How To Fix And Maintain Your Pilot Light

Whether you own a furnace, water heater, gas fireplace or stove, a pilot light serves as a safety device that keeps these appliances working. The pilot light uses a thermocouple to sense if the flame is burning at the correct temperature. If this thermocouple fails to work properly, the gas supply to the pilot light can be cut off for safety reasons. 

Check Your Gas Line 

If you have an appliance that uses natural gas, you’ll need to check your gas line to make sure that your pilot light is working. If your pilot light isn’t working, the first step is to check the color of your gas pipe and where it connects to your appliance. This will let you know whether it’s copper, galvanized, or plastic-like. 

Check Your Thermocouple 

A thermocouple is a small safety device that detects when your pilot light is on and opens the gas line to the furnace when it’s working properly. When the thermocouple detects no flame, it shuts off the flow of gas to your furnace. When you first suspect there may be a problem with your thermocouple, do a visual inspection of the tube and wiring to look for signs of corrosion or discoloration. Next, check the wiring for bare or missing insulation and make sure the thermocouple is in the right place. 

Re-Light Your Pilot Light 

When your pilot light goes out, you’ll need to re-light it as soon as possible to keep your home warm and comfortable. To re-light your pilot light, turn off the furnace and wait for five minutes to allow all the fuel inside the system to dissipate. Then, turn the knob to “Pilot” and bring a long lighter close to the pilot opening to ignite it. 

Check Your Gas Valve 

If the pilot light doesn’t ignite, it’s a good time to check your gas valve. You should be able to find it along the top of your furnace, by the pilot tube. If there is no flame, this could be a sign that your gas valve is stuck shut. This isn’t a good thing because it restricts the flow of gas into your furnace and can result in too much gas supply or too little gas flow. To test if the problem is the pilot valve, remove the cap from the gas valve and press down on the knob to see if it pops up. If it does, then the pilot valve is stuck shut and needs to be replaced. 

Check Your Heat Exchanger 

A heat exchanger is a critical part of any furnace that separates the hot fuel from the air. Because it expands and contracts during heating and cooling, heat exchangers can become fatigued and break over time. A cracked heat exchanger can leak harmful gases like carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, and sulfur dioxide into your home. These gases are not only dangerous to your health but can also cause damage to your furnace. Therefore, it is crucial to have a professional inspect your furnace for any issues. 

Categorised in: Pilot Lights

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