Thermocouples detect pilot lights by sensing the heat they produce.
Gas heater pilot light won t stay lit.
Relight the pilot light.
A pilot light that won t stay lit is more than frustrating.
Reopen the shutoff valve.
Water heater pilot light keeps going out.
This can happen with age.
If the pilot light won t stay lit and the thermocouple is okay then the thermostatic control valve may be defective.
Not only does it prevent a furnace from operating properly but an unlit pilot can also steal away the comforts of a hot morning shower.
If your pilot doesn t re light won t stay lit or keeps going out after a short time you most likely have an issue with the hot water heater thermocouple.
Furnaces of various kinds are gas powered and use a pilot light to supply heat to the unit including standard home furnaces and floor furnaces.
If you have tried everything and you pilot light still won t stay lit you may want to consult with a professional plumber.
Unfortunately there are a variety of reasons why pilot lights go out all of which are dependent on a number of factors.
A faulty thermocouple or malfunction of the gas valve could be the culprit but the problem may be as simple as a draft coming from a crack in the wall or under the door.
You must have the pilot lit and the burner on to test for leaks so that gas is flowing through the large tube.
The gas supply to the pilot assembly is controlled by this valve.
For more information about life expectancy read this article entitled how long do water heaters last.
This pilot light may not always stay lit due to a variety of issues that may affect the gas supply or ignitor.
If it determines that the pilot light is off it shuts down the flow of gas.
When the gas burner comes on use a 50 50 dish soap water mix to test the screw joints for air bubbles that indicate leaks.
Without it the water heater won t be able to maintain internal temperatures allowing the water to cool off.
Turn the control valve to on.
Pilot light won t stay lit still.
The pilot light in your hot water heater does more than simply ignite the gas.
Pilot light issues are some of the most common problems experienced with gas water heaters.
While this is an excellent safety feature a faulty thermocouple may decide arbitrarily that your pilot light is off when you want it on shutting down your pilot light and your furnace.
Although a blocked gas line is one reason why the pilot light on a rheem water heater won t light or stay lit there are other reasons as well some easier to correct than others.
Make sure to follow the directions on your water heater label.