Gas Water Heater Burner Won’T Stay Lit : Troubleshooting Tips and Solutions

A gas water heater is a vital appliance in any home, providing hot water for various household activities.

However, when the burner refuses to stay lit, it can be a frustrating and inconvenient problem. Typically, this issue is related to the pilot light, thermocouple, or gas supply.

If your gas water heater burner won’t stay lit, the issue may be due to a faulty thermocouple or a blocked pilot tube. Properly maintaining and troubleshooting these components can help resolve the problem and ensure your water heater functions efficiently and safely.

We’ll explore potential reasons why the gas water heater burner won’t stay lit and provide practical solutions to resolve the issue and restore the hot water supply to your home.

Why My Gas Water Heater Burner Won’T Stay Lit – Common Cause Why Won’t My Gas Heater Stay Lit?

If your gas water heater‘s burner won’t stay lit, it can be frustrating and disruptive to your daily routine.

Knowing the common causes to find the issue can help you troubleshoot the problem effectively.

#1. Faulty Water Heater Thermocouple

A faulty thermocouple is a prevalent reason for gas water heater burner failure.

The thermocouple is responsible for sensing the heat from the pilot flame and sending a signal to the gas control valve to keep the burner ignited.

If the thermocouple is malfunctioning, it may not generate enough voltage to hold the gas valve open, causing the burner to go out.

#2. Clogged Pilot Orifice

A clogged pilot orifice can prevent the pilot flame from staying lit, leading to burner failure.

This can occur due to dust, dirt, or debris accumulating in the orifice over time. Periodically cleaning and ensuring proper ventilation around the pilot orifice can mitigate this issue.

#3. Gas Control Valve Issues

Gas control valve issues, such as a defective or obstructed valve, can hinder the flow of gas to the burner, causing it to go out.

If the gas control valve is not receiving the proper signal from the thermocouple, it may shut off the gas supply, resulting in burner failure.

Professional inspection and maintenance of the gas control valve can address potential problems.

How To Fix Gas Water Heater Burner Won’T Stay Lit

Issue #1 Fix: Troubleshooting Steps For Thermocouple Problems

When your gas water heater burner won’t stay lit, one of the potential culprits could be a faulty thermocouple.

The thermocouple is a safety feature that detects if the pilot light is on and controls the gas flow to the burner.

If the thermocouple is malfunctioning, it can cause the burner to extinguish repeatedly. Here are some troubleshooting steps to address thermocouple problems:

Step 1: Inspect For Corrosion

If the thermocouple is corroded, it may not function properly.

Check for any signs of corrosion on the thermocouple.

Corrosion can disrupt the voltage generated by the thermocouple, leading to erratic behavior.

Step 2: Check For Proper Positioning

Ensure that the thermocouple is in the correct position.

It should be close to the pilot light so that it can accurately detect the flame.

If it’s positioned too far or too close, it may not function as intended.

Step 3: Test For Faulty Thermocouple

If you’ve ruled out corrosion and positioning issues, it’s time to test the thermocouple itself.

Use a multimeter to measure the voltage output when the pilot light is on.

If the voltage doesn’t match the specified range for your water heater model, the thermocouple may need to be replaced.

Issue #2 Fix: Adjusting And Cleaning The Pilot Orifice

Gas water heaters are commonly used to provide hot water for household needs.

However, if the burner won’t stay lit, it could be due to various reasons, such as a clogged pilot orifice.

In this section, we will focus on adjusting and cleaning the pilot orifice, which is a crucial step in troubleshooting this issue.

First:- Cleaning Procedure

When the gas water heater pilot light won’t stay lit, one of the potential causes could be a dirty or clogged pilot orifice.

Cleaning the pilot orifice is a simple yet essential maintenance task that can help resolve this issue.

Cleaning the pilot orifice involves the following steps:

Step #1: First, turn off the gas supply to the water heater to ensure safety.

Step #2: Locate the pilot assembly and remove the cover to access the orifice.

Step #3: Using a small brush or compressed air, carefully clean any debris or dirt that may have accumulated in the orifice, ensuring it is completely clear.

Step #4: Once the orifice is clean, reassemble the pilot assembly and restore the gas supply to the water heater.

Second:- Adjusting Gas Pressure

Another factor that could contribute to the pilot light not staying lit is incorrect gas pressure. Adjusting the gas pressure to the appropriate level can help ensure the pilot light remains steady and reliable.

The process of adjusting the gas pressure involves the following steps:

Step #1: Before adjusting the gas pressure, it’s essential to refer to the water heater’s manual to determine the correct pressure setting.

Step #2: Using a manometer, measure the current gas pressure to determine if it aligns with the manufacturer’s specifications.

Step #3: If the pressure is too high or too low, adjust the gas regulator to achieve the correct pressure level.

Step #4: Once the gas pressure is adjusted to the recommended setting, monitor the pilot light to ensure it remains lit consistently.

Issue #3 Fix: Gas Control Valve Diagnosis And Solutions

If your gas water heater’s burner won’t stay lit, it could be due to a gas control valve issue.

Diagnosis and solutions may involve checking for clogs, cleaning the valve or replacing it, ensuring proper gas flow and pressure, and confirming the pilot light is working correctly.

Gas water heater burner not staying lit can be a frustrating issue that affects the functionality of your water heater.

Here’s a guide to help you understand the common issues related to gas control valves and their potential solutions.

#1 Identifying Malfunctions

When your gas water heater burner won’t stay lit, the gas control valve could be the culprit. A malfunctioning valve may be due to various reasons, including a faulty thermocouple, a blocked pilot tube, or a defective gas valve.

To pinpoint the exact issue, start by checking the pilot light. If it is not staying lit, it indicates a problem with the gas control valve. Additionally, listen for unusual sounds, such as hissing or clicking, which could signal a malfunctioning valve.

#2 Resetting the Gas Control Valve

Before proceeding with a gas control valve replacement, try resetting the gas control valve to see if it resolves the issue. Here’s how to reset the valve:

1. Turn off the gas supply to the water heater.
2. Locate the gas control valve on the water heater.
3. Press and hold the valve’s reset button for a few seconds.
4. After releasing the reset button, turn the gas supply back on.

If the burner still fails to stay lit after resetting the gas control valve, it may indicate a more serious problem that requires professional inspection and repair.

Professional Maintenance And Repair Services When Gas Water Heater Burner Won’T Stay Lit

When it comes to maintaining and repairing a gas water heater, seeking professional help is often the best course of action.

Experienced technicians can accurately diagnose issues and provide effective solutions, ensuring your water heater operates efficiently and safely.

Whether it’s troubleshooting a burner that won’t stay lit or performing routine maintenance, professional services can save time, hassle, and potentially costly errors.

When To Seek Professional Help

If you find that your gas water heater burner won’t stay lit despite following manufacturer instructions, it’s time to seek professional assistance. Ignoring this issue can lead to more significant problems, and attempting to fix it without the right expertise can pose safety risks.

Professional technicians have the knowledge and tools to identify the root cause of the problem and implement suitable repairs, ensuring the continued function of your water heater.

Finding A Qualified Technician

When looking for a qualified technician to examine and repair your gas water heater, it’s essential to choose a reputable, licensed professional. Verify their credentials, experience, and customer reviews to ensure they possess the necessary expertise.

Seek recommendations from trusted sources and inquire about their specific experience with gas water heaters to ensure they are well-versed in handling your appliance’s unique requirements.

Cost Considerations And Estimates

Before hiring a technician, it’s crucial to understand the cost considerations involved in professional maintenance and repair services. Obtaining estimates from multiple providers can help you make an informed decision based on affordability and perceived value.

Be wary of unusually low quotes, as they may indicate subpar service quality. Opt for a technician who provides a comprehensive breakdown of costs, ensuring transparency and confidence in their work.

Conclusion

So, if you find that your gas water heater burner won’t stay lit, it’s crucial to troubleshoot the issue promptly.

By following the steps outlined in this post, you can address the problem efficiently and safely.

With a bit of know-how, you can ensure your gas water heater operates smoothly, providing reliable hot water for your household.