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The thermocouple is bad. The thermocouple it the small metal tube that sits in the flame of the pilot light. Has a copper colored wire from that to the bottom of the control. They are easy enough to replace, just unscrew from the control and usually pull out of a spring clip at the pilot light. Costs $6 or so.

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Q: Why does your water heater pilot light go out?
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Why does water heater pilot light go out when gas is turned on?

low back, spillage, or a bad thermocouple.


If the pilot light goes out on your hot water heater is it dangerous or harmful?

No, it is not dangerous. (Unless you are working with a water heater that is 20+ years old.) In any modern hot water heater, if the pilot light goes out a fail-safe will go off - preventing gas from leaking out. Also, there is a sensor so if there is not enough air-flow or oxygen with the water heater, it will shut off the gas.


Hot water heater why does the pilot light continue to go out and hoe big should the pilot flame be?

You could have a dangerous vent back flow problem. Please call your utility company about an inspection (mine doesn't charge for this). How old is the water heater?


What is the risk of an explosion if pilot light on water heater goes out?

When pilot light goes out, gas flows out of the pilot light nozzle. If out has continued for a long time, a gas cloud can develop around the furnace. When you go to light the pilot light, you'll ignite this gas cloud and make a big fire ball. If your basement is drafty, you might never get a huge cloud of gas hovering around your furnace. When you notice that your pilot light is out, you should shut off the gas to the furnace and allow any stray gas to dissipate before you turn the gas back on and light the pilot light. alliedallcityinc.com


Can the wind blow out the burner on the hot water heater?

A big enough gust of wind could possibly blow out pilot light, which would cause burner to go off. Unlikely burner to get blown out by wind.


How does a thermocouple work in a water heater?

A thermocouple is a safety device that when heated by the pilot light produces a small electoral current that holds the gas valve (to the pilot) open. Should for any reason the pilot light go out, gust of wind, service interruption , water splash....whatever. The thermocouple will cool off, stop producing current and the gas valve will close. For example, your water heater is in your basement. A strong wind blows down the stairs and blows out the pilot. Or a few inch's of water flood you basement over topping the pilot. With nothing to stop the flow of gas to the pilot light pan, gas would continue to flow unburned in to the room. Then any ignition source could cause a catastrophic explosion.


Why does your gas water heater flame go out as soon as it lights. My pilot stays lit. Is this a bad T-Stat or gas valve?

sounds like you have a bad thermocouple. The thermocouple senses the pilot flame and produces voltage to tell main flame to light. Thermocouple can be bought at any hardware store.


Your hot water heaters pilot light is on but the heater wont come on?

The thermocouple is bad. The thermocouple is the small metal tube that sits in the pilot light flame and runs to the control valve. The thermocouple generates a very small electrical current that keeps the gas valve open. They go bad regularly. **** I would have to say to check to make sure the valve is not in the "Pilot" position. If it is then turn it to the "On' position. If it still isn't working then you may have a bad Gas Control Valve. If the thermocouple was bad the pilot light would not stay lit. If the pilot light stay lit, it is doing what it is supossed to do.


How do you lite a gas water heater pilot?

turn the gas dial (knob) to off. remove the access cover off the water heater on the bottom of the water heater. if the water heater is more than a few years old it will have to be lit with a match or equalivant. wait 5 minutes before lighting after the gas is shut off. turn the gas control knob to the pilot position and push the knob down. and hold it in that position. This will feed gas to the pilot burner. Inside you will see a short (1"-1-1/2") long x 1/8" silver colored shaft, just above this is usually that is where the gas comes out and where you should place the burning match immediately upon pushing the pilot knob down. This should light the water heater pilot flame. Continue holding the pilot knob down for approx. 1 minute after it is lit. That will heat up the thermocouple which will allow the gas to contnue to be supplied to the pilot burner. After approx. 1 minute you should be able to let off the control knob and the pilot flame should stay lit. If it does, replace the access cover and turn the control knob to "on". If it will not stay lite after burning for approx. 1 minute then the thermocouple may be bad and need to be replaced. If you have a newer version it will have a pizo ignition (much like a gas bar-b-que grille) follow the above instructions but rather than inserting a match or similar device to light the pilot lite there is a little push button that you would push in the area of the "on" control knob, push and hold the pilot knob down and repeatly push the igniation button until lit. Do not hold the pilot gas valve in the open position without repeatedly striking the ignighter until the flame lights, otherwise there may be a flashback in the burner.


Why is the water is cold after the water tank was fixed?

Check temperature setting on tank , you may need to turn it from warm to hot. Make sure your water shut off valve is turned on above the hot water tank on the hot water side.Another possibility is the heating element:If you have a gas heater, did the pilot light go out? If so, relighting the pilot will take care of the problem.If you have an electric heater, was it restarted in the right order? (Don't turn the circuit switch on unless the tank is filled-- if tank is empty when power restored, the heating elements will burn out and need to be replaced.)


Why does gas hot water heater not ignite?

Wow that is a problem NO flame normally means your not going to get any hot water HUH?Did you call a professional to1- Check to make sure the thermo couple is good2 - Have the gas valve checked3- Flame tube cleaned4-Aquastat replaced5- Proper SET temperature


Hot air balloons have a gas heater attached to them the pilot can turn the heater on the balloon and the balloon will go high why?

Hot air balloons have a gas heater that is generally powered by propane. When the pilot turns the heater on, the balloon will fly high due to the hydrocarbon chamber that allows the pilot control of ascent and descent of the hot air balloon.