Why It Happens and How to Fix It
If you’ve ever walked into your home on a cold morning only to find that your boiler isn’t working, you might have discovered that your pilot light has gone out on your boiler. This is one of the most common boiler issues we see from our clients, and it’s usually not something to panic about but it does need addressing to get your heating and hot water back on track.
In this blog, we’ll explain why this happens, what’s going wrong, and how you can safely try to fix it. And if you need professional help, our team is just a call away.
Why Your Boiler Pilot Light Goes Out
The pilot light is the small flame inside your boiler that ignites the main gas burner. If it goes out, your boiler can’t heat your home or water, leaving you with no warmth or hot showers. There are several common reasons why this happens:
Faulty Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a safety device that detects whether the pilot light is lit. If it’s faulty, it may shut off the gas supply, causing the pilot light to go out. This is a safety feature, but it does mean your boiler won’t stay on.Drafts or Airflow Issues
Sometimes, drafts from open windows or vents can blow out the pilot light. While this is less common in modern homes, it can still happen, especially if your boiler is installed in a breezy area.Low Gas Pressure
If your home has low gas pressure, it can prevent the pilot light from staying lit. This might be due to issues with your gas supply or problems within the boiler itself.Dirty or Clogged Burner
Over time, dirt, dust, or debris can build up in the burner, affecting the pilot light. If the flame is weak or inconsistent, it may go out frequently.Old or Worn-Out Boiler
Older boilers are more prone to pilot light issues, particularly if they haven’t been serviced regularly. Components like the thermocouple, gas valve, or burner can wear out and need replacing.
How to Fix a Boiler Pilot Light That’s Gone Out
If your pilot light has gone out on your boiler, there are a few steps you can safely take:
Check the Boiler Manual
Before doing anything, check your boiler’s user manual. Modern boilers often have specific instructions for relighting the pilot light.Turn Off the Gas Supply
Safety first! Ensure the gas supply to the boiler is switched off before attempting to relight the pilot light.Relight the Pilot Light
For older boilers with a manual pilot, you’ll usually need to press and hold a reset button or knob while using a match or lighter to relight the flame. Keep the button held for 30–60 seconds to ensure the thermocouple detects the flame.Check for Other Issues
If the pilot light goes out again immediately, it’s likely a deeper issue, such as a faulty thermocouple, gas valve problem, or a clogged burner.
Important: If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, do not attempt to relight the pilot. Evacuate the property immediately and call your gas supplier or a professional engineer.
Call Us Don’t Risk Gas Problems Yourself
While some minor boiler issues can be fixed at home, working with gas is dangerous. Relighting a pilot light, adjusting components, or trying DIY repairs can put you and your household at serious risk.
That’s where we come in. The qualified engineers deal with pilot lights gone out on boilers all the time. We can safely:
Diagnose why your pilot light keeps going out
Replace faulty thermocouples, gas valves, or burners
Carry out full boiler repairs or servicing
Ensure your boiler is operating safely and efficiently
Trying to fix it yourself could make the problem worse or worse, cause a dangerous gas leak. Let our experienced team handle it quickly and safely so you can enjoy reliable heating and hot water without the stress.
We Can Get Your Boiler Back On
If your pilot light has gone out on your boiler, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Call us today, and we’ll send an engineer to:
Relight your pilot safely if possible
Diagnose any underlying issues
Repair or replace faulty parts
Give you peace of mind that your boiler is safe and fully operational
The friendly, qualified team has helped countless clients with boiler problems like this. We’re just a call away to get your home warm again safely, quickly, and efficiently.
A pilot light gone out on your boiler might seem like a small problem, but it can quickly leave your home without heating or hot water. Trying to fix it yourself can be dangerous, and repeated attempts could make the issue worse.
That’s why calling a professional is the safest and fastest solution. Our team has the experience and expertise to get your boiler running safely again, whether it’s a simple relight, a part replacement, or a full repair.
Get Your Boiler Back on Safely Today
Don’t risk working with gas yourself call us for expert engineers today! We’ll safely fix your boiler, relight your pilot light, and ensure your heating and hot water are back on without delay. The team we connect you with is experienced, friendly and ready to help you stay warm and worry-free.