Why does my water heater pilot light keep turning off?

If you can light your pilot light, but it keeps going out, the first item to check is the thermocouple. When the water heater is first lit, a valve releases gas into the burner, and the pilot light ignites that gas. If your gas water heater keeps shutting off, the thermocouple could be dirty, bent or damaged.

How do you light the pilot on a Whirlpool water heater?

When lighting the pilot, make sure the knob on the gas control valve is fully pushed in. Keep the knob pushed in while repeatedly clicking the spark igniter button. Hold the knob in and click the igniter button repeatedly for 90 seconds. Newly installed water heaters have air in the gas line.

Why does my pilot light go out when I release the pilot light knob?

If you’re able to light the pilot light, but it goes out when you release the control knob, the thermocouple probably needs replacing. The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off gas flow if it senses the pilot light is out, but when damaged it loses its regulatory ability.

How do I check the pilot light on my water heater?

Open the door/cover over the pilot light access. This will be located under the gas valve; some water heaters just have an open gap instead where you can see the pilot light burner. Use a flashlight or a headlamp to find the burner inside. Two small gas tubes will lead to it.

How do you light the water heater pilot?

Turn the gas knob to “Pilot,” press and hold it down. This will start the flow of gas so you can light the flame. Some water heaters have a separate button for pilot mode, usually a red one, which you’ll press and hold.

Why water heater pilot does not stay on?

When it will not stay lit it is a sign of a defective ‘thermocouple’. The thermocouple senses heat from the pilot light and sends a signal back to the gas valve. When they fail the gas valve will not open. See the discussion on ‘gas water heater thermocouples ‘ for more information.

How does a pilot light go out on a water heater?

Some of the most common reasons that water heater pilot lights go out include: A faulty thermocouple. Your thermocouple is responsible for sensing when your pilot light is lit. If it senses that the pilot light has gone out, the thermocouple shuts off the gas supply to the flame in order…