If your furnace pilot light goes out, turn the gas control knob to “Off” and wait five minutes before relighting. If it won’t stay lit, a weak thermocouple, soot buildup, or a draft near the burner may be to blame. In Mingo Junction’s older steel-era homes, basement ventilation and worn gas lines often make this a recurring issue.
Many homes in Mingo Junction were built during the height of the steel industry and still rely on original gas heating systems. Neighborhoods along George Street, Logan Avenue, and Commercial Street feature basements with low ceilings and limited ventilation. These setups trap air and moisture, which can cause pilot flames to flicker or extinguish. As winter cold sets in along the Ohio River, fluctuating barometric pressure adds to the problem.
Pilot light issues typically start with small mechanical problems—dust in the pilot tube, corrosion on the thermocouple, or an uneven gas supply. In older Mingo Junction homes, long service lines and aging valves can reduce gas pressure, making the flame unstable. Drafts from unsealed basement windows or unused chimney flues also play a role. If your pilot burns yellow or sputters, it’s likely time for professional cleaning or part replacement.
For Mingo Junction homeowners, cleaning or replacing a thermocouple generally costs $125–$225, while full pilot assembly repairs may reach $300. Honest Fix technicians perform gas pressure tests, inspect venting, and verify CO safety before relighting any system. To prevent future outages, homeowners should seal foundation gaps, add vent covers, and schedule annual furnace tune-ups before late fall, when humidity and river air pressure cause the most disruption.
Cross-drafts from older chimney vents can blow out the flame. Installing a flue cap or adjusting the vent angle usually fixes this.
They can be, especially with outdated venting. Modernizing the ignition system or improving basement airflow enhances both safety and reliability.
If repair costs exceed 30% of your furnace’s value, replacement may be the smarter long-term option.
Exact HVAC replacement quotes available at (740) 825-9408 or HonestFix.com/schedule-service.
Author: Alex Largent