What Your Water Heater's Noises Are Telling You
A water heater speaks in sounds. Learn to translate the popping, humming, ticking, and screeching into what's actually going on.
Read more →Why Your Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
A pilot that lights but won't stay lit is one of the most common gas water heater faults—and usually one of the cheapest to fix.
A gas water heater pilot that lights and then dies as soon as you release the control knob is a classic, common fault. The good news: the usual cause is an inexpensive part.
The usual suspect: the thermocouple
The thermocouple is a safety sensor that senses the pilot flame. When it senses heat, it keeps the gas valve open. When the thermocouple weakens or fails, it can't 'tell' the valve the pilot is lit, so the gas shuts off and the pilot dies. Replacing it is a routine repair.
Other causes
- A dirty or kinked pilot tube starving the flame
- A draft blowing out the pilot (check for venting issues)
- A failing gas control valve
- A blocked or contaminated thermocouple tip
What you can safely check
- Relight following the label instructions, holding the knob the full recommended time
- Look for obvious drafts near the burner area
- Confirm the pilot flame (when lit) is blue and steady, not weak or yellow
If you relight and it dies again within seconds, stop relighting. Repeated attempts waste gas and won't fix a bad thermocouple—it needs replacing.
When to call us
Thermocouple and gas-valve work involves the gas system and should be done by a licensed pro. It's usually a quick, affordable fix. If you're without hot water and can't wait, we offer same-day emergency service. Call 973-834-8833.
Should you repair or replace?
On a newer unit, a thermocouple replacement is well worth it. On a heater past 10 years with other issues, it may be a sign to consider replacement. We'll give you a straight recommendation.
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my water heater pilot stay lit?
The most common reason is a failing thermocouple, which can no longer keep the gas valve open. Drafts, a dirty pilot, or a bad gas valve are other causes.
Is it safe to keep relighting the pilot?
Relight once or twice following the instructions. If it keeps dying, stop and call a pro—repeated relighting won't fix the underlying fault.
Need a hand from a licensed NJ water heater pro? Hot Water NJ installs, repairs, and replaces every type of water heater across Northern New Jersey—usually same day. Call 973-834-8833 or request a free estimate below.