Why pilot lights go out

The issue may not be with your furnace at all. High natural gas demand may stress the supply, leaving a little less to go around. Step 1: Turn off your furnace. Step 2: Locate your gas valve. Most gas valves have three positions: on, off, and pilot. Step 3: Hold down the red button. The red button should be located near your gas valve. The red button pushes gas to your pilot light.

Depending on what style of furnace your pilot light will either be automatic or manual. Automatic pilot lights can be re-lit using just the red button, while manual ones will require an external flame source such as a long match as well.

If you have a manual pilot light, hold your match above the pilot orifice while pressing the red button. If your furnace is equipped with a manual pilot light, you may need to open a small access panel to reach it. Step 4: Light the pilot light. For a manual pilot light, very carefully light the pilot orifice, taking care to keep the red button pushed down. Continue to hold the red button down for 60 seconds.

Step 5: Let go of the button. Carefully let go of the button. This stops the flow of gas. Wait a few minutes for the gas to dissipate.

Remove the access panel to access the burner. While still holding the gas knob, light the pilot with a long lighter. If your gas water heater has an igniting button, press that instead. Can I replace a thermocouple myself? Categories: Plumbing. Attempts to re-light the pilot light are futile. It won't stay on. Maybe the pilot stays on for a moment and the furnace attempts to fire, but almost immediately shuts down.

Why does this happen? Of course, if you want to make sure the job is done right with the least amount of risk, contact experienced professionals at Hot Point for furnace repairs ASAP. Pilot light won't stay on?

Read on for reasons why, and what you can do to fix it. The thermocouple is the copper rod the pilot flame directly hits. Sometimes it's referred to as the "flame sensor.

If the thermocouple fails to shut off the gas, all the gas flowing through the furnace could get into your home. The thermocouple safeguards against a catastrophic buildup of gas.

First off, grab a flashlight and a screwdriver before inspecting your furnace. You'll have to remove the cover, and chances are the lighting won't be working in your favor. The only thing more frustrating than a busted furnace is the hundred trips to the garage for tools when you're trying to fix it. For safety's sake, shut off power to the furnace by switching the breaker to the off position, and close the gas valve. The thermocouple isn't too difficult to find. Locate the pilot light and look for the tip of a copper rod very nearby.

Every homeowner should know how to light his or her pilot. It isn't too difficult and there are usually instructions printed on the equipment itself. Sometimes on the back of the furnace door. Most of today's systems no longer have a pilot light, they use a spark ignitor or electronic ignition. Always follow instructions on the appliance before anything else.