Common Causes of Pilot Light Issues

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 27 views

Understanding the Issue

If your water heater's pilot light keeps going out after startup, it can be frustrating and may lead to a loss of hot water. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind this issue and provide you with some troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem.

Common Causes of Pilot Light Issues

1. Lochinvar Water Heater Specific Issues

As you mentioned, you have a Lochinvar water heater, which is a high-efficiency water heater. However, like any other water heater, it can experience issues with the pilot light. Some common causes of pilot light issues in Lochinvar water heaters include:

Faulty thermocouple: The thermocouple is a safety device that monitors the temperature of the pilot light. If it becomes faulty, it can cause the pilot light to go out.
Clogged burner: The burner is responsible for igniting the pilot light. If it becomes clogged, it can prevent the pilot light from staying lit.
Incorrect gas pressure: If the gas pressure is not set correctly, it can cause the pilot light to go out.

2. General Causes of Pilot Light Issues

In addition to Lochinvar water heater specific issues, there are some general causes of pilot light issues that can affect any water heater:

Dirty or clogged burner: A dirty or clogged burner can prevent the pilot light from staying lit.
Faulty igniter: The igniter is responsible for igniting the pilot light. If it becomes faulty, it can cause the pilot light to go out.
Incorrect gas valve setting: If the gas valve is not set correctly, it can cause the pilot light to go out.
Low gas pressure: If the gas pressure is too low, it can cause the pilot light to go out.
High water pressure: If the water pressure is too high, it can cause the pilot light to go out.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check the Thermocouple

As you mentioned, you have already cleaned the thermocouple, but it's worth checking again to make sure it's not the issue. Here are some steps to check the thermocouple:

Turn off the gas supply: Before you start checking the thermocouple, make sure to turn off the gas supply to the water heater.
Remove the thermocouple: Remove the thermocouple from the water heater and inspect it for any signs of damage or wear.
Clean the thermocouple: Clean the thermocouple with a soft brush or a cloth to remove any debris or dirt.
Reinstall the thermocouple: Reinstall the thermocouple and turn on the gas supply.

2. Check the Burner

If the thermocouple is not the issue, the next step is to check the burner. Here are some steps to check the burner:

Turn off the gas supply: Before you start checking the burner, make sure to turn off the gas supply to the water heater.
Remove the burner: Remove the burner from the water heater and inspect it for any signs of damage or wear.
Clean the burner: Clean the burner with a soft brush or a cloth to remove any debris or dirt.
Reinstall the burner: Reinstall the burner and turn on the gas supply.

3. Check the Igniter

If the burner is not the issue, the next step is to check the igniter. Here are some steps to check the igniter:

Turn off the gas supply: Before you start checking the igniter, make sure to turn off the gas supply to the water heater.
Remove the igniter: Remove the igniter from the water heater and inspect it for any signs of damage or wear.
Clean the igniter: Clean the igniter with a soft brush or a cloth to remove any debris or dirt.
Reinstall the igniter: Reinstall the igniter and turn on the gas supply.

4. Check the Gas Valve

If the igniter is not the issue, the next step is to check the gas valve. Here are some steps to check the gas valve:

Turn off the gas supply: Before you start checking the gas valve, make sure to turn off the gas supply to the water heater.
Check the gas valve setting: Check the gas valve setting to make sure it's set correctly.
Adjust the gas valve: If the gas valve setting is not correct, adjust it to the correct setting.
Turn on the gas supply: Turn on the gas supply and check if the pilot light stays lit.

5. Check the Gas Pressure

If the gas valve is not the issue, the next step is to check the gas pressure. Here are some steps to check the gas pressure:

Turn off the gas supply: Before you start checking the gas pressure, make sure to turn off the gas supply to the water heater.
Check the gas pressure gauge: Check the gas pressure gauge to make sure it's set correctly.
Adjust the gas pressure: If the gas pressure gauge is not set correctly, adjust it to the correct setting.
Turn on the gas supply: Turn on the gas supply and check if the pilot light stays lit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if your water heater's pilot light keeps going out after startup, it can be frustrating and may lead to a loss of hot water. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue. Remember to always turn off the gas supply before starting any troubleshooting steps, and to follow all safety precautions when working with gas appliances.

Additional Tips

Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance is key to preventing pilot light issues. Make sure to clean the thermocouple, burner, and igniter regularly to prevent debris and dirt from building up.
Check the water heater manual: Check the water heater manual for specific troubleshooting steps and guidelines for your particular water heater model.
Call a professional: If you're not comfortable with DIY troubleshooting or if the issue persists after trying the troubleshooting steps, it's always best to call a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does my water heater's pilot light keep going out?

A: There are several reasons why your water heater's pilot light may keep going out, including a faulty thermocouple, clogged burner, faulty igniter, incorrect gas valve setting, low gas pressure, or high water pressure.

Q: How do I troubleshoot a pilot light issue?

A: To troubleshoot a pilot light issue, follow the steps outlined in this article, including checking the thermocouple, burner, igniter, gas valve, and gas pressure.

Q: Can I fix a pilot light issue myself?

A: Yes, you can fix a pilot light issue yourself if you're comfortable with DIY troubleshooting and follow all safety precautions when working with gas appliances. However, if the issue persists after trying the troubleshooting steps, it's always best to call a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the issue.

Q: How often should I clean the thermocouple, burner, and igniter?

Q: Why does my water heater's pilot light keep going out?

Q: How do I troubleshoot a pilot light issue?

A: To troubleshoot a pilot light issue, follow the steps outlined in this article, including checking the thermocouple, burner, igniter, gas valve, and gas pressure.

Q: Can I fix a pilot light issue myself?

Q: How often should I clean the thermocouple, burner, and igniter?

A: It's recommended to clean the thermocouple, burner, and igniter regularly to prevent debris and dirt from building up. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the usage and maintenance of your water heater.

Q: What are the signs of a faulty thermocouple?

A: The signs of a faulty thermocouple include:

The pilot light goes out frequently
The water heater does not heat up properly
The thermocouple is damaged or worn out

Q: How do I replace a faulty thermocouple?

A: To replace a faulty thermocouple, follow these steps:

Turn off the gas supply to the water heater
Remove the thermocouple from the water heater
Install a new thermocouple
Turn on the gas supply and test the pilot light

Q: What are the signs of a clogged burner?

A: The signs of a clogged burner include:

The pilot light goes out frequently
The water heater does not heat up properly
The burner is dirty or clogged

Q: How do I clean a clogged burner?

A: To clean a clogged burner, follow these steps:

Turn off the gas supply to the water heater
Remove the burner from the water heater
Clean the burner with a soft brush or a cloth
Reinstall the burner and turn on the gas supply

Q: What are the signs of a faulty igniter?

A: The signs of a faulty igniter include:

The pilot light does not light up properly
The water heater does not heat up properly
The igniter is damaged or worn out

Q: How do I replace a faulty igniter?

A: To replace a faulty igniter, follow these steps:

Turn off the gas supply to the water heater
Remove the igniter from the water heater
Install a new igniter
Turn on the gas supply and test the pilot light

Q: What are the signs of an incorrect gas valve setting?

A: The signs of an incorrect gas valve setting include:

The pilot light goes out frequently
The water heater does not heat up properly
The gas valve is not set correctly

Q: How do I adjust the gas valve setting?

A: To adjust the gas valve setting, follow these steps:

Turn off the gas supply to the water heater
Check the gas valve setting to make sure it's set correctly
Adjust the gas valve setting to the correct setting
Turn on the gas supply and test the pilot light

Q: What are the signs of low gas pressure?

A: The signs of low gas pressure include:

The pilot light goes out frequently
The water heater does not heat up properly
The gas pressure gauge is not set correctly

Q: How do I check the gas pressure?

A: To check the gas pressure, follow these steps:

Turn off the gas supply to the water heater
Check the gas pressure gauge to make sure it's set correctly
Adjust the gas pressure gauge to the correct setting
Turn on the gas supply and test the pilot light

Q: What are the signs of high water pressure?

A: The signs of high water pressure include:

The pilot light goes out frequently
The water heater does not heat up properly
The water pressure gauge is not set correctly

Q: How do I check the water pressure?

A: To check the water pressure, follow these steps:

Turn off the water supply to the water heater
Check the water pressure gauge to make sure it's set correctly
Adjust the water pressure gauge to the correct setting
Turn on the water supply and test the pilot light