We understand the worry when your pilot light keeps going out and your gas water heater or furnace won’t supply heat. Today we explain what that signal usually means, what simple checks you can do safely at home, and when to call in professional help.
Many repeat outages trace to basic reasons: interruptions in the gas feed, draughts, a dirty thermocouple, blocked pilot orifice or a sticky valve. A steady blue flame shows correct combustion; a yellow or orange flame warns of poor efficiency and carbon monoxide risk.
We outline safe relight steps for typical gas storage water heaters and older furnaces, including holding the control for 20–30 seconds so the thermocouple senses the flame. If you detect a gas smell, water ingress or continual failure, stop and get help.
OnCall Emergency Plumbers are Melbourne-based, available 24/7 for emergency plumbing, blocked drains, burst pipes and leak fixes. Call us on 1800 571 216 for prompt, affordable service with quality parts.
Key Takeaways
- Repeat outages often come from gas supply interruptions, draughts or a dirty thermocouple.
- A steady blue flame is normal; yellow/orange indicates unsafe combustion.
- Safe relight: set to “Pilot”, ignite and hold 20–30 seconds before switching to “On”.
- Stop and call a pro if you smell gas, see water ingress, or the flame won’t stay lit.
- Seasonal servicing and shielding units from wind help improve efficiency and prevent issues.
- For urgent help in Melbourne ring OnCall Emergency Plumbers 24/7 on 1800 571 216.
Why your pilot light matters and what to check first
That tiny continuous flame does a big job: it readies your heater to ignite the main burner so you get reliable hot water and heat.
Start with simple safety checks. Verify your gas supply is on at the meter or LPG bottles and that the appliance gas valve and control are set correctly. Check that access covers are fitted and nothing blocks the air intake.
Look through the sight glass to see if the pilot lights at all. If it fails to ignite, the issue may be fuel supply, ignition fault or a blocked orifice. If it lights but won’t hold, a faulty thermocouple, restricted airflow or kinked tube are common reasons.
- Confirm meter/bottle and appliance valves are open.
- Ensure covers and vents are clear of debris and draughts.
- Watch flame colour — a steady blue is healthy for gas appliances.
If these checks don’t fix the problem, or you’re unsure whether your system even uses a standing flame, we can assess it quickly. For prompt, 24/7 help across Melbourne call us on 1800 571 216 or arrange a service for water heater pilot repairs.
Safety first in Australia: gas, licensing and when to stop
Gas safety is non-negotiable in Australian homes, so we always prioritise shutting down an appliance at the first sign of trouble.
Smell gas or see a yellow/orange flame? Shut down and call us
If you smell gas, turn off the supply at the meter or bottle, ventilate the area and avoid switches or naked flames. Step outside and call for help.
- Do not attempt relighting if there is any persistent smell or an abnormal flame colour.
- Wait at least 3–5 minutes after switching gas off to let any residual gas clear before considering any action.
- Never bypass safety devices or force a valve open; that creates more risk than a quick call.
Australian law requires licensed gasfitters for installation, alterations and servicing. This protects your home, maintains warranties and ensures insurance compliance.
| Risk | Immediate Action | When to call professionals |
|---|---|---|
| Gas smell | Turn off at meter, ventilate, evacuate | Always call emergency services and a licensed gasfitter |
| Yellow/orange flame | Shut appliance down | Arrange same-day inspection and repairs |
| Water or corrosion on unit | Isolate gas and power | Call us for diagnostics and safe replacement |
We operate 24/7 across Melbourne with experienced technicians, quality parts from reputable brands and fair pricing. If you need urgent support today call 1800 571 216 or check our frequently asked questions.
pilot light keeps going out: common causes and quick diagnostics
When the flame won’t stay lit, common culprits are simple to check before we call a technician. We run quick diagnostics to find the likely reasons and act safely.
Gas supply and valve position
Check LPG bottles for emptiness or regulator changeover. For mains gas, confirm the meter and appliance gas valve are open so there is enough gas.
Wind, drafts and poor venting
Outdoor units can be blown out by gusts or starved by blocked vents. Secure covers and clear nearby debris to reduce draughts.
Water, debris and corrosion
Heavy rain, flooding or garden matter can wet the pilot area or corrode parts. Keep the base clear and divert runoff away from the heater.
Thermocouple, valve and tube faults
A dirty or misaligned thermocouple often won’t hold the valve open. Kinked or blocked pilot tubes and failing gas control valves also stop steady operation.
| Cause | Quick diagnostic | Immediate action |
|---|---|---|
| Interrupted gas supply | No ignition or very weak flame | Check bottles/regulator and meter; open appliance valve |
| Wind / poor venting | Flame blows out in wind | Secure covers, clear vents, reposition if safe |
| Water / debris ingress | Damp or corroded pilot area | Dry area, clear debris, call for service if corroded |
| Thermocouple / valve / tube | Irrational extinguish after 20–30s | Do not force; arrange professional inspection |
We can diagnose these causes on-site across Melbourne 24/7. We use reputable-brand parts and fair pricing. Call us on 1800 571 216 for urgent assistance.
How to safely relight a pilot light on common heaters
Relighting a small standing flame correctly makes the difference between a quick fix and a follow-up service call.
- Turn the thermostat down and set the gas to Off. Wait 3–5 minutes for any residual gas to disperse.
- Set the control to “Pilot”, press and hold the reset/gas button, then use the igniter until you see a steady blue heater pilot light through the sight glass.
- Keep holding for 20–30 seconds so the thermocouple heats and the pilot light stay is achieved.
- Turn the gas control valve to On, restore your desired temperature and confirm the main burner fires after a short delay.
Furnace or boiler relight and timing
The procedure is similar for a furnace or boiler. Turn the gas off, wait, access the pilot, set to Pilot and ignite. Hold the button for about 30 seconds to warm the thermocouple before switching to On.
If your unit lacks a piezo igniter, use a long lighter while holding the control in Pilot, and follow the manual for clearances. If the flame goes out the moment you release the button, the thermocouple, tube or gas valve may need attention.
| Action | What you should see | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Ignite in Pilot mode | Steady blue heater pilot light | Hold 20–30s, then switch to On |
| Pilot extinguishes immediately | No sustained flame after release | Check thermocouple alignment; call us if unsure |
| Weak or yellow flame | Pale or orange colour | Shut down and arrange professional inspection |
If you prefer not to relight yourself, or these steps don’t work, call OnCall Emergency Plumbers 24/7 on 1800 571 216. We’ll relight safely, inspect the gas valve and tube, and fit quality parts where needed.
Targeted fixes for stubborn pilot light issues
When relights fail repeatedly, targeted cleaning and component checks usually fix the issue.
Cleaning and basic adjustments restore a steady blue flame in many cases.
Cleaning the pilot orifice and air intake
We begin by removing dirt and debris from the orifice and nearby intake. A clear air path prevents a weak or yellow flame.
Blocked ports and a clogged tube often cause a small flame or unstable burn. Cleaning restores proper flow.
Servicing or replacing a faulty thermocouple
If the pilot light keeps failing after ignition, we test thermocouple output. Low readings mean adjustment, cleaning or replacement.
Assessing the gas control valve, main burner, and tubing
We inspect the valve and control for sticking or internal faults that stop gas to the pilot or main burner. Kinked or damaged tube sections are replaced.
Our Melbourne technicians carry quality parts from reputable brands to clean orifices, replace thermocouples and service valves. We complete repairs with clear pricing and test for reliable relight and correct flame colour before we sign off. Call us on 1800 571 216.
| Fault | Symptom | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Clogged orifice / intake | Weak or yellow flame | Clean orifice, clear intake, retest |
| Thermocouple low output | Pilot extinguishes after release | Test, adjust or replace thermocouple |
| Valve or tube fault | No steady gas flow to pilot/main burner | Service or replace valve; replace tubing |
Preventing repeat outages and improving efficiency
Small changes to how a heater sits and breathes often stop repeat failures. We focus on simple steps that reduce draughts, clear air paths and cut dirt buildup.
Shielding from drafts, securing covers and checking venting
Position outdoor units to minimise wind exposure. Secure access panels so vents do not let gusts extinguish the flame.
Keep flues and vents connected and clear. Proper venting improves combustion and overall efficiency.
Regular servicing, filter changes and seasonal maintenance
Clean the air intake area and remove dirt that restricts flow. Replace filters as recommended to support stable combustion and steady heat.
Schedule seasonal checks so we can test the thermocouple, gas path and controls before peak demand. We offer scheduled maintenance across Melbourne for residential, commercial and industrial sites using reputable-brand parts.
- Redirect water runoff so it does not pool around outdoor units.
- Note patterns when a pilot light fails — windy nights or bottle swaps help diagnosis.
- Periodic checks of your water heater pilot and heater pilot light catch early faults.
| Preventive Step | Benefit | When to book a service |
|---|---|---|
| Secure covers & panels | Stops draughts and sudden extinguishings | Install or annual check |
| Clear vents & intake | Improves air flow and combustion efficiency | Seasonal or after heavy storms |
| Filter replacement | Better air quality and heater performance | As manufacturer recommends |
We offer scheduled maintenance across Melbourne to keep systems efficient and reliable. Call us on 1800 571 216 for routine service or urgent checks.
When to call OnCall Emergency Plumbers in Melbourne
We recommend contacting us straight away if you detect any gas odour, see persistent yellow or orange flames, or the pilot won’t remain lit after you follow relight steps. These signs often mean a component fault or unsafe combustion.
24/7 emergency repairs for water heaters, burst pipes, leaks and more
We offer same‑day, 24/7 response across Melbourne for water heater faults, burst pipes, leak detection and other urgent plumbing issues. Our licensed team diagnoses thermocouples, valves, tubing and air intakes quickly so we can restore safe operation.
Experienced pros, quality materials from reputable brands, fair pricing — call 1800 571 216
We use quality parts from reputable brands and give clear, fair pricing before any work. Whether the heater pilot light won’t hold, you suspect water ingress, or repeated outages follow storms or bottle changes, we’ll pinpoint the cause and fix it safely.
- Call us immediately for gas odours, continuous discoloured flames, or pilots that won’t stay lit after correct relighting.
- We provide 24/7 same‑day service for water heaters, burst pipes, blocked drains and leak remedies across residential, commercial and industrial sites.
- Our technicians test outputs and controls, replace faulty thermocouples or valves, and verify correct combustion before we leave.
- We coordinate access and safety compliance to limit disruption at your home or business.
- Reach OnCall Emergency Plumbers any time on 1800 571 216 for expert, licensed help.
| Emergency | Immediate action | Our response |
|---|---|---|
| Gas odour or unusual flame colour | Turn off supply, ventilate, evacuate | 24/7 urgent inspection and safe repairs |
| Pilot won’t remain lit after relight | Do not force; arrange professional check | Thermocouple and valve testing/replacement |
| Water ingress or corrosion | Isolate gas and power, call us | Component replacement and leak repairs |
Conclusion
Conclusion
Stable combustion relies on clean orifices, clear air flow and correctly set gas controls. A healthy flame, a sound thermocouple and a free pilot passage keep your water heater performing and reduce repeat problems.
If the pilot light keeps going out after a proper 20–30 second hold, the fault often sits with the thermocouple, gas control valve, tubing or burner pathway. Do simple checks first: confirm the gas supply and control positions, clear debris near the intake and dry any wet areas.
For safety and compliance, call licensed technicians if DIY relighting fails or you smell gas. For fast, affordable help in Melbourne — backed by experienced pros and reputable‑brand parts — ring OnCall Emergency Plumbers 24/7 on 1800 571 216.
