Whirlpool Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit: Causes and Solutions
If you have a Whirlpool water heater that uses gas, you may encounter a problem where the pilot light won’t stay lit or on. This can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially when you need hot water for your daily activities. In this blog post, we will explore some of the possible causes and solutions for this issue.
If you have a Whirlpool water heater that uses gas, you may encounter a problem where the pilot light won’t stay lit or on. This can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially when you need hot water for your daily activities. In this blog post, we will explore some of the possible causes and solutions for this issue.
Table of Contents
What is a pilot light and why is it important?
A pilot light is a small flame that ignites the main burner of your water heater when you turn on the hot water tap. It is usually located at the bottom of the water heater, near the gas valve and the thermocouple or thermopile.
The thermocouple or thermopile is a device that senses the heat from the pilot light and sends a signal to the gas valve to keep the gas supply on. If the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple or thermopile will stop sending the signal and the gas valve will shut off, preventing the main burner from firing up.
The pilot light is important because it ensures that your water heater can provide hot water whenever you need it. It also prevents gas leaks and explosions by shutting off the gas supply when there is no flame.
What are some of the common causes of a pilot light failure?
There are many factors that can cause your pilot light to go out or not stay lit. Some of the most common ones are:
A dirty thermocouple or thermopile
Over time, dust, dirt, or carbon deposits can build up on the thermocouple or thermopile and interfere with its ability to sense the heat from the pilot light. This can cause the gas valve to close prematurely or not open at all, resulting in a pilot light failure.
Dirt or grit in the gas valve or burner
Similarly, dirt or grit can clog the gas valve or burner and prevent the gas from flowing properly. This can affect the quality and size of the flame, making it harder for the thermocouple or thermopile to detect it.
A broken thermocouple or thermopile
Sometimes, the thermocouple or thermopile can wear out or break due to age, corrosion, or physical damage. This can cause it to malfunction or stop working altogether, resulting in a loss of signal to the gas valve.
An obstructed vent pipe
The vent pipe is a tube that carries the exhaust gases from your water heater to the outside. If it is blocked by debris, birds’ nests, snow, ice, or other objects, it can create a backdraft that blows out the pilot light. It can also cause carbon monoxide buildup in your home, which is dangerous for your health.
An undersized gas line
The gas line is the pipe that connects your water heater to the main gas supply. If it is too small or has too many bends or joints, it can reduce the gas pressure and flow to your water heater. This can affect the performance and stability of your pilot light and main burner.
An improper gas pressure setting
The gas pressure setting is a knob on your gas valve that regulates how much gas flows to your water heater. If it is set too low or too high, it can cause your pilot light to go out or not stay lit. It can also damage your water heater components or cause safety hazards.
A bad gas control valve
The gas control valve is a device that controls the gas supply to your water heater based on the signals from the thermocouple or thermopile. If it is faulty or defective, it can fail to open or close properly, resulting in a pilot light failure.
How can you fix a pilot light failure?
Depending on the cause of your pilot light failure, you may be able to fix it yourself or you may need to call a professional plumber for help. Here are some of the possible solutions for each cause:
A dirty thermocouple or thermopile
You can clean the thermocouple or thermopile by using a wire brush or an emery cloth to remove any dust, dirt, or carbon deposits from its surface. Be careful not to damage the wires or the sensor. You can also use a lint-free cloth to wipe it clean. If the thermocouple or thermopile is broken, you will need to replace it with a new one.
Dirt or grit in the gas valve or burner
You can clean the gas valve or burner by using a small brush or steel wool to remove any dirt or grit from its openings. You can also use compressed air to blow away any debris. Make sure the gas valve or burner is dry before reinstalling it.
An obstructed vent pipe
You can clear the vent pipe by removing any objects that are blocking it, such as debris, birds’ nests, snow, ice, or other objects. You can use a long stick or a wire hanger to reach inside the pipe and dislodge any obstructions. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to suck out any dust or dirt. Make sure the vent pipe is free of any leaks or cracks.
An undersized gas line
You can fix an undersized gas line by replacing it with a larger one that can deliver enough gas pressure and flow to your water heater. You may need to hire a professional plumber for this job, as it involves working with gas pipes and fittings.
An improper gas pressure setting
You can adjust the gas pressure setting by using a wrench to turn the knob on your gas valve. You may need to consult your water heater’s manual for the correct pressure setting for your model. You can also use a manometer to measure the gas pressure and make sure it is within the recommended range.
A bad gas control valve
You can replace a bad gas control valve by disconnecting the wires and tubes from the old valve and installing a new one in its place. You may need to match the voltage and capacity of the new valve with your water heater’s specifications. You may also need to hire a professional plumber for this job, as it involves working with gas and electricity.
Conclusion
A Whirlpool water heater pilot light that won’t stay lit can be a nuisance and a safety hazard. Fortunately, you can troubleshoot and fix this problem by identifying and addressing the possible causes. Some of these causes are easy to fix by yourself, while others may require professional help. Either way, you can restore your water heater’s performance and enjoy hot water again. We hope this blog post has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Whirlpool water heater pilot light problems and their answers.
Q: How do I know if my thermocouple is bad?
A: One way to test your thermocouple is to use a multimeter to measure its resistance. A good thermocouple should have a resistance of about 10 ohms when cold and about 30 ohms when hot. If your thermocouple has a very high or very low resistance, it is likely bad and needs replacing.
Q: How do I light my Whirlpool water heater pilot light?
A: To light your Whirlpool water heater pilot light, you need to follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to your water heater.
- Remove the access panel on the side of the water heater.
- Locate the gas valve and turn it to the “pilot” position.
- Press and hold the red button on the gas valve while repeatedly clicking the spark igniter button until you see a flame on the pilot light.
- Keep holding the red button for about one minute until the thermocouple heats up and sends a signal to the gas valve.
- Release the red button and turn the gas valve to the “on” position.
- Replace the access panel and turn on the power to your water heater.
Q: How do I reset my Whirlpool water heater?
A: To reset your Whirlpool water heater, you need to follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to your water heater.
- Locate the reset button on your water heater’s thermostat. It is usually red and located behind an access panel on the side of the water heater. 3. Press and hold the reset button for a few seconds until you hear a click. 4. Turn on the power to your water heater and check if it is working properly.
Q: How long does a thermocouple last on a water heater?
A: The lifespan of a thermocouple on a water heater depends on several factors, such as the quality of the thermocouple, the frequency of use, the water quality, and the maintenance. Generally, a thermocouple can last from 2 to 10 years before it needs replacing.
Q: How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple on a water heater?
A: The cost of replacing a thermocouple on a water heater varies depending on the type and model of the water heater, the availability and price of the thermocouple, and the labor charges of the plumber. On average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for this job.
