How Do You Clean A Clogged Pilot Light?

How to Clean a Pilot Light

1. Cut off the gas to your furnace.
2. Remove the pilot light and thermocouple assembly.
3. Use your pliers or wrench to remove the pilot light and thermocouple from the bracket.
4. Using the wire brush, brush away the carbon buildup and soot from both components.

Can pilot light be cleaned?

Cleaning the Pilot Light
Whether you remove the pilot light or not, you’ll want to use a brush to scrub off carbon buildup and soot from the tip. Some sources recommend using a wire brush for cleaning the pilot light, while others say that these can be too firm and may damage the pilot light.

How do I clean the pilot light on my thermocouple?

How to Clean a Thermocouple

1. Locate the pilot assembly and find the thermocouple.
2. Use an adjustable wrench as needed to remove thermocouple from the gas valve.
3. Detach the thermocouple from the pilot assembly.
4. Gently scrub the thermocouple with the abrasive side of a sponge or scouring pad to remove the soot.

How do you clean the pilot on a gas stove?

Remove the small cap or cover on the pilot lights and clean them off. There is a small gas hole in the pilot light. The tubes that lead from the burners to the pilot should be scrubbed with detergent and a stiff brush.

What do I do if my pilot light won’t light?

If your pilot light won’t stay alight, it might be the thermocouple. Sometimes dust buildup collects on the thermocouple and blocks the sensor. Try cleaning the thermocouple and then relighting the pilot light. If it continues to go out, the thermocouple might need to be replaced.

Can a thermocouple be cleaned?

Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up.

How do you clean a gas log thermocouple?

How to Clean the Thermocouple in a Gas Fireplace

1. Turn off the fireplace gas valve and remove the front panel from the fireplace.
2. Find the thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe.
3. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple.

How do you trick a thermocouple?

The thermocouple always thinks the pilot is not lit, even if it is. To get hot water, I have to light the pilot, then hold the match on the thermocouple to trick it into thinking the pilot light is touching it. Once it’s warm enough, I pull the match out and turn the knob from “Pilot” to “On”.

Why does the pilot light keep going out on my water heater?

The most common reason that your pilot light on your water heater keeps going out is a damaged, bent or dirty thermocouple.

Why does my heater pilot keep going out?

Usually, a problem with the thermocouple causes the pilot light to go out. The thermocouple is the small copper rod that the pilot light hits. The thermocouple’s job is to shut a gas safety valve if the pilot light goes out. That’s important because gas is always being supplied to the pilot to keep the flame lit.

How do you fix a yellow pilot light?

If you notice that you pilot light is burning yellow instead of blue, contact Jerry Kelly. The issue can typically be fixed by cleaning out the air intake valve to the pilot light, which should only be done by a professional who knows how to access and repair the part.

Can I relight the pilot light by myself?

If your pilot light goes out, your furnace will not be able to produce heat because its burners will not ignite. Often, homeowners can relight the pilot themselves.

Does gas still flow when pilot light goes out?

If your pilot light repeatedly goes out, this is a likely culprit. If this flame sensor should fail, gas will continue to flow even after the pilot light has been extinguished, causing a safety hazard, and requiring immediate repair.

How do I know if my thermocouple is bad?

If you can’t get the flame to light at all, and you’re sure the gas is on, there’s probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that’s the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.

How much does it cost to relight a pilot light?

The Cost of Relighting the Pilot Light
A plumber can help reignite the pilot light. They will charge you an hourly fee of $40 to $150. This is usually a fairly brief project, and may just take an hour.

Why won’t my gas logs light?

If gas is coming out of the pilot, but it still won’t light, the spark igniter could be the problem. Alleyne says to look for and clear out any debris between the igniter and thermocouple.The pilot lighting, but not staying lit, indicates that the thermocouple is worn out, Worthen says.

What can you clean a thermocouple with?

The best way to clean your thermocouple is to use either a piece of steel wool or the coarse side of a sponge to gently clean off any soot or other remnants. You can use a pencil eraser to clean between the threads of the screw that connects the thermocouple to the control valve of your system.

Can you sand a thermocouple?

Water Heater Thermocouple Cleaning in 5 Steps
This is always the first step when working on a water heater.Clean the thermocouple – using the emery cloth sandpaper, sand the ends of the thermocouple and then give it a finishing touch with the lint-free cloth.

Why does my pilot light go out when I release the pilot light knob?

The most likely of those is that the thermocouple needs to be replaced. The button you press to light the pilot bypasses the thermocouple. When you release the button, the thermocouple ensures that unburned gas doesn’t get released by shutting off the gas when it’s not heated by the burning pilot light.

How do I clean the pilot light on my gas logs?

Fortunately, pilot cleaning is often fast and easy to undertake.

1. Turn off the fireplace if it is on and shut off the main gas valve.
2. Use a flashlight to look into the tube where the pilot flame comes out.
3. Use a can of compressed air to blow the dust and dirt off of the end of the innermost tube.

Can you wash gas logs?

Cleaning Gas Logs
Use a damp rag or lint-free cloth to wipe off the soot, carbon, and dust from the logs, at least once per year. Be careful to avoid scratching the logs, or they will no longer be useable. Liquid gas log cleaners are also available at your local fireplace dealer and may make it easier to clean.