It’s the time of year when many people are getting their homes ready for winter. One important task is making sure your fireplace is in working order. A common problem with furnaces, heaters, and fireplaces is that the pilot light refuses to stay lit. There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem, but if you have tried all of these things and your pilot light still won’t stay lit, it may be time to call a professional.
What is a thermocouple, and how does it work
A thermocouple is a device that helps to regulate the pilot light in your furnace, water heater, or fireplace. A small metal rod is placed between the pilot light and the main gas supply. The thermocouple monitors the temperature of the pilot light and transmits this information to the gas valve. If the temperature drops below a certain point, the gas valve will shut off the gas flow to the pilot light, preventing it from going out.
How to clean a thermocouple
If your pilot keeps going out, the first thing you should do is clean the thermocouple. Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the thermocouple, preventing it from working correctly. To clean it, remove it from the furnace and use a wire brush to remove any buildup. You can also try using a small amount of sandpaper to sand away any rust lightly. Once you have cleaned the thermocouple, replace it in the furnace and see if that solves the problem.
How to replace a thermocouple in a furnace
If cleaning the thermocouple doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to replace it. Thermocouples are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores. To replace the thermocouple, remove the old one and screw in the new one. Be sure to tighten it securely, so it doesn’t come loose and cause a gas leak. Once you have replaced the thermocouple, turn on the furnace and check to see if the pilot light stays lit.
If your pilot light still won’t stay lit after trying these troubleshooting tips, it’s time to call a professional. They will be able to diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs.
Why your pilot light won’t stay lit
A lot of people have problems with their pilot light staying lit. The most common reason is that something is blocking the thermocouple, which stops the gas from getting to the pilot light. You can try cleaning or replacing it, but if that doesn’t work, you may need to call a professional.
If your pilot keeps going out, the first thing you should do is clean the thermocouple. Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the thermocouple, preventing it from working correctly. To clean it, remove it from the furnace and use a wire brush to remove any buildup. You can also try using a small amount of sandpaper to sand away any rust lightly. Once you have cleaned the thermocouple, replace it in the furnace and see if that solves the problem.
If cleaning the thermocouple doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to replace it. Thermocouples are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores. To replace the thermocouple, remove the old one and screw in the new one. Be sure to tighten it securely, so it doesn’t come loose and cause a gas leak. Once you have replaced the thermocouple, turn on the furnace and check to see if the pilot light stays lit.
If your pilot light doesn’t stay lit, it may be due to something blocking the thermocouple. You can try cleaning or replacing it, but if that doesn’t work, you may need to call a professional. They will be able to diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs. We have provided some tips on troubleshooting this issue so that you can get your furnace or water heater up and running again.
