Pilot Light Went Out and Won’t Restart? Here’s Why
When a pilot light keeps going out or refuses to relight on a furnace, boiler, water heater, or fireplace, it is almost always a safety component doing its job — usually a failing thermocouple. This guide explains why pilot lights fail and what to do, from the gas-licensed team at ROMA Heating & Cooling, serving Greater Vancouver since 1999. If you smell gas at any point, stop and call us immediately.
Why a Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
- Faulty or dirty thermocouple — the most common cause; it cannot sense the flame, so the gas valve shuts off for safety.
- Clogged pilot orifice — dust or debris restricts the small gas opening, weakening the flame.
- Drafts — a strong draft can blow out a weak pilot.
- Gas-supply issues — low pressure or air in the line after work on the system.
- Failed gas valve — less common, but a faulty valve will not hold the pilot.
Pilot Light Symptom vs Likely Cause
| What’s Happening | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| Lights, then goes out when you release the knob | Faulty thermocouple |
| Weak or yellow pilot flame | Clogged orifice or dirty pilot |
| Pilot blows out repeatedly | Draft or weak gas supply |
| Won’t light at all | Gas supply, air in line, or valve fault |
What You Can Safely Do
- Follow the appliance’s printed relight instructions for one attempt.
- Hold the pilot knob the full recommended time so the thermocouple heats up.
- Check that nearby drafts (open vents, fans) are not blowing the flame out.
- If it will not stay lit after one or two tries, stop and call a technician.
- If you smell gas, do not relight — ventilate and call immediately.
Professional Pilot & Thermocouple Repair
Our technicians test the thermocouple, clean or replace the pilot assembly, check gas pressure, and confirm the safety shutoff works correctly. Most pilot-light repairs are completed same-day across Greater Vancouver.
What Our Customers Say
“Our Lennox gas furnace stopped working right before the weekend. I called ROMA and they sent a tech the same day.”
— Caius Bilby, Google review (★★★★★)
“I had no heat and after three other companies failed to fix my furnace, a friend recommended Roma Heating.”
— Sima Mann, Google review (★★★★★)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my pilot light stay lit?
The most common cause is a faulty or dirty thermocouple, which fails to sense the flame and shuts the gas off as a safety measure. A clogged pilot orifice or a draft can also be responsible.
What is a thermocouple?
A thermocouple is a safety sensor that detects the pilot flame. If it does not sense heat, it closes the gas valve so unburned gas cannot escape — which is why a failed one stops the pilot staying lit.
Is it safe to relight a pilot myself?
Following the appliance’s printed instructions for a single relight is generally fine. If it will not stay lit, or you smell gas, stop and call a licensed technician.
Should I smell gas when relighting a pilot?
A brief, faint smell during lighting can be normal, but a persistent gas smell means you should stop, ventilate, and call for service immediately.
Can you replace a thermocouple same day?
Usually yes — it is a common part we carry, and most pilot/thermocouple repairs are completed in a single visit.
Related Heating Services
- Gas Water Heater Pilot Light Repair
- Gas Furnace Thermocouple Repair
- Furnace Not Heating
- Furnace Flame Sensor Replacement
- No-Heat Emergency Repair
- Gas Boiler Troubleshooting
Talk to a ROMA Technician Today
For fast, accurate diagnosis and repair anywhere in Greater Vancouver, call (604) 704-0300 or email info@romaheating.ca. Same-day and after-hours service, gas-licensed and insured, serving the Lower Mainland since 1999.
What Greater Vancouver Homeowners Say
“Nelson worked hard to get the NTI unit fixed. He was always polite, courteous and on time.”
“As always Nelson was super efficient. Showed up on time and was quick to work. I had a full maintenance done on the fireplaces and furnace. He was awesome. I won’t use anyone else.”
“Excellent service. Andy had a spare Carrier inducer with him which saved us time.”
“Was very prompt to respond to our issues. Technician was scheduled for the day following my initial call.”
“Very professional heating company. Price is reasonable, excellent work.”
“Highly recommend this company. It was a pleasure dealing with Shawn and Nelson.”
“Professional and courteous technicians with attention to detail and customer needs.”
“Always great, friendly service. Serviced the hot water on-demand system. Honest and informative. Thanks!”
“Speedy response time, honest, and professional service from start to finish.”
Why Greater Vancouver Trusts ROMA Heating & Cooling
ROMA Heating & Cooling has installed, repaired and maintained heating and cooling systems across Metro Vancouver since 1999. Our team are TSBC-licensed gas fitters (Gas LGA0202903) and Red Seal-trained technicians — licensed, bonded and insured — and we back every job with upfront, flat-rate pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We hold a 4.8★ rating from 221+ Google reviews.
- Authorized for 30+ brands (Lennox, Carrier, Viessmann, Navien, Rheem & more)
- Upfront flat-rate pricing — no overtime or hidden fees
- Free, no-obligation estimates on new installations
- Locally owned & operated in Burnaby, BC
No Hidden Fees
Our service rates are transparent and easy to understand. You approve upfront, flat-rate pricing before we start — so you never get a bill you didn’t expect.
Licensed & Bonded
ROMA is a TSBC-licensed gas contractor (Gas LGA0202903). Our technicians are bonded, insured and Red Seal-trained — qualified for any heating or cooling system.
Free Estimates
We offer free, no-obligation estimates on new installations — furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, air conditioners, tankless and hot-water tanks.
ROMA Heating & Cooling is a trusted HVAC contractor serving Metro Vancouver since 1999. We specialize in furnace repair, heat pump installation, boiler services, air conditioning, and emergency heating solutions for residential, commercial, and government clients. Available 24/7, our certified technicians deliver fast, reliable, and affordable HVAC services across Greater Vancouver.