What Causes a Pilot Light To Go Out?
A water heater is a plumbing appliance that uses an energy source to heat water to a desired temperature. Two of the most common water heater systems in Florida homes are storage tank and tankless water heaters.
Storage Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters
Storage tank water heaters constantly heat water, even when it is not in use, to provide a home with hot water. Most units stand around 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide and can hold 30 to 60 gallons of heated water.
Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand. They do this by heating cold water as it passes through a heat exchanger, a network of coiled stainless steel or copper pipes.
Why Some Florida Homeowners Prefer Gas-Powered Storage Tank Water Heaters Electric
While many Florida homes use tankless or electricity-powered storage tank water heaters, some use gas-powered ones. Most homeowners say they prefer gas-powered storage tank water heaters because they provide the following benefits:
- A proven track record for reliability
- Continuous access to hot water during power outages
- Simpler and cheaper installation
Downsides of Owning a Gas-Powered Storage Water Heater Tank
One of the downsides of owning a gas-powered storage tank water heater is that they take up a lot of space. They can also be extraordinarily heavy, with some units weighing up to 200 pounds.
And because they continuously store and heat water, even when not in use, gas-powered storage water heater tanks waste energy, which can lead to high energy bills. They also operate less efficiently than their electric and tankless counterparts.
Once a gas-powered storage tank water heater runs out of hot water, homeowners must wait for the water heater tank to refill and reheat, a process that can take 30 to 50 minutes. That means losing access to valuable hot water for showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry in the interim.
It is also worth noting that traditional gas-powered storage tank water heaters have a shorter lifespan compared to tankless and electric-based water heaters. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, the average lifespan of a gas-powered storage tank water heater is around 10 years. And the downsides do not end there.
How a Blown Pilot Light Affects a Gas-Powered Storage Water Heater Tank
A pilot light, also known as a pilot flame or pilot burner, is a tiny blue flame that acts as the ignition source for the main burner on a gas-powered storage water heater tank.
It resides at the bottom of the tank, and when ignited, it enables the tank to heat the water inside it. A pilot light, which must stay lit 24/7, works in concert with the thermostat mounted to the tank’s gas control valve assembly. If they ever go out, it could spell the end of hot water in a home.
A Closer Look at the Relationship Between a Pilot Light and the Thermostat
On a gas-powered storage water heater tank, the thermostat routinely monitors the water temperature inside the tank. When the water temperature drops below the temperature set on the thermostat, the main gas valve on the water heater tank opens, allowing gas to flow to the main burner located at the bottom of the tank.
From there, the pilot light ignites the gas, which, in turn, produces a flame large enough to heat the water in the tank. Both of these events will trigger an audible click and “whoosh” or rumbling sound.
If the light goes out, these events do not occur, and, as a result, a home will lose access to hot water. Along with no hot water, signs of a malfunctioning or blown pilot flame can include the following:
- A yellow, red, or flickering light instead of a steady blue flame
- Error codes or blinking lights showing up on the tank’s diagnostic panel
- No audible whooshing or rumbling sounds followed by a click from the thermostat calling for heat
- No visible flame at the bottom of the water heater tank
- Unusual or foul odors
What Causes the Tiny Flame at the Bottom of a Gas Water Heater Tank To Go Out?
Several things can trigger a blown pilot light and prevent a water heater tank from supplying a home with hot water, some of which include the following:
- Faulty thermocouple – Some gas storage tank water heaters have a built-in thermocouple, a temperature sensor that detects the pilot flame and shuts off gas if there is no flame. When functioning correctly, this emergency component reduces the risk of fires and explosions. However, when it malfunctions, it can inadvertently cause a pilot flame to go out.
- Draft and airflow problems – Strong winds or a lack of air caused by clogged vents or screens on a gas water heater tank, for example, can cause a pilot flame to go out immediately or over time.
- Soot and carbon buildup – When too much soot, carbon, or both accumulate on a pilot feed tube or thermocouple, it can cause the pilot flame to go out by blocking gas flow or preventing the thermocouple sensor from detecting heat.
- Gas supply issues – When the gas supplied to a gas storage water heater tank is insufficient, the pilot flame can go out. Some of the things that can interfere with the flow of gas to a gas storage water heater include a loose gas valve, low gas pressure, and utility outages.
- Excessive condensation – Most gas water heater tanks will experience some condensation at some point, but excessive amounts can lead to a blown pilot flame. That’s because it can lead to water droplets dripping onto the unit’s burner or pilot assembly.
Hire an Experienced Lakeland, FL Plumber Today
To summarize, a gas storage water heater tank supplies a home with hot water, but it can’t do so without a properly functioning pilot light. To learn more about what causes these tiny flames to go out or to schedule a service call, consider speaking with one of our Lakeland Benjamin Franklin Plumbing experts today.
