Water heater pilot won’t stay lit – 6 reasons. How to Fix?
Nothing irritates someone like rushing to take a hot bath in your bathroom only to find that your shower head is giving you cold water. There are many reasons which could lead to this, and therefore you need to scrutinize the water heater and ensure its operating effectively. For instance, you need to check signs like if the water heater pilot won’t stay lit and therefore, troubleshoot the problem.
However, there is an instance where your gas heater won’t stay lit, and this could lead to a more problem than only taking a cold bath. You need to troubleshoot and check your water shower. If the water heater pilot stays lit after several trials, then you need to contact a professional technician who will help solve the problem.
The reason why your water heater keeps turning off
There are many reasons as to why your water heater keeps turning off and therefore you need to identify the reasons and ensure that you troubleshoot the problem. Here are the top reasons your pilot won’t stay on and the various method which you can adopt to fix the issue
Dirty pilot tube
If dirt and debris can collect in them pilot tube, then there are great chances that it’s going to lead to blockage of the flow of the gas. Due to this, the pilot does not get enough fuel to stay lit. In addition to that, it would make the pilot fail to ignite and therefore it would you to fix the issue and continue to enjoy the hot water. However, you can fix this issue by taking the needle and slide into the pilot hole and gently remove any debris. You need to repeat the same try for a couple of times depending on the debris in the tube. You need to proceed and light up the pilot and see if it works properly.
Obstructed thermocouple
Most of the old water heaters use the thermocouple as the primary operating organ. However, there is thermocouple which may end being obstructed. Therefore, it could be difficult to read the electrical current which is used to indicate whether the pilot light is on and off. The thermocouple has been designed to turn off gas supply anytime it detects the unlit pilot for all the safety precautions. If your thermocouple is not functioning properly, then you need to troubleshoot and identify the problem and develop the right solution for the issue. For instance, most of the obstructions are caused by dirt, and you can clean using the sandpaper. You need to fix this problem, but you should ensure the gas is off. It would ensure that your component is working properly and ensure there is an appropriate replacement.
Damaged Thermocouple
It is another major scenario which could happen, and you need to replace the pilot. For instance, the damage is likely to be in the form of the sensor being bent away from the pilot light or others may need a longer functional. You can fix this problem by examining the thermocouple and ensure at the end should lightly touch the flame when the pilots lit. There is some thermocouple which shows no signs of damages and is very clean, and therefore you need to test a multimeter. For example, if the reading is above 20MV, then the thermocouple is a relative good, and if it falls below that, then you need the clear the sign and ensure there is a replacement.
Main Control Valve
If it is faulty in the central control, this could lead to the pilot failing to light off. It’s a very rare case, but if the main control valve has a problem, then the hot water tank won’t stay lit. The valve is likely to have seldom, and therefore you need to develop a solution for the control valve. You need to ensure that you replace it with other several from the toolset. If the control valve gets faults, then you need to consult with the technician, and he will be able to able to repair it. You should also consider changing the control valve altogether, and this would help cut all the cost, which are related valve.
Curved Thermocouple
Apart from the common dirt and other grime, a thermocouple can bent and this could lead to a point where it’s no longer functional. For instance, there are cases where the thermocouple may bent too far away from the pilot and this could lead the pilot failing to heat. All that you need to do when you found yourself in this situation is that you should ensure all the precaution and safety measure have been adhered and then ensure the issue has been fixed accordingly. Normally the flame should always flame when lightly touch the thermocouple or being close enough to heat the device. In addition to that you should ensure that you have a wrapping around the sensor.
Flex Tube issues
If the hot water heater does not stay lit even after troubleshooting approaches, then you need to check for all the flex tube issues too to ensure they are functional. The flex tubing is the tube which connects to the gas controller and also ensures there is steady gas stream. However, if the tube is kinked then it will likely to prevent any smooth operation or the flow of gas. You need to ensure there is good flow of the gas for the pilot to heat.
Final thought
Gas heater has been termed as one of the oldest ways of heating the water despite being used by many people for long time. The most frustrating thing is that there are times when the water heater pilot light won’t stay lit and therefore it could need you to troubleshoot the problem and fix it. Once you have identified the problem you need to ensure that the issues have been fixed by a professional technician. In the days to come there are major changes which need to be done to ensure all the issues which are related to water heater have been resolved.
Water heater pilot won’t stay lit FAQ
Why does my pilot light keep going out?
In this case likely you have a broken thermocouple in your gas furnace if not then indicator itself was died.
How do you know if you have a bad thermocouple?
You have a bad thermocouple If the flame lights and goes out.
Why does my gas heater keep shutting off?
In this case it could be due to low airflow. Need to clean it.
How long does a thermocouple last?
Usually it can work a few years but less then furnace
Should pilot light always be on water heater?
Yes, it should be. If you don’t see it probably something wrong.
No Power to Thermostat – The 5 Basics You Should Know
It is not only frustrating and annoying if there is no power to thermostat as it can also keep you from maintaining the most comfortable temperature inside your home. There are actually several common reasons why a thermostat doesn’t have power and being familiar with them can go a long way in solving the problem.
Thermostats are special devices that automatically regulate temperature or they can also activate a device once a specific temperature has been reached. You can find thermostats almost anywhere you go and you might even use them in your everyday life, including those you can find in fridges, freezers, boilers, and ovens.
When the days turn too cold or too hot, a faulty thermostat is the last thing you’d want to have in your home.
But before you think of handling the problem with your own two hands, there are several important things you have to know:
Thermostats and Their Different Types
To solve the issue of no power to thermostat, it is important to know first the different types of thermostats that you can find in the market right now. You wouldn’t want to use the right method of fixing on the wrong appliance. Thermostats come in several types and for this reason, it is important for you to understand these types before fixing the device.
- Programmable
A programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature in the same way that you set an alarm clock in advance. The temperatures can also be pre-set to the specific times you prefer as well as the certain times of the day.
- Non-programmable
This kind of thermostat mainly features a LED display screen and buttons to help you increase or decrease the temperature or switch from cooling to heating.
- Touch Screen
Smart thermostats are those that let you do everything with a mere touch of your finger. These smart thermostats are now very popular with the rise of the so-called smart homes.
- Outlet
This is a type of thermostat that works great with portable appliances, which explains the name.
- Wireless
Wireless thermostats are very trendy although you can expect them to add to your electricity and gas expenses.
No Power to Thermostat – Things to Check
There are different reasons why your thermostat doesn’t have power. The most common causes include the following:
- Power
It is a must that you check all the details of your thermostat and identify the amount of volts it requires to run. You also have to know if your source of power can supply the necessary volts to your thermostat. Don’t expect a thermostat with 240V to work if your power source is only 120V.
- Blown Fuse or Tripped Circuit Breaker
Every time a power surge occurs, it can take its toll on the fuse and circuit breaks and if they are hit too hard, they will stop working and you might assume that you have a faulty thermostat. If this is the case, you can fix the problem by getting a replacement for the circuit breaker or fuse.
- Battery
Most of the time, the battery is the one at fault and you can bring your thermostat back to life by getting new batteries. If the battery of your thermostat is dead, it will make you think that the problem lies with your device. Buying fresh batteries can go a very long way to fix the problem of no power to thermostat.
- Check the Thermostat Settings
It is a problem common in touch screen thermostats wherein you touched a particular setting when you meant to change the other or the thermostat doesn’t fit your finger’s size. You might have accidentally changed the settings without you knowing it. Check to make sure that every setting is exactly as what you like it to be. If there are some changes you didn’t remember making, set the settings to default or pick those suitable for you.
- Thermostat Wiring
Those wires surrounding your thermostat might be the culprit behind the problem. One wire was probably loosely connected, burnt out, or has complete come off. Screwing or replacing the wire is sometimes all it takes to have the issue fixed.
- Anticipator
The anticipator is that electrical resistor device you can find in the middle of the thermostat. Its primary function is fine tuning all the points wherein the thermostat has turned the furnace burners off. Your thermostat can work once again if you adjust the anticipator. But again, you have to make sure that you concentrate well when doing this.
- Dust
Similar to other types of appliances, you need to dust your thermostat. If you notice too much build up of dust on the device, use a dry cloth to wipe it off.
- Longevity
Longevity is probably why there is no power to thermostat. Think how long you have been using your thermostat. If this has been used for quite a long time, chances are the device already died of old age.
Other Tips When There is No Power to Thermostat
When shopping for your thermostat, always check its quality. You don’t need a low quality device that could end up breaking down any time with no warning signs.
It can also help to troubleshoot your thermostat. Like your phones and laptops, thermostats can also get overloaded, making a reboot necessary. It could be one of the first steps you have to take if your thermostat has no power. Just be careful though, because problems may arise if the thermostat has an electrical fault.
Always rule out any other possibility before you assume that the problem lies in the thermostat itself.
The Bottom Line
Before getting in touch with a professional, try to follow first the tips mentioned above. This way, you will know if the issue is something you can fix on your own or it requires an expert to solve it. Practice extreme care when doing these steps to stay safe and prevent electrocution.
No Power to Thermostat FAQ
Is replacing a thermostat easy?
Usually yes, it’s easy, nothing difficult. But sometimes you can find a rare thermostat, which will be a hard and dangerous to replace. Call the master in this case.
When need to replace your thermostat?
Every time you replace your heater or air conditioner, you should be installing a new thermostat as well.
Can thermostat work without battery?
Not long time as you wish. Modern thermostats can working a few hours without battery and then will need to replace it. More older types can’t work without battery.
What happens if my thermostat batteries die?
Nothing good. You will see a black screen on your thermostat and all gadgets, which was connecting with this thermostat will stop working.
How to fix shower diverter? Shower Repair Explained
Turning your shower on should be as easy the flip of the switch, but if your shower diverter has a problem, then you are likely to have difficulties to operates the shower. How to fix shower diverter? What most people don’t know is that you can repair your shower diverter quick and easy. In this article, we shall explore the various ways in which you can repair the diverter valve and continues to enjoy your shower.
What is a water diverter valve?
It refers to a valve that diverts the flow of the water from the bathtub faucet direct to the showerhead. It helps facilitate you to have the shower and a bathtub in the same space, which is very important while taking your shower. Most of the shower diverters are controlled by a pin knob which you are supposed to pull. However, there are different type of shower diverter which you can use. Sometimes the diverter gate gets stuck and when you try to turn it on or pull it up and then it refuses to budge or makes squeaky. The highest chance is that it has accumulated some dirt and limescale and therefore you need to fix the problem.
How to repair a shower diverter?
Once you realize the shower diverter is broken, you need to proceed and fix the problem. A broker shower diverter is likely to waste a lot of water which could increase the water bill and also limit the shower experience. You can follow the following steps and fix your shower diverter.
Remove the valve diverter.
You need to shut off the water first and turn the faucet on until that time when the water will stop to flows. Seeping water is likely to mess your workplace, and this could make it difficult for you to fix the broken shower diverter. Once you have ensured, there is no water leakage, and then you can move to the next step. It would help if you were more careful while removing the valve diverter to avoid causing more damages.
Troubleshoot the diverter
You need to identify the main issue which needs to be fixed on the shower diverter since there are some which may not need much to get restored. For instance, there are some shower which needs to tighten the screw while others need more repair and therefore troubleshooting the problem is essential. Once you try to fix the diverter and the water continues to pour then you to get further and fix the problem.
Remove the old shower diverter.
You need to disassemble the shower diverter and remove all the part of the diverter, especially if your diverter has a rotating valve. Ensure that you have unscrewed the nut of the diverter and also remove the entire valve and this would allow you to detect the problem. You are likely to diagnose the problem and fix it if you open all the part and check the parts which could be causing the leakages.
Choose another new diverter.
Once you have removed the old diverter, then you need to replace it with the new shower diverter, and the most suitable thing is to ensure that you get in the store with the old diverter to get the right one. There are different types of shower diverter which have different valves, and therefore you need to choose one which is the best fit for your head shower. You need to get the best replacement from the reliable store which could ensure you get a reliable item.
Install the new shower diverter
You need to install the new diverter in your bathroom by ensuring that you have connected all the parts of the valve with each other. You need to make good use of the wrench, and this would help to tighten the diverter valve by ensuring that you are more careful not to overtighten. In addition to that, you also need to adjust effectively and ensure the valve is placed in the right position to ensure there is a good flow of the water.
Test the valve
Once you have installed the valve, then you need to proceed and test the valve by turning the water supply back and then ensure that you engage the shower diverter. You need to ensure that you have directed the water flow to the showerhead and this would ensure there is no water leakage from the bathtub.
With the above steps, you will have successfully replaced the shower diverter and stop the water leakage. A broken shower in your house is likely to cause more damage to your house, and therefore you need an urgent solution for the shower problem. It’s important to note that there are water diverter valves which are located in the spouts and therefore it would be prudent for you to take out the entire spout off and get replaced with a suitable mechanism.
There is a quick check-up which you can undertake when you have your shower diverter having a problem which includes soaking the parts in a mixture of the vinegar and water for about 15 minutes. Then you will need to use the brush and gently scrub away and then rinse off thoroughly. There are times when the shower diverter could be clogged, and this could lead to damage to the valve, and once it has been cleaned, you can be able to use it.
Prevention of shower diverter to wear and tear
To ensure that you reduce the strain and the wear on your shower diverter you need to undertake some measures which will be aimed to prevent the leakage which includes allowed the water flow from the tub faucet for some few seconds before you can turn off the water. In addition to that, it’s worth noting if you find it hard to replace your shower diverter by yourself then you need to hire a reputational plumber who would ensure that your shower valve is replaced well.
There are readily available tutorials in the YouTube and also Google, which you can always use and fix your shower diverter within some few minutes. For the two-valve or the three-valve bathroom spouts, you need to be more careful as it needs more care for you to replace them.
How to fix shower diverter FAQ
Can you repair a shower diverter?
Yes, you can if you feel like a pro it will be easy and a little more difficult if you are a beginner.
Can a shower diverter cause a leak?
Yes, it can be, infrequently, but not never. Call the master if you think that you can’t repair it alone.
What does diverter valve look like?
It’s always have a golden color. Do not confuse it.
Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining
Imagine if you just got up and wanted to do dishes, but your dishwasher is not draining. It would be awful if the water started to stink and make everyone in the house feel uncomfortable. If this issue makes the kitchen unbearable, you may need to call a dishwasher technician or company representative to fix your equipment. Hiring a specialist to repair the drainage system can be costly. The easiest way to fix the dishwasher is to do it by yourself. Repairing a drainage system is not as complicated as most people think. There are different models of frigidaire dishwasher but this can cause only minor changes to the repairing process. There are many factors that can cause a frigidaire dishwasher to stop draining. In this article, you will learn why your frigidaire dishwasher is not draining and how to fix it in the most efficient manner.
- Fault in Drain Pump Motor
- A Clogged Drain Hose
- A Clogged Drain Valve
- The Water Pump Belt
- Fault in Garbage Disposer
- Fault in Drain Solenoid
- Faulty Check Ball
- Fault in Pump and Motor Assembly
Drain Pump:
dishwasher
The drain pump is a motor in the dishwasher that uses an impeller to force water through the drain hose. If the pump stops running due to some reasons, you will find stagnant water in the frigidaire dishwasher unless you test the drain pump. You can use a multimeter to check the continuity of the drain pump motor to confirm that the pump is the actual cause of the frigidaire dishwasher draining problem. If there is no continuity in the motor or there is electricity but it does not work, then you should replace the drain pump. It can be done by using some magnetic screwdrivers and other common tools. The drain pump motor can not be repaired and if it is damaged then replacement is the only solution.
Drain Hose:
It is a connector between the dishwasher and the garbage disposer. If the drain hose of the frigidaire dishwasher is clogged, it could also stop draining. In this case, you can fix the problem by just removing it from the sink and dishwasher drain and cleaning it thoroughly. This issue can also be prevented by checking the garbage disposer and dishwasher branch regularly.
Drain Valve:
With the passage of time, drain valves can become clogged with debris, blocking the flow of water. If this is the problem then you just have to clean the valve. If it does not start working properly even after the cleaning process, it may be time to replace it as it cannot be repaired.
Water Pump Belt:
Dishwasher Not Draining
Not all but some dishwashers are equipped with water pump belts. The water pump belt may also break or fall off. In either case, the frigidaire dishwasher can stop draining. To determine if your dishwasher has a water pump belt you can start by searching for the model number and the place where the belt is located. If your dishwasher has one, you should remove the bottom panel and assess it. The belt should be placed at the bottom of the water pump motor and it should be replaced if it is broken or worn out.
Waste/Garbage Disposer:
The garbage disposers are equipped with a strong plug in the drain pipe. If the disposer is installed recently then there are possibilities that the plug is still intact and can be fixed easily. Keep the drain plug intact if you are not connecting the dishwasher with the garbage disposer. The plug should be removed if the garbage disposer is to be attached with the dishwasher.
If the waste disposer is installed for a long time then it may be possible that the disposer is full of waste and is blocking the water to drain. In this case, the disposer should be removed from the drain hose to clean it properly. You should make sure that the fitting in the garbage disposer and at the bottom of the drain hose is clean. These are the most common places where conflict is likely to occur if the frigidaire dishwasher is not draining.
Drain Solenoid:
Drain solenoid has to open the drain valve to get the water out from the dishwasher. If the drain solenoid does not open the valve, the dishwasher will not be able to drain water and you will need a technician to get it repaired. If it requires more than a minor repair then replacing drain solenoid is the most recommended solution.
The Check Ball:
Sometimes you look at the dishwasher and the water is draining but if you see after a while you will notice that there is water at the bottom of the frigidaire dishwasher. This may be due to the backflow of water from the dishwasher. The check ball prevents water from coming back and if this plastic check ball got stuck, it can result in the restriction of water drainage through the drain valve. You should use a screwdriver or any other suitable tool to release the ball and lubricate it.
Pump and Motor Assembly:
The role of the motor is to direct the impeller to drain water from the hose. The motor will run perfectly during the drain cycle if there is no obstruction. If it stops working properly and starts making noise then both pump and motor should troubleshoot and should be replaced if there is a major issue.
The Bottom Line:
The Bottom Line
Above mentioned causes and their solution can help you to fix the draining system but you should know the fact that all damages cannot be repaired. Prevention seems to be the best solution that will save you from major damages and will increase the life of your frigidaire dishwasher. Regular cleaning and periodic maintenance prevent you from falling into the hands of pseudo specialists, who offer you fake repairs at a very high cost. Make sure you never reach a point where you can’t fix your dishwasher by adopting a DIY (Do It Yourself) mechanism.
Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining – FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions related to how tall is a story.
How do you unclog a Frigidaire dishwasher drain?
Need to remove the drain hose from both the dishwasher and the sink drain and clean it out. Careful, need to remove both. Then put it in again.
Nothing helps me?
Just double check our guide. If it not help, then no need to worry, call the master.
How do you unclog a dishwasher with baking soda?
Add the vinegar and baking soda solution to the dishwasher basket at the bottom. Let it sit for around 15-20 minutes and then pour in some boiling to the basket to clear away the clog. Need to do it regular. This is important, because it will help extend its lifespan.
How long lifetime dishwashers?
It depends on the dishwasher, but usually about 10 years.
2 
How Many Amps Does A Dryer Use: A Comprehensive Analysis
Nowadays, almost every family around the globe possesses a hair dryer in their house, it’s a popular household appliance. However, people only care about the drying performance of the dryer and pay very little attention to its electric current along with energy rating. Do you know how many amps does a dryer use? In the case the issue never crosses your mind, this article could provide with the answer and some interesting information.
How Many Amps Does A Dryer Use
In most of the case, you should be able to find the rating of the dryer electric current on the information label of the appliance. Otherwise, you may have to do some conversions. Old dryers often use 15 – 20 amps but modern products could go as high as 30 amps. Generally speaking, hair dryers are surprisingly powerful and energy-hungry for their sizes. Therefore, it’s very unwise to underestimate the hair dryer influence on the house electrical system.
Before you buy a fryer, you must ensure that its handling characteristics and electric ratings are suitable for your house. It’s not exactly an expensive investment that requires thorough inspection but to buy an electric appliance without proper consideration is strongly ill-advised nonetheless. Beside the fact the dryer may be unable to satisfy your need, you would risk the integrity of the house wiring arrangement if you buy on a whim.
The Consequences Of Underestimating The Dyer Impact On The System
So you are in rush to get ready for work, you grab your dryer, plug it in and without warning, you are surrounded by darkness. There are many things that could cause power overload but if they often happen when you drying your hair, your dryer may be the culprit. In order to get rid of the constant outages or at least alleviate the situation somewhat, you could try out these methods below:
Check Out The Circuit Breaker
The circuit breaker job is to monitor the flow of electricity on a circuit and disconnects power when the current reach above the determined level. In order to avoid overheating and prevent electrical fire, it’s important not to choose a circuit breaker with a high rating. On the other hand, a breaker with a low rating is also inappropriate since it’s going to “trip” continuously which shall prove very frustrating for most people.
For example, if your dyer rating is 30 amps but your breaker is rated at 20 amps, the breaker would trip every time you use the dryer. In contrast, if you use a 40 amps breaker on a circuit that is designed to carry 30 amps, the current would be allowed to pass through undisturbed till it exceeds 40 amps. This is extremely dangerous since by the time the breaker could do its job, the entire system may overheat already.
Reduce The Number Of Appliances
One of the simplest ways to solve power outages caused by circuit overload is to reduce the number of appliances in use on one circuit. For instance, in the summer/winter, people often use many devices to keep the house temperature at an acceptable level. Leaving multiple appliances on at the same time may generate a load that exceeds the capacity of the electrical wiring.
For the solution, it’s recommended that you disperse all plugged in device across the house circuits. You could use extension so you don’t have to concentrate many appliances on a particular circuit. In order to figure out the number of the circuits you have in the house, you should check out the breaker box. If needed, you could call an electrician over and let him take a look at the breaker box as well as the house electrical system.
Increase The Circuit Power Rating
Homes that are built before the end of the 20th century often have circuits with a rather low power rating compared to modern day appliances. As a result, it could be difficult for you to use hair dryers with high power ratings in such houses. While it’s easy to buy a hair dryer that matches the power rating of the house circuits, you should consider updating the house wiring.
By getting new internal wiring, you would be able to increase the circuit power rating as well as solve a wide range of electrical problems. It’s always good to know that the electrical system of your house is safe, modern and up to date. Technically speaking, you could attempt to do the wiring on your own as long as you have the tools and know exactly what to do. If you need help, there are a lot of places that offer rewiring and maintenance service.
Give Your Dryer Its Own Circuit
If the above methods appear to be ineffective of not feasible to you, you could give your dryer its personal circuit with a proper rating. That should solve your overload issue or significantly reduce the number of times it happens.