Safety ·
Pilot Light Keeps Going Out? What It Means and What to Do
Why gas water heater pilot lights go out, how to safely relight one, and when it signals a bigger problem.
No hot water from a gas water heater is often a pilot light issue. Sometimes it is a quick fix. Sometimes it is a warning sign.
Common causes
- A worn-out thermocouple or flame sensor.
- A dirty pilot tube or burner.
- Drafts or poor venting.
- A failing gas control valve.
Relighting safely
Follow the instructions printed on your water heater label exactly. If you smell gas at any point, stop, leave the home and call your gas utility. Never relight a pilot if you smell gas.
When to call HOTCO
If the pilot will not stay lit, goes out repeatedly or you are not comfortable relighting it, call (916) 905-4468. We carry common thermocouples and gas valves on our trucks and can usually fix it the same day.
