Hot Water Tank Pilot Light Problems Greater Vancouver

Pilot light problems are the leading cause of no hot water calls for gas water heaters in Greater Vancouver — and many are resolvable by the homeowner with the relight procedure on the unit label.

What This Means

The pilot light on a gas water heater ignites the burner when the thermostat calls for heat. If the pilot goes out, no hot water is produced. The thermocouple (or thermopile) is a safety sensor that keeps the gas valve open only while the pilot is confirmed lit — it is the most common component to fail.

Common Causes

• Pilot blown out by a draft — common in crawl spaces or near exterior doors
• Thermocouple worn or contaminated — no longer generates adequate millivoltage to hold the gas valve open
• Gas supply interruption — brief pressure drop caused by simultaneous appliance demand
• Main gas valve failing — rare, but the valve itself can lose pilot gas supply

What Homeowners Can Check Safely

• Follow the relight procedure on the unit label — usually: set to PILOT, hold the button, light the pilot, hold for 30 to 60 seconds, release slowly
• If the pilot lights but goes out immediately when you release the button, the thermocouple is the likely cause

When to Call a Licensed Technician

Water heater work involves gas lines, high-voltage wiring, and pressurized plumbing. Always call a licensed gas fitter or plumber for repairs beyond basic visual checks.

• Thermocouple replacement — inexpensive part, 30 to 60 minute replacement
• Gas valve millivoltage testing to confirm whether the valve or thermocouple is at fault
• Pilot orifice cleaning if pilot flame is weak or irregular

Frequently Asked Questions

My water heater pilot lights but goes out when I release the pilot button. What is wrong?

This is the classic thermocouple failure symptom. The thermocouple generates a small electrical current when heated by the pilot flame — this current holds the gas valve open. If the thermocouple is worn, it does not generate enough current to hold the valve, so when you release the button (which was manually holding the valve), the valve closes and the pilot goes out. Thermocouple replacement resolves this.

How long should I hold the pilot button before releasing it?

Manufacturers typically recommend 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple tip to reach operating temperature and generate the voltage needed to hold the gas valve. Releasing too soon before the thermocouple is fully heated is a common reason the pilot goes out immediately. Hold firmly, count to 60, then release slowly.

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