Gas Heater Pilot Won't Stay Lit, Why?

Everyone wants a cozy and warm sleep on freezing winter nights, right? Imagine you are in your home, and the fierce and freezing winters are getting into your bones. Wait a minute! Didn't you turn on your gas heater?

It seems your gas heater has stopped working. So, you get up and try to relight the pilot light, but it doesn't stay on or shuts down immediately. Well, if you are facing these problems, then here are some possible reasons for that.

Reasons Why Gas Heater Pilot Won't Lit

Gas heaters are a great addition to the households because it keeps you warm during the cold spells of winters. But, if the gas heater won't stay lit and keeps going out, then the following could be some of the most common reasons:

1. Regulation Of The Draft

If the pilot of your gas heater keeps snuffing out over and over again then, it's probably due to the presence of a draft around it. This usually occurs during windy days. In this case, you should consider re-lighting the pilot and see if it starts to flicker. Try to cover it with your hands to feel any breeze surrounding the area.

2. Malfunctioning Of The Thermocouple

If the pilot of your gas heater won't stay lit, then the culprit to be blamed is Thermocouple. The clogging of dust particles blocks the sensors of the Thermocouple. You should try cleaning it properly and relight the pilot to see if it works.

But if it keeps going out, then it could be due to wear and tear, or if the thermocouple is not arranged properly. Consider cleaning and replacing the thermocouple to eliminate the problem.

3. Irregularity In The Flame

Try inspecting the flame if the pilot keeps going out immediately . The light of the pilot should be blue in colour instead of yellow, and that will not envelop the thermocouple. Try adjusting the power of the flame by adjusting the screw of the pilot.

4. Dirt In The Orifice Of Pilot

Over time, the pilot orifice becomes dirty because of the accumulation of soot. Try cleaning out the debris at the tip of the pilot light using a needle or a toothbrush.

5. Check the Gas Reservoir

Try checking the levels of gas supply; because a bad regulator will affect the supply of gas, and the pilot won't stay lit. If you are constantly noticing the affected gas supply in all appliances, including gas heaters, stove, etc., then the gas regulator is most likely to be blamed.

6. Fluctuation in the Natural Gas

Fluctuation in the variation in the availability or pressure of the natural gas, which may be more than enough to snuff the pilot of the gas heater. You should ask around the surrounding area to if anyone else is also facing the same issues. There is not much you can do about it; instead, try contacting the utility company if the problem persists over time.

If you are having problems with your gas heater, call us immediately at 1300 100 040. We are licensed and fully insured gas heater service offering installation, repair and maintenance services to all types and models of heating units.