InstallationUpdated June 28, 2026
Hot water is a daily necessity, especially during cold Glendale Heights winters. When a water heater's pilot light refuses to stay lit, the result is more than just inconvenience, it means cold showers and routines disrupted. In the older single-family homes common in our area, we see this problem often enough that it's worth explaining what goes wrong and how a professional can address it.
Why Pilot Lights Go Out in Local Homes
Most homes around Glendale Heights use gas water heaters, many of which still rely on a standing pilot light to ignite the burner. Over time, a few things tend to cause trouble with these units:
- Thermocouple failure, the safety device that senses the pilot flame can wear out or get coated in carbon.
- Drafts in the utility area, ventilation issues or gaps can blow out a pilot, especially when winter winds pick up.
- Clogged pilot orifice, dust or debris can block the tiny gas passage.
- Main gas supply problems, older valves or sediment in lines can limit flow.
- Improperly set gas control knob, accidentally switched to off or pilot-only mode.
With many homes built in the 1960s through 1980s, original or older replacement water heaters aren't uncommon. Regular wear and tear, sediment from moderately hard Lake Michigan water, and old ventilation setups all play a part.
How Our Team Troubleshoots Pilot Light Issues
When we're called to a water heater with a stubborn or repeatedly failing pilot light, we follow a straightforward process. First, we shut off the gas at the unit's control and let it air out briefly. Then we visually inspect the burner compartment for signs of soot, rust flakes, or a gunked-up pilot assembly.
We use a multimeter to check the thermocouple output and look for less obvious issues, like a sticking gas control valve or moisture in the combustion chamber. If the pilot orifice is clogged, we remove, clean, and reinstall it. If the thermocouple is weak, we replace it with a correct-match part. Safety comes first, so we always check for gas leaks and verify proper venting before relighting anything. For homeowners interested in more on our approach, we explain it in detail on our water heater services page.
Steps to Safely Relight a Pilot Light
Relighting a pilot is sometimes possible for homeowners, but those unsure of the steps or concerned about gas should leave it to licensed plumbers. For those comfortable attempting it, these are the basic steps for a typical gas water heater:
- Turn the gas control knob to "OFF" and wait a few minutes for leftover gas to clear.
- Set the knob to "PILOT" and hold it down while clicking the ignition button (or carefully lighting with a long match as instructed by your heater's manual).
- Keep holding the pilot button for 30-60 seconds to let the thermocouple heat up.
- Release the button and check that the pilot stays lit. If it does, turn the knob to "ON."
- If the pilot goes out again, the thermocouple or pilot assembly probably needs service.
If gas smells persist or the pilot refuses to stay lit after two or three tries, it's better to call a professional than risk further issues. Working with gas lines always carries some risk. For more on when that's needed, our emergency plumbing info covers what counts as a true urgent situation.
When a New Water Heater Makes Sense
Frequent pilot failures in an older heater often point to a unit nearing its lifespan. Most tank-style models last 8-12 years, sometimes longer with routine anode rod checks and sediment flushing. In homes with galvanized or cast iron supply lines, age-related corrosion can also impact water quality and heating reliability.
If repairs start adding up, especially if you notice rust in the hot water, inconsistent temperatures, or small leaks near the base, a new water heater installation saves money and headaches. We regularly install efficient models that suit the needs of Glendale Heights families. We also help homeowners determine whether a tankless or standard tank model is best for their space and hot water habits. Our crew is prepared to handle upgrades safely, including all required code checks and proper venting. For repiping older lines or updating rusted connectors, we've got info on our pipe repair and repiping services.
Common Warning Signs of Bigger Water Heater Problems
- Pilot light goes out more than once a month
- Burner won't ignite even after repeated attempts
- Water smells metallic or looks rusty
- Hot water runs out much faster than before
- Unexplained water pooling around the heater
These issues shouldn't be ignored. Sediment buildup is a big factor locally, given our moderately hard water supply. It's smart to flush your heater once a year, and to have a professional check the anode rod and main gas connections from time to time. Details about water line maintenance are available on our water line services page.
Trust Local Pros for Safe Installation and Service
Whether you need a pilot relight, a full tank replacement, or help tracking down a hidden leak, experience matters. Water heaters tie into gas, water, and venting systems, so everything needs to be in order to keep your family safe. Our team has decades working with the housing stock in this part of DuPage County. We know the common brands, parts, and installation challenges found around Glendale Heights. We also address related issues like sump pit performance, since basement moisture and clay-heavy soils can accelerate tank rust and corrosion. Learn more about our sump pump services if you've noticed dampness near your heater or utility area.
For quick water heater help anywhere in Glendale Heights, call us at 630-381-5438. Our licensed plumbers are ready to solve pilot light problems and get your hot water working again, safely and efficiently.