If your pilot light won’t stay lit, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common issues homeowners face with gas water heaters, and it can be frustrating when you’re stuck without hot water. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can try before calling in the pros.
At Litteken Plumbing, we’ve helped countless Southern Illinois homeowners troubleshoot and repair their water heaters. In this post, we’ll walk you through what causes a pilot light to go out—and what you can do to fix it.
1. Check the Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a small sensor that detects whether the pilot flame is lit. If the sensor doesn’t register a flame, it shuts off the gas supply as a safety measure.
If your pilot light won’t stay lit, a dirty or faulty thermocouple is often the culprit. Try gently cleaning it with fine sandpaper or a soft cloth. If that doesn’t work, it may need to be replaced.
2. Inspect the Pilot Tube
Over time, the pilot light’s gas supply tube can become clogged with dirt, dust, or rust. If gas can’t flow freely, the flame will go out.
Use a small needle or piece of wire to clean the opening carefully. Be sure to shut off the gas before working on your unit. If your pilot light won’t stay lit after this, move on to the next tip.
3. Look for Drafts or Ventilation Issues
A sudden gust of air or poor ventilation around your water heater can blow out the pilot light. Check for any open windows, vents, or fans near the unit that could be interfering with the flame.
If your water heater is in a drafty area—like a basement or garage—try creating a shield or barrier around the pilot assembly. Persistent airflow issues may require a professional solution.
4. Confirm the Gas Supply
If your pilot light won’t stay lit, don’t overlook the obvious: check that your gas valve is open and that gas is flowing to the water heater.
Try lighting a different gas appliance in your home, like a stove, to confirm that the supply is working. If there’s no gas anywhere in the house, call your utility company. If other appliances work fine, the issue may be isolated to the water heater.
5. Check the Control Valve
The gas control valve on your water heater can wear out over time. If all else fails and the pilot light won’t stay lit, the valve itself may be malfunctioning.
Unfortunately, this is not something you can easily fix yourself. If you’ve ruled out the other common causes, it’s time to call in a licensed plumber for a full inspection.
When to Call Litteken Plumbing
If you’ve tried the steps above and your pilot light still won’t stay lit, don’t wait—contact the professionals at Litteken Plumbing. We serve homes across Southern Illinois with expert water heater diagnostics, repairs, and replacements.
Our licensed team will quickly identify the issue, recommend the most cost-effective solution, and make sure your home has reliable hot water again.
Tired of relighting your pilot light?
Call Litteken Plumbing today for expert water heater repair and peace of mind you can count on.
FAQs
Why won’t my pilot light stay lit?
A faulty thermocouple, dirty pilot tube, or draft near the heater can cause the flame to go out. Identifying the root issue is the first step to a fix.
Can I relight the pilot light myself?
Yes, most water heaters have instructions for relighting. If it repeatedly goes out, it’s best to call a professional.
What is a thermocouple and why does it matter?
The thermocouple senses the pilot flame and keeps gas flowing. If it fails, the pilot won’t stay lit, and it often needs replacement.
Can dirt or debris affect the pilot light?
Absolutely — buildup in the pilot tube can block gas flow. Cleaning it can restore a steady flame.
When should I call a plumber for pilot light issues?
If basic relighting doesn’t work or the flame keeps going out, call a professional. Persistent problems may signal a bigger gas control issue.
