That Frustrating Click-Click-Click Sound
You’re standing in front of your water heater, lighter in hand, trying for the fifth time to get that pilot light to stay on. It catches. You hold. You release. And… it goes out again. Sound familiar?
This is one of those problems that seems simple but can drive you absolutely crazy. The good news? Most pilot light issues have straightforward causes. The tricky part is figuring out which one you’re dealing with.
If you’re searching for Water Heater Services in Dacula GA, you’re probably already past the point of patience with this issue. But before you make that call, let’s walk through what might be going on and whether it’s something you can handle yourself.
How Your Pilot Light System Actually Works
Here’s the thing about pilot lights — they’re actually pretty clever little safety systems. When you light that small flame, it heats up a component called the thermocouple. This generates a tiny electrical current that tells the gas valve “hey, there’s a flame here, it’s safe to let gas through.”
When you release the pilot button and the flame goes out? The thermocouple cools down, stops producing that current, and the gas valve shuts off. It’s a safety feature designed to prevent gas leaks when there’s no flame to burn it.
So when your pilot won’t stay lit, something in this chain is breaking down. Let’s figure out what.
The 8 Most Common Causes (And What To Do About Them)
1. A Failing Thermocouple
This is the culprit about 70% of the time. Thermocouples wear out. They get corroded. Sometimes they just stop working properly after years of constant heating and cooling cycles.
Signs it’s your thermocouple:
- Pilot lights fine but goes out within 30 seconds of releasing the button
- The thermocouple tip looks corroded, bent, or damaged
- Your water heater is more than 5-7 years old
The fix? Thermocouples are actually pretty cheap — usually under $20. Replacing one yourself is doable if you’re handy, but getting it positioned correctly matters a lot.
2. Dirty or Clogged Pilot Assembly
Dust, debris, and spider webs (yes, really) can clog up the small opening where your pilot flame comes out. When this happens, the flame is weak or misdirected and doesn’t heat the thermocouple properly.
Try this: Carefully clean the pilot orifice with a needle or small wire. Don’t force anything — you don’t want to enlarge the opening. Sometimes a can of compressed air does the trick.
3. Thermocouple Positioning Problems
The thermocouple tip needs to sit directly in the pilot flame. If it’s been bumped or moved even slightly, the flame might not be hitting it right.
Check that the tip is positioned in the upper third of the pilot flame — that’s the hottest part. If it’s sitting too low or off to the side, gently bend it back into position.
4. Draft Issues
Got a drafty basement or utility room? Wind or air currents can blow out your pilot light. This is especially common if:
- Your water heater is near a door or window
- There’s a fan or HVAC vent nearby
- The area has poor sealing around pipes or penetrations
The solution might be as simple as blocking the draft source or installing a draft guard around your water heater.
5. Gas Supply Problems
Sometimes the issue isn’t your water heater at all — it’s the gas supply. Low gas pressure, a partially closed valve, or air in the gas line can all cause pilot light problems.
Quick check: Are other gas appliances working normally? If your stove is having issues too, the problem is likely upstream of your water heater.
6. Flex Tube Kinks or Damage
The flexible aluminum tube that carries gas to your pilot light can develop kinks or cracks over time. Even a small restriction can reduce gas flow enough to cause problems.
Inspect the tube from the gas control valve to the pilot assembly. Look for any bends, crimps, or visible damage.
7. Faulty Gas Control Valve
Now we’re getting into territory where you probably need Water Heater Services near Dacula to take a look. The gas control valve is the brain of your water heater’s gas system. When it fails, it can cause all sorts of unpredictable behavior.
Signs of a bad gas control valve:
- Pilot lights but main burner won’t ignite
- Inconsistent behavior that doesn’t match other causes
- Unusual clicking or sounds from the valve
8. Condensation Dripping on the Pilot
This one surprises people. In certain conditions — especially during heavy use or in humid environments — condensation can form inside your tank and drip onto the pilot, extinguishing it.
If you notice water droplets around the pilot area or the problem happens mainly during high-use times, condensation might be your culprit.
When DIY Becomes Dangerous
Let’s be honest here. Gas appliances aren’t something to mess around with if you’re not sure what you’re doing. There’s a real safety line between “I can handle this” and “I need to call someone.”
Call a professional immediately if:
- You smell gas anywhere near your water heater
- You see scorch marks or signs of flame outside the burn chamber
- Your carbon monoxide detector goes off
- The pilot light issue started after any kind of flooding or water damage
- You’ve tried basic troubleshooting and still can’t figure it out
For expert assistance with stubborn pilot light problems, Mulberry Plumbing Services offers reliable solutions that can save you hours of frustration and potential safety risks.
The DIY Troubleshooting Checklist
Before calling in help, run through these steps:
- Turn off the gas and wait 5 minutes for any residual gas to clear
- Check for obvious obstructions or debris around the pilot
- Inspect the thermocouple for damage or misalignment
- Look for drafts or air movement that could affect the flame
- Verify other gas appliances are working normally
- Try relighting following the manufacturer’s instructions exactly
If none of these reveal the problem, you’re probably dealing with something that needs Water Heater Services in Dacula GA or a component replacement that requires specific tools and knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the pilot button before releasing?
Most manufacturers recommend holding for 30-60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple enough time to heat up fully. If you’re releasing too early, the safety system thinks there’s no flame and shuts off the gas.
Can a pilot light problem cause a gas leak?
The safety system is designed to prevent this. When the pilot goes out, the thermocouple shuts off gas flow. However, if you smell gas at any point, leave the area immediately and call your gas company.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?
The part itself runs $15-25 at most hardware stores. If you hire Water Heater Services in Dacula for the repair, expect to pay $100-200 total including labor. It’s a relatively quick fix for a professional.
Should I replace my water heater if the pilot keeps going out?
Not necessarily. Most pilot light issues are fixable for under $200. However, if your water heater is over 10-12 years old and having multiple problems, replacement might make more financial sense long-term.
Is it safe to keep relighting a pilot that won’t stay lit?
A few attempts are fine, but don’t keep trying indefinitely. If the pilot won’t stay lit after 3-4 proper attempts, something else is wrong. Continuing to flood the area with unburned gas can create safety hazards. For additional information on home safety practices, always prioritize getting expert help when you’re unsure.
