What to do when Your Pilot Light Won't Light
When your pilot light won't stay lit, it can be incredibly frustrating. Fortunately, there are several simple solutions you can try before calling Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 516-1222. With a little patience and some basic knowledge, you should be able to get your pilot light lit in no time.
Check the Thermocouple
One of the most common causes of a pilot light that won't stay lit is the thermocouple. This is the device that senses when the pilot flame is burning and sends a signal to the control valve, allowing gas to flow through the entire appliance. If it becomes damaged or weak from age or wear, it won't be able to sense the pilot flame, so the gas will shut off.
The simplest solution is to clean and gut the thermocouple. To do this, shut off the gas, remove the thermocouple, and use a file to clean off any dust or dirt that has built up on it. Put it back into the appliance and try to light it up again.
If this doesn't solve the problem, you'll need to replace the thermocouple entirely. Fortunately, it's a relatively inexpensive and easy task. You can buy the part from a local home improvement store or online parts supplier. Once you have the thermocouple, you can install it yourself.
Adjust the Pilot Flame
Another possible cause for a pilot light that won't stay lit is an improperly adjusted pilot flame. Over time, the pilot flame can become weaker, which reduces the amount of heat being generated. This can cause the thermocouple to not sense the flame, and thus the gas will not stay on. You can adjust the pilot light by opening the outer access panel and adjusting the screw on the side of the appliance.
Clean the Pilot Light
If cleaning the thermocouple and adjusting the pilot flame hasn't solved the problem, it might be time to clean the pilot light. Over time, buildup of dirt and dust can obstruct the pilot light and prevent it from staying lit. To clean it, you'll need to shut off the gas, remove the access panel, and use a rag to carefully clean out the pilot tube and burner. Afterward, clean off the thermocouple and reinstall it.
Call a Professional Appliance Repair Company
If all else fails and your pilot light still won't stay lit, it might be time to call a professional appliance repair company. They are experts in all types of appliance repairs, and can diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs quickly and correctly.
If your pilot light won't stay lit and none of the solutions above have fixed the problem, it's best to call a professional appliance repair company. They will be able to quickly diagnose the issue and make any necessary repairs to get your appliance up and running again.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting a pilot light that won't stay lit can be a challenging task, but with some patience and a few simple solutions, you should be able to solve the problem. First, try cleaning and gutting the thermocouple, then adjust the pilot flame, and finally clean the pilot tube and burner. If all else fails, call a professional appliance repair company. They will be able to diagnose and make any necessary repairs to get your appliance working again. If you wish to read more information about Pilot light won't light, click here.
Pilot Light Won’t Light
San Diego manufacturers, appliance technicians, and HVAC technicians recommend the following preventive actions are taken to avoid pilot light won’t light issues:
1. Perform Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure pilot lights stay lit. Have a qualified technician perform an inspection at least once a year to make sure parts are functioning properly and pilot lights are lit. This helps to prevent any damage from improper operation or malfunctioning parts.
2. Check for Gas Leaks
Gas leaks can cause pilot light won’t light issues. Make sure the pilot light and its associated parts are inspected and that all connections are airtight and free of any cracks or leakage. If any gas is detected, call a qualified technician right away.
3. Replace Pilot Light Parts
Regular wear and tear can cause parts of the pilot light system to malfunction or stop working. Have a technician inspect the pilot, thermocouple, electrode, and other parts of the system. Replacing them as needed is a simple and effective way to avoid pilot light won’t light issues.
4. Clean and Inspect the Unit
Pilot lights can be affected by the build-up of dirt and dust. Periodically cleaning the parts and surfaces of the unit can help prevent pilot light won’t light issues. Inspect the unit for any signs of blockages or other problems that can inhibit the pilot light from functioning properly.
5. Use Full Pressure Settings
Ensure the gas pressure is set as recommended for the type of unit being used. If the pressure is too low, it can result in pilot light won’t light issues.
Taking preventative measures and following these simple steps can help avoid pilot light won't light issues in San Diego. It is important to call a qualified technician when the problems occur so they can diagnose the issue and offer the best solution.
Repairing a Pilot Light That Won't Light
Fixing a pilot light that won't light can be a costly expense. Homeowners living in the city of San Diego should consider calling Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 516-1222 for a reliable repair. The minimum repair cost could fall within a range of $50-200, while a complex repair/installation could cost from $300-$500.
Below is a list of commonly replaced parts and associated cost typically required when repairing a pilot light that won't light:
1. Thermocouple: typically ranges from $20-$60
2. Gas Valve: ranges from $100-$150
3. Pilot Tube: ranges from $20-$50
4. Pilot Orifice: usually around $20
5. Igniter: costs between $50 and $90
In addition to the parts, homeowners should also factor in the cost of labor/service fees. In San Diego, this cost can be anywhere from $85-$150 an hour. Lastly, they should also consider material costs. This cost generally ranges from $5-$30 and may vary depending on the materials needed.
To summarize, homeowners living in San Diego should call reliable appliance repair at (866) 516-1222 when their pilot light won't light. The repair or installation cost could span from $50-$500, depending on the complexity of the issue. It is important to factor in the labor/service cost, material cost, and cost of the frequently replaced parts such as thermocouple, gas valve, pilot tube, pilot orifice, and igniter.
Pilot Light Won't Light? Contact Reliable Appliance Repair
If you are facing an issue with your appliance or HVAC where the pilot light doesn't start, it's best to seek professional help. Reliable Appliance Repair is the local San Diego HVAC and appliance repair family-owned business you should connect with.
Unlike other repair services, Reliable does same-day services for both appliance and HVAC repairs and installations. As a first-time customer, you can even ask for $25 off labor. Not to mention, their technicians have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the field and are highly trained to deal with pilot light issues.
Reliable also offers a fair and affordable pricing package along with being licensed and insured. It is not only a dependable brand but highly reliable with excellent customer satisfaction ratings. Rest assured, they will get the job done right and save you money at the same time. So why wait? Contact Reliable Appliance Repair today at tel:(866) 516-1222 and get the repair done quickly and affordably.
FAQ
What causes your Pilot Light to not light?
The most common causes for a pilot light not lighting are a faulty thermocouple, misalignment of gas valves, cracked gas lines, or a blocked air vent.
How do you troubleshoot when a Pilot Light won't light?
If the problem persists, first check the thermocouple and make sure its connected properly. Then check the alignment of the gas valves and check for any cracked gas lines or blocked air vents.
What is a Pilot Light?
A pilot light is a small flame in your appliance, kept burning to ignite the rest of the flame.
What should you do when your Pilot Light won't light?
Start by determining what's causing the issue. Check the thermocouple, gas valve alignment, gas lines, and air vents. Also check to ensure the gas is turned on and is not leaking. If the problem persists, call a professional.
For any further help, please call Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 516-1222.