Why My Gas Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit

Gas heating is an important feature in many Australian homes, and it is used for multiple purposes. All gas heaters have a pilot light that helps light the gas burner, which helps create the heat. Now imagine that one fine day you wake up shivering, and you find out that your gas heater has stopped heating. Upon investigating, you figure out that your gas heater pilot light won’t stay lit no matter what you do. There are multiple reasons mentioned below for why your gas heater pilot light won’t stay lit. So, let’s find out.

1) Check your pilot tube

Out of sight, dirt and debris collect in the tube, which blocks the flow of gas, causing the heater to shut down. There’s no need to worry, as fixing a pilot tube doesn’t take much time. All you need to do is slide a needle in the pilot tube and remove any accumulated dirt or particles. Once you clean out the pilot tube properly, turn on the pilot light to see if the gas heater has started working or not.

2) Don’t forget to investigate the thermocouple

If the pilot tube is not the issue, then you could investigate the thermocouple to see why the gas heater pilot light won’t stay lit. Sometimes there is an obstruction in the thermocouple when dirt particles and dust get in the way. These dirt particles disrupt the signal-catching process. A thermocouple is used to catch electric signals from the pilot light, so if the thermocouple doesn’t work, then it might be the culprit.

3) What about the gas levels?

If your gas heater pilot light doesn’t stay lit, then the problem could be with your gas levels. Check your gas levels to see whether the inflow of gas is proper and steady. It is possible that your pilot light might not stay lit because of poor gas flow. If the gas is almost about to finish or is empty, then get a gas refill, and your gas heater pilot light problem will be solved.

4) Do you have a faulty or damaged gas valve?

If you are new to this, then let us explain things to you simply and understandably. A gas valve is used to supply gas to your pilot light with gas so that it can light up easily. Now let’s focus on how the gas heater pilot light won’t stay lit. This could be because your gas valve has accidentally been turned off, does not supply gas on consistent levels, or the valve is a faulty one that turns on and turns off frequently.

First of all, try sorting out the issue on your own by checking the on and offsetting of the gas valve. If the problem persists and you are not able to find a solution, then you might have to hire a technician to solve the problem. Contact the expert professionals from QuickAir, and book a time with us so that your issues can be taken care of. Give us a call at 1300 730 896.

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Ready when you are

Book a licensed technician. Same-day, every capital city.

$239 call-out inc GST · fixed price, no surprises · 4.9★ (128 Google reviews)

About the Author

Picture of Sean Myring - General Manager

Sean Myring - General Manager

Sean Myring is the General Manager of Field Works Group, with 15 years in Australia's home services and trades industry. He leads a national network of licensed technicians across air conditioning, electrical, plumbing and locksmith services, built around one principle: customers should know exactly what they're up for before a technician arrives.

Picture of Grant Damon - National Field Manager

Grant Damon - National Field Manager

Grant Damon is Field Works Group's National Field Manager, with 13 years in Australia's trades industry. He's responsible for the technicians who turn up at your door: how they're vetted, the standards they work to, and the experience customers have with them.

Picture of Sean Myring - General Manager

Sean Myring - General Manager

Sean Myring is the General Manager of Field Works Group, with 15 years in Australia's home services and trades industry. He leads a national network of licensed technicians across air conditioning, electrical, plumbing and locksmith services, built around one principle: customers should know exactly what they're up for before a technician arrives.

Picture of Grant Damon - National Field Manager

Grant Damon - National Field Manager

Grant Damon is Field Works Group's National Field Manager, with 13 years in Australia's trades industry. He's responsible for the technicians who turn up at your door: how they're vetted, the standards they work to, and the experience customers have with them.

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