If your furnace pilot light keeps going out, turn the gas control knob to “Off,” wait five minutes, and relight it carefully. If the flame won’t stay lit, a worn thermocouple, restricted gas flow, or nearby draft could be the cause. In Brilliant’s small-town basements near Route 7, air movement and aging valves often make this a recurring winter problem.
Brilliant’s homes vary from early-1900s foundations near La Belle View to newer hillside builds in Brilliant Heights. Many basements sit close to the Ohio River, where cold air seeps through stone walls and utility penetrations. That airflow can quickly disrupt a pilot flame, especially in older furnaces with unsealed burners. During frigid nights, negative air pressure in small basement spaces can also pull exhaust back into the flue, snuffing out the light entirely.
Pilot lights rely on steady gas flow and clean ignition surfaces. In Brilliant, older homes with long, low-pressure gas runs may experience uneven flame strength. A flickering or yellow flame suggests dust buildup or weak combustion. Houses along Market Street and the Route 7 corridor often deal with fluctuating gas supply during heavy winter usage. Honest Fix frequently services pilot systems affected by rust, moisture, and outdated venting in these areas.
Local repair costs for pilot light issues range between $125 and $250 for cleaning or thermocouple replacement. If the gas valve or ignition system fails, the cost can exceed $500 on older furnaces. Honest Fix technicians perform pressure checks, CO safety tests, and vent inspections on every service call. To prevent future flame loss, homeowners should seal basement drafts, add vent caps, and schedule annual fall maintenance before the first deep freeze hits Brilliant.
Heavy traffic can create brief pressure changes that travel through unsealed vents. A flue cap or draft diverter usually resolves it.
Yes. Condensation on cold furnace parts encourages rust buildup and weakens ignition performance.
It can be. A yellow or flickering pilot indicates poor combustion, which may release carbon monoxide. Have it checked immediately.
Exact HVAC replacement quotes available at (740) 825-9408 or HonestFix.com/schedule-service.
Author: Alex Largent