow the thermocouple to heat up before turning on the main burner.
- This can be done by connecting a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and running water through the tank until the water runs clear.
If your water heater isn’t staying lit, you’re probably in a cold shower situation. Don’t worry – this is a common problem with a few possible causes. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top reasons why your water heater won’t stay lit and provide solutions to get your hot water flowing again.
Common Causes of a Water Heater Not Staying Lit
1. Faulty Pilot Light
The pilot light is responsible for igniting the main burner in a gas water heater. If the pilot light is not lit or is not staying lit, the main burner will not ignite.
2. Thermocouple Issues
The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas supply to the burner if the pilot light goes out. If the thermocouple is faulty, it may not be sending the correct signal to the gas valve, causing the burner to turn off.
3. Gas Supply Problems
If there is not enough gas flowing to the water heater, the burner will not be able to stay lit. Check the gas supply line for any leaks or obstructions.
4. Blocked Flue
The flue is the vent that allows exhaust gases from the water heater to escape. If the flue is blocked, the exhaust gases can build up and cause the burner to shut off.
5. Ignition Control Failure
The ignition control is responsible for lighting the pilot light. If the ignition control fails, the pilot light will not be able to ignite.
6. Water Heater Overheating
If the water heater is overheating, the safety features may shut off the burner to prevent damage. Check the temperature setting on the water heater and make sure it is not set too high.
7. Sediment Buildup
Sediment can build up in the bottom of the water heater tank over time. This sediment can interfere with the operation of the burner and cause it to shut off.
Troubleshooting and Solutions
1. Relighting the Pilot Light
If the pilot light is not lit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it. Make sure to wait a few minutes after relighting the pilot light to allow the thermocouple to heat up before turning on the main burner.
2. Replacing the Thermocouple
If the thermocouple is faulty, it will need to be replaced. This is a relatively simple repair that can be done by a homeowner with basic plumbing skills.
3. Checking the Gas Supply
Check the gas supply line for any leaks or obstructions. Make sure the gas valve is fully open and that there is sufficient gas pressure.
4. Cleaning the Flue
If the flue is blocked, it will need to be cleaned. This can be done by a professional chimney sweep or by using a brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any debris.
5. Replacing the Ignition Control
If the ignition control fails, it will need to be replaced. This is a more complex repair that should be done by a qualified technician.
6. Adjusting the Temperature Setting
If the water heater is overheating, adjust the temperature setting to a lower level. Make sure the temperature setting is not set higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Flushing the Water Heater
If sediment has built up in the water heater tank, it will need to be flushed out. This can be done by connecting a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and running water through the tank until the water runs clear.
Wrapping Up
If your water heater won’t stay lit, don’t panic. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this blog post, you can identify the cause of the problem and get your hot water flowing again. If you are uncomfortable performing any of the repairs yourself, contact a qualified technician for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does my water heater pilot light keep going out?
A: The pilot light can go out for several reasons, including a faulty thermocouple, a blocked flue, or a lack of gas supply.
Q: How do I know if my thermocouple is bad?
A: If the pilot light will not stay lit even after relighting it, the thermocouple may be faulty.
Q: Can I replace the thermocouple myself?
A: Yes, replacing the thermocouple is a relatively simple repair that can be done by a homeowner with basic plumbing skills.
Q: How do I clean the flue on my water heater?
A: The flue can be cleaned by a professional chimney sweep or by using a brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any debris.
Q: What is the ideal temperature setting for a water heater?
A: The ideal temperature setting for a water heater is between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
