There are several possible reasons for the pilot light going out:
The thermocouple is faulty: a dirty or misaligned thermocouple could be the reason for this
Pilot orifice is blocked: A weak flame could be the reason for this
Gas supply issues: if you notice this happening to other appliances, this could be a regulator issue
Strong draught or poor location: This is common in homes with a poor insulation. It can occur if your boiler is near external vents or open windows
Incomplete combustion: This is a major carbon monoxide risk! Switch off your boiler and call a Gas Safe engineer immediately.
The pilot light is a small, naked flame that is essential for igniting the gas. This flame should always burn blue, if your pilot light is burning yellow or orange this is an indicator of a carbon monoxide leak.
There are a few reasons why your boiler pilot light keeps going out, including:
You should never try to fix anything on your boiler yourself.
To prevent the boiler light from going out, it is essential to regularly check and maintain the boiler.
Inspect the thermocouple: Ensure the thermocouple is clean and properly positioned.
Check the pilot orifice: Inspect the pilot orifice for dirt buildup, which can obstruct the flame and prevent the pilot light from staying lit.
Monitor gas pressure: Ensure that the gas pressure is adequate. Low gas pressure can cause the pilot light to flicker or go out.
Check for draughts: Draughts can blow out the pilot light. Seal gaps around windows, doors, and any other openings where wind gusts may enter.
If you notice any changes or inconsistencies in how your boiler is operating, or are unsure about anything mentioned above, you should call a Gas Safe engineer for assistance. You should call a qualified Gas Safe engineer immediately if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, you should seek immediate help.
Regular maintenance can prevent these issues. If you are experiencing any of these issues, we advise consulting an experienced engineer sooner rather than later. You can also look into annual boiler servicing which we offer here at HeatBee from £75.
