Why Does My Hot Water Heater Pilot Not Stay Lit In Winter?
It stays on from late spring, through mid fall, but as soon as it gets cold, it goes out constantly. On non windy days, and windy days. Is there anything I can do to fix this problem. It is a real pain in the butt!
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February 7, 2010 @ 4:16 am
You may be loosing some gas pressure in the winter due to the furnace coming on. If so, the pilot flame may need to be adjusted up a little higher so it fully engulfs the thermocouple even when the furnace is on. If that is not possible or does not help, you may need a new thermocouple.
Bert
February 7, 2010 @ 10:45 am
Call your local gas company. They will inspect and clean, possibly fix it free most times, or tell you what you need to do to get it fixed. Same thing for your heaters, they’ll light them for you.
If you’re renting, your land lord must fix it for you. (here in Cali he does)
February 7, 2010 @ 5:30 pm
Its probably from the downdraft from the vent stack. This happens more in the winter for several reasons, one being that cold air dropps downward. If it only happens when it gets cold, thats most likely the culprit, not mechanical problems. You can ask a repair guy for advice, maybe there’s a way to adjust the pilot higher.
February 7, 2010 @ 9:32 pm
Gas systems run on a BTU rating…all gas appliances use a certain number btu’s while in use….in the winter time if ur heat is gas and comes on it will call for a certain amount of gas and if u dont have a sufficient size line to feed it then it will take it from ur water heater causing that pilot to go out…..u might need to get a gasman or plaumber to check it out and make sure it is sized right for ur needs…..also u might have added another gas appliance and NOW it does it since more gas is needed for that too…..sounds like u dont have to right size line for the length ur needing….gas is fed in volume unlike water that is fed in pressure….try turning ur heat off then relighting it then turn ur heat back on and test that way…if the pilot goes out when ur heat comes on u need to upsize ur gas line….hope this helps ya
June 11, 2010 @ 9:01 pm
newer water heaters were designed by comitee , yep congress , its a safety thing . all brands provide the same unintended consequences . #1 problem is lack of combustion air coming in from the bottom of unit……theres a grate on the bottom . you may use a stiff brush, toilet brush works ok .reaching through slots in the base . work it back & forth & side to side.#2 problem , thermocouple unit has a low temperature melt disc that completes a circuit & tells the controls that the pilot is still lit. if the solder has melted you will have to have this part replaced by a competant service person….good luck.
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