(post updated May 12, 2026)
It can be frustrating if your water heater isn’t working correctly because the water heater pilot light keeps going out. This article will help you determine why your water heater pilot light is not working and offer solutions to fix it. With the right know-how and the trusted experts at Frank’s Repair Plumbing in your corner, water heater problems will be a thing of the past.
Summary
- Water heater pilot lights stay on 24/7 to ignite gas and heat water in your home.
- Pilot lights can fail due to a faulty thermocouple, damaged flex tube, or airflow issues.
- If cleaning the system doesn’t fix the pilot light, you should call a pro for repairs.
What Is a Water Heater Pilot Light?
A pilot light is a small blue flame, usually found on older gas appliances like water heaters or furnaces. It’s meant to stay lit 24 hours a day, so it’s always available to combust the gas that’s released to your water heater’s main burner when it’s turned on. The flame from the main burner allows your water heater to provide hot water to your house.
While a properly functioning pilot light is important year-round for hot showers, it’s especially important during the cold winter months, for which Amarillo is known. If your water heater’s pilot light keeps going out, there could be several causes, which we will explore further below.
How Long Should a Water Heater Pilot Light Last?
A pilot light should last for the entirety of your water heater’s lifespan and should never go out. While you may occasionally need to relight it if it gets extinguished, a normally functioning pilot light burns steadily and consistently, whether you’re running the water heater or not.
Why Does a Water Heater Pilot Light Keep Going Out?
What causes a hot water heater pilot light to go out? There are a few reasons we see more commonly, including:
Faulty or worn thermocouple
The thermocouple is installed above the pilot light to determine whether it’s lit. As a safety measure, this device will close the gas valve if the flame goes out. A thermocouple has an average lifespan of about 10 years if it has been properly installed and maintained.
If you have issues with your thermocouple, it might close your gas valve unnecessarily, causing your pilot to go out. If this is the case, the thermocouple may need to be repaired or replaced.
Dirty or clogged pilot orifice
Soot, dirt, and grime can build up around the pilot orifice and the air intake valve, causing an inconsistent or weak flame that’s easily extinguished. Weak flames can also cause dangerous carbon monoxide leaks, as this hazardous by-product of combustion is vented inside the home.
Draft or airflow problems
Sometimes, a pilot light issue is due to a draft near the water heater. If your unit is located in an area where a breeze can get in — like near a cracked window or a doorway to the outside — the pilot light can blow out. Removing the source of the draft will help.
You may also find that your water heater flame keeps going out due to airflow issues. This happens when dust and debris build up in the burner area or on the flame arrestor screen. Typically, a cleaning is all that’s needed to get the light burning again.
Gas supply issues
If you have a gas leak or an issue with the gas supply, such as a kink or twist in the tubing or too much air in the gas line, the pilot light won’t stay lit. These issues must be addressed by a professional for your safety.
Damaged flex tube
If the flex tube (also known as the pilot line) has leaks or other damage, it will restrict gas flow to the burner, leading to inconsistent or extinguished pilot lights. Low gas can also cause your light to flicker or burn yellow or orange instead of the normal blue.
How to Troubleshoot Pilot Light Issues
If you’re having a problem with your water heater’s pilot light, there are a few simple troubleshooting steps you can try before calling a plumber for help. These include:
- Step one: Make sure the gas is switched to the ‘on’ position.
- Step two: Clean the small tube that feeds to the pilot (pilot orifice) with compressed air or a brush.
- Step three: Clean the thermocouple metal rod with sandpaper to remove any buildup that’s preventing it from functioning.
- Step four: Clean the burner area (especially the flame arrestor screen) of any dust or debris.
- Step five: Make sure breezes or drafts aren’t extinguishing your pilot light.
While these steps are a good start, they may not fully address your pilot light problems. In this case, it’s time to call a pro.
When to Call a Plumber for Water Heater Pilot Light Problems
If the above troubleshooting steps don’t seem to help, you should always call a licensed, certified plumber for help. Attempting any more advanced repairs puts you at risk of damaging the system or causing a hazardous gas leak, which could be a serious threat to your safety. If you’re not sure what’s causing the pilot light to go out, a plumber can usually diagnose and repair the issue in a matter of hours.
Your plumber will also take the opportunity to inspect the entire system. In some cases, a failing pilot light indicates that the entire water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan. If this is the case, your plumber can advise you on your options, whether it’s a new conventional unit or a modern, efficient, tankless water heater.
When you hire a pro for pilot light repairs, look for a team that prioritizes proactive maintenance. This ensures you won’t have to deal with another issue prematurely, extending the lifespan of your pilot light and the water heater. If possible, choose a team like Frank’s Repair Plumbing, which offers a Diamond Club membership plan to make proactive water heater service easy and more affordable.
Frank’s Repair Plumbing: Water Heater Pilot Light Repair Experts in Amarillo and Beyond
If you are experiencing issues with your thermocouple or notice that the pilot light keeps going out in your water heater, you can count on Frank’s Repair Plumbing for water heater service. We are a family-owned small business, and we care about providing honest, upfront pricing and top-quality service to our customers.
Our team has served the Amarillo area — including the communities of Pampa, Canyon, Bushland, Dumas, Borger, Fritch, Panhandle, and White Deer — for over 70 years. With our affordable rates and high-quality customer service, you can trust us to assess your water heater pilot light issue, offer cost-effective solutions, and get you back in hot water in no time.
We’re available for emergency services 24 hours a day — contact us online to book an appointment with one of our experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my water heater?
You’ll know you have a bad water heater thermocouple if your pilot light is constantly going out. It also might go out as soon as you release the control knob. Typically, replacing the thermocouple will resolve the issue.
Is it safe to relight a water heater pilot light myself?
If you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, it’s generally safe to relight your own pilot light. The only exception is if you smell gas whatsoever. Bringing an open flame near a gas leak can cause a serious fire or even an explosion, so leave these repairs to a pro at Frank’s Repair Plumbing.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple on a water heater?
Replacing a water heater thermocouple is relatively inexpensive. You’ll pay between $150 and $325 for both the labor and parts to complete this repair.
