As your Water Heater Doctor, there could be several reasons why your water heater’s pilot light won’t stay lit. Let’s take a look at the most common ones:

Faulty Thermocouple: The thermocouple is a safety device that senses when the pilot light is on. If it can’t detect a flame, it shuts off the gas supply to prevent a gas leak. If your thermocouple is faulty or misaligned, it could be incorrectly registering that the pilot light is out and shutting off the gas.

Dirty Pilot Tube: Over time, the pilot tube can become clogged with debris, preventing the gas from reaching the pilot light and making it hard for the flame to stay lit.

Drafts: Sometimes, a strong draft can blow the pilot light out. This can happen if your water heater is located in a windy or drafty area.

Gas Valve Problems: If there’s an issue with the gas valve or supply line, it could be preventing the gas from reaching the pilot light consistently.

Old or Damaged Equipment: If your water heater is older, the pilot light assembly or the unit itself may be worn out or damaged.

Before trying to relight the pilot light, it’s essential to make sure there are no gas leaks. If you smell gas, immediately turn off the gas supply, evacuate your home, and call a professional or your gas company.

If you’re experiencing ongoing issues with your pilot light, it’s best to get professional help. The team at Water Heater Doctor is well-versed in diagnosing and fixing these kinds of problems. Our experts can identify the source of the issue and provide the necessary repairs or replacements to get your water heater up and running safely and efficiently.