Why Your Water Heater Pilot Light Keeps Going Out (Cleveland Troubleshooting Guide)
Cleveland • Lakewood • Parma • Shaker Heights • Garfield Heights • Cleveland Heights
It’s one of those cold Cleveland mornings — you turn on the hot water, and nothing but freezing water comes out. You check your water heater and find the pilot light’s gone out again. You relight it, it works for a day or two, and then it’s out once more.
Sound familiar? At ExpertPipe Rooter, we see this constantly across Cleveland, Lakewood, Parma, and Shaker Heights — especially in older gas water heaters that have been running nonstop through Ohio winters. A constantly failing pilot light usually means something’s dirty, corroded, or about to fail. Here’s what’s really going on — and how to fix it safely.
1. How the Pilot Light Works (and Why It’s Important)
Your gas water heater’s pilot light is a small flame that ignites the main burner whenever the tank’s temperature drops. When it keeps going out, the gas valve automatically closes — cutting off your hot water supply.
The key players are:
Thermocouple or Flame Sensor — detects heat from the pilot and keeps gas flowing.
Gas Control Valve — regulates gas flow to the pilot and main burner.
Pilot Orifice & Tube — supplies gas to the tiny flame.
If any of these are dirty or malfunctioning, the flame can’t stay lit — and your water heater shuts down for safety.
2. Common Reasons the Pilot Light Keeps Going Out in Cleveland Homes
A. Dirty or Clogged Pilot Orifice
Cleveland basements can be dusty, damp, and rusty — perfect conditions for buildup in the pilot assembly. Dust and corrosion block gas flow, causing a weak flame that goes out easily.
Fix: Clean or replace the pilot orifice and tube. We use fine wire and compressed air to clear obstructions and restore a steady flame.
B. Weak or Failing Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a thin metal probe that senses heat. If it’s bent, coated with soot, or just worn out, it won’t tell the valve to stay open — and the flame cuts out.
Fix: Replace the thermocouple ($120–$150 total). We always test the millivolt output first to confirm it’s the culprit.
C. Drafts and Negative Pressure
Older Cleveland homes with basement heaters near windows, vents, or dryers often experience backdrafts. A sudden gust of air can blow out the pilot in seconds.
Fix: Install a proper vent hood, correct vent slope, or seal nearby openings. In multi-unit homes, we often install backdraft preventers for consistent flame stability.
D. Faulty Gas Control Valve
If the gas valve itself is malfunctioning, it may intermittently cut gas to the pilot. This is common in water heaters over 10 years old.
Fix: Replace the valve ($250–$350). Only a licensed plumber should handle this — gas leaks are no DIY matter.
E. Moisture or Rust in the Burner Chamber
Cleveland’s humid basements — especially in Lakewood or Cleveland Heights — can cause condensation and rust. That corrosion can block the pilot or interfere with the thermocouple.
Fix: Clean and dry the burner compartment, replace corroded fittings, and check for tank leaks that may be dripping water onto the assembly.
3. How to Relight Your Pilot Safely
⚠️ Important: If you smell gas, don’t light anything. Turn the gas shutoff valve to OFF and call (216) 203-6563 or your gas utility immediately.
Turn the gas control knob to OFF and wait 5–10 minutes.
Turn it to PILOT and press down to start gas flow.
Hold the knob down while pressing the igniter button or using a long lighter.
Keep holding for 30 seconds after the flame lights.
Release slowly and turn the knob to ON.
If the pilot goes out again within minutes or hours — you’ve got a deeper problem.
4. Why It Happens More in Cleveland Winters
Cold air drafts in basements or garages.
Condensation from big temperature swings.
Extra furnace or dryer ventilation creating negative pressure.
Older, uninsulated venting pulling air the wrong direction.
During frigid spells, we see a spike in calls from Lakewood and Parma homeowners whose pilot lights go out multiple times per week.
5. When to Repair vs. Replace
Heater AgeTypical CauseBest Option0–6 yearsDirty pilot or weak thermocoupleRepair7–10 yearsCorroded burner assemblyRepair or replace10+ yearsGas valve or tank failureReplace (new unit)
If your heater’s over 10 years old and keeps losing flame, you’ll save more by replacing it with a modern Bradford White gas model featuring electronic ignition — no pilot needed, no relighting ever again.
6. ExpertPipe Rooter’s Pilot Light Repair Process
When you call (216) 203-6563, our technicians:
Inspect and clean the pilot assembly and thermocouple.
Check for drafts, moisture, or rust.
Measure gas pressure and thermocouple output.
Test for leaks or improper venting.
Relight the pilot safely and verify sustained flame.
We’ll let you know if it’s a one-time fix or if your heater’s near end-of-life.
7. How to Prevent Pilot Problems
Keep your basement dry and well-ventilated.
Have your heater serviced every year.
Install draft guards or vent hoods near exterior walls.
Upgrade to an electronic ignition model to eliminate the issue entirely.
Modern high-efficiency units not only save energy but remove this headache altogether.
8. FAQ – Cleveland Pilot Light Problems
Q: Why does my pilot light go out every few days?
A: It’s usually a weak thermocouple or a draft — both common in Cleveland basements.
Q: Can I replace the thermocouple myself?
A: It’s possible, but gas fittings can be dangerous. We recommend professional service.
Q: Is it normal to relight once or twice a year?
A: Yes, but if it happens often, something’s wrong with airflow or the gas valve.
Q: Should I upgrade to a pilotless water heater?
A: Definitely — electronic ignition units eliminate pilot issues and save gas.
Q: Can you service older models from the early 2000s?
A: Absolutely. We stock universal thermocouples and gas valves for all major brands.
📞 Call ExpertPipe Rooter at (216) 203-6563
🌐 Visit expertpiperooter.com
ExpertPipe Rooter — Cleveland’s water heater repair experts, keeping your pilot lit and your showers hot all winter long.
