Why does my patio heater keep cutting out

One common issue that patio heater owners face is keeping their patio heater lit. The typical cause for this is that the pilot light flame has become too far away from the thermocouple. Thus, the thermocouple will turn off the patio heater as it tricks the gas value in to thinking that the pilot light is out.

How do you clean a thermocouple on a propane patio heater?

By using steel wool, you can gently rub the thermocouple. If you are using a dry sponge, you need to make sure that you are using the abrasive side of it. Otherwise, you will not be able to complete the cleaning process effectively. You should keep on cleaning until you remove all soot trapped in the thermocouple.

What does a thermocouple do on a patio heater?

The thermocouple of a gas patio heater is a safety component designed to prevent gas leaks when the pilot goes out. It’s a copper rod that sits next to the pilot tube on the other side of the spark igniter; it allows gas to flow through the pilot tube when it detects heat from the pilot light.

Why does my pilot light go out when I release the pilot light knob?

The most likely of those is that the thermocouple needs to be replaced. The button you press to light the pilot bypasses the thermocouple. When you release the button, the thermocouple ensures that unburned gas doesn’t get released by shutting off the gas when it’s not heated by the burning pilot light.

What's a thermocouple look like?

The thermocouple looks like a piece of metal tubing smaller than a soda straw. To find it, first locate the gas control box. This is the box that the main gas line enters, where you turn the gas on in the furnace. (On most furnaces, it also houses the button that you hold open or push to relight the pilot.)

How do you jump a thermocouple?

Move the tilts switch wire aside.
Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench.
Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. …
Remove the valve using your pliers. …
Put your thermocouple back into position.

Why won't my pilot light stay lit on my propane heater?

If the thermocouple is too far from the flame, this can cause the pilot to go out and shut down the propane heater; you can fix this easily by moving the thermocouple closer to the flame. The thermocouple could also be worn out, in which case it needs to be replaced.

Where is the thermocouple on a propane heater?

Locate the receptacle for the other end of the thermocouple on the gas valve. It’s usually just under the red control knob.

Can I clean a thermocouple?

Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up.

Can you manually light a patio heater?

To manually light a patio heater with a pilot ignition system, all you have to do is push and turn the control knob and then press the stick button a few times. To light up a patio heater without a pilot ignition system, you will have to factor in the gas control knob as well.

Article first time published on

How do you know if your thermocouple is bad?

If you can’t get the flame to light at all, and you’re sure the gas is on, there’s probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that’s the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.

How much is a thermocouple?

1 cause of pilot lights that won’t stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. It’s easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Rather than trying to unfasten the thermocouple inside the water heater’s burning chamber, it’s easier to remove the whole burner and thermocouple assembly.

Can you fix thermocouple?

Thermocouples are designed to detect a pilot light’s loss of heat and close the gas valve to prevent a gas leak. Replacing a thermocouple is a relatively easy fix that can take less than two hours.

What causes thermocouple to fail?

A good thermocouple is going to be used, and that can lead to metal fatigue. Changes in temperature can cause regular expansion and contraction in metal, which will cause thermocouples to weaken over time. After enough time, metal fatigue can cause a thermocouple to break.

Do you need thermocouple on patio heater?

Without a pilot light, the gas valve will not work, and neither will your heater. Because the thermocouple serves as a safety device, you should not use the patio heater if it is not working.

What is thermocouple sensor?

A thermocouple is a sensor that measures temperature. It consists of two different types of metals, joined together at one end. When the junction of the two metals is heated or cooled, a voltage is created that can be correlated back to the temperature.

How much does it cost to replace a furnace thermocouple?

Cost to Replace a Thermocouple on a Furnace Replacing a thermocouple costs $150 to $250, mostly due to labor time. On older models without an ignitor, it checks to make sure your pilot light is lit. If it’s not, it’ll shut the gas off.

How do you turn off a thermocouple?

Turn off the gas on the main line that supplies your gas fired appliance. …
Remove the thermocouple access panel. …
Locate the thermocouple proper. …
Disconnect the nut that attaches the thermocouple to the gas control valve with your wrench.

How do you troubleshoot a propane heater?

Step 1: Turn Off the Gas Supply.
Step 2: Use a Brush to Clean.
Step 3: Cleaning the Heater’s Cover Panel.
Step 4: Vacuum the Internal parts.
Step 5: Putting Everything Back.

Why is my gas heater not lighting?

There are several possible reasons why your gas furnace pilot won’t light: an ongoing draft, a faulty thermocouple, an accumulation of dirt, or an inefficient supply.

How do I reset my propane heater?

Find the switch mounted on or near the furnace and turn the power off. …
Wait about 10 seconds.
Turn the switch or breaker back on and check the furnace to see that it has power again.

Why does my ventless heater keep going out?

The heater won’t operate properly if the pilot flickers, is too weak or goes out, and the cause could also be blockages in the pilot tube. Another cause of a weak pilot is a faulty thermocouple. It’s a heat sensor placed next to the pilot flame that signals the gas valve to stay open when the flame is burning.

How do you light a patio heater without a pilot light?

Make sure heater is in the “off” position and propane tank is completely closed.
Attach propane tank and open slowly until is in a fully open position.
Depress gas control knob and turn to the “low” position. …
Continue to keep gas control knob depressed for 30 seconds.

How do I fix my pilot light?

Find the pilot light assembly and its reset switch. The furnace’s pilot light is usually positioned at the bottom of the unit by a knob. …
Set the reset switch to off. Turn the knob to the “Off” setting. …
Wait a moment. …
Relight the pilot light. …
Observe the furnace.

Will a pilot light on a thermocouple go bad?

A thermocouple senses the heat of the pilot and allows gas to flow to the burner. A bad thermocouple will shut off gas to both the pilot and the burner so the pilot light won’t stay lit.

What are the types of thermocouple?

Thermocouple Types: Type J, Type K, Type N, Type T, Type E, Type R, Type S, Type B, Type C. A thermocouple consists of a welded ‘hot’ junction between two dissimilar metals – usually wires – and a reference junction at the opposite end.

Why does the pilot light keep going out?

A faulty, misaligned, dirty, or damaged thermocouple is often the culprit behind your pilot light going out. The thermocouple is an automatic safety shutoff device that prevents the gas valve from opening if the pilot light is out.

How much does it cost to replace a pilot light?

You can replace the thermocouple yourself for around $20. If you hire a contractor to do the work, it will cost $45 to $150. A contractor fixing the thermocouple and the pilot light will usually be able to replace both in one hour, meaning it will be $45 to $150 for both.

How much does it cost to fix a pilot light?

ServiceAverage cost to repairPilot light replacement$50 – $200Pressure relief valve replacement$50 – $300Thermocouple replacement$100 – $325Thermostat replacement$100 – $350

Are thermocouples universal?

Honeywell, White Rodgers, and other manufacturers make universal replacement thermocouples, usually with a 30-millivolts (mV) rating for standing-pilot furnaces. … Electronic flame sensors are much less universal, and you must find the exact part specified for your furnace model.