Furnace Pilot Light Problems in Steubenville, OH & Weirton, WV: Causes, Fixes, and Prevention Tips

Quick Answer

If your furnace pilot light goes out, start by turning the gas control knob to “Off” and wait five minutes for safety. Then switch it to “Pilot,” press the reset button, and hold a lighter or match near the pilot opening until it stays lit. If it keeps going out after relighting, you may have a dirty or faulty thermocouple, weak gas flow, or a draft issue—all signs you should call a licensed HVAC technician.

When the Heat Suddenly Stops

It always seems to happen on the coldest night of the year. You hear the blower fan start, but no warm air comes through your vents. Down in the basement, your furnace hums quietly—but the tiny blue flame that keeps it running has vanished.

For homeowners across Steubenville, OH, Weirton, WV, and the Upper Ohio Valley, pilot light issues are common in older furnaces. Understanding what causes them—and how to fix them safely—can save you from frozen nights and unexpected repair bills.

At Honest Fix, our goal isn’t just to get your heat back on; it’s to help you understand your system so you can make confident decisions about your home comfort.

What Causes a Furnace Pilot Light to Go Out?

Even a well-maintained furnace can lose its flame from time to time. But if your pilot light keeps going out, there’s a reason. Here are the most common causes:

1. A Dirty Pilot Tube

Over time, dust or rust can clog the small tube where gas exits to form the flame. A weak or flickering pilot light—especially one that burns yellow instead of blue—is a clear sign of buildup.

2. A Faulty Thermocouple

This small copper sensor tells your furnace that the pilot light is burning. If it’s dirty, misaligned, or worn out, it can shut off the gas supply even when there’s nothing wrong.

3. Drafts or Air Leaks

Basements, crawlspaces, and utility rooms in older Ohio Valley homes often have gaps or unsealed returns that can blow out the flame.

4. Gas Supply Problems

Low gas pressure or line blockages can make it impossible for the pilot light to stay lit. If you notice similar problems with other gas appliances, call your utility provider immediately.

5. Furnace Age and Wear

If your system is more than 15 years old, mechanical fatigue can cause unreliable ignition. Sometimes, it’s simply the furnace’s way of saying it’s ready for retirement.

How to Fix a Pilot Light That Keeps Going Out

You can safely relight your pilot light yourself—if you follow the steps exactly and use caution.

1. Turn the gas control knob to “Off.” Wait five full minutes for any remaining gas to clear.
2. Set the knob to “Pilot.”
3. Press and hold the reset button.
4. Use a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot while holding the button down.
5. Keep holding for about 30 seconds, then release. The flame should stay steady and blue.

If it goes out again, stop there. Repeated relighting attempts can let unburned gas build up. At that point, you may need a professional cleaning or thermocouple replacement.

Typical Furnace Pilot Light Repair Costs in the Upper Ohio Valley

These prices reflect real local averages from Steubenville, Weirton, and surrounding towns based on regional service data.

If repair costs climb near 30% of your furnace’s replacement value (usually above $1,000), it’s often smarter to consider replacement instead of chasing repeated fixes.

How to Prevent Pilot Light Problems

Keeping your system reliable starts with a few simple habits:

• Schedule annual maintenance. A fall tune-up clears dust from burners and ensures your thermocouple, gas valve, and flue are safe and aligned.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas. If your pilot light burns yellow or goes out frequently, incomplete combustion can produce unsafe CO levels. Detectors can save lives.
• Seal draft points around your furnace area. Cracked basement windows, leaky returns, and unsealed duct joints can all blow out the pilot flame.
• Don’t ignore unusual smells or sounds. A sulfur smell or clicking that repeats without ignition means gas or electrical issues need attention immediately.

Local Service You Can Count On

Whether you live in Steubenville or Weirton, or nearby towns like Wintersville, Toronto, Mingo Junction, Brilliant, Follansbee, Wellsburg, New Cumberland, or Colliers, you deserve honest answers and dependable service.

Our NATE-certified team is based right here in the Upper Ohio Valley, and we specialize in same-day diagnostics for pilot light and heating system issues.

Our Promise: The Honest Fix Service Trust Guardian

Every repair comes backed by the Honest Fix Service Trust Guardian—our written promise of no shortcuts and no surprises.

• 5-Year Labor Warranty on repairs
• Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee within 60 days if you’re not happy with the service
• No Overtime Charge Guarantee for emergency visits
• Follow-Up Service Guarantee with a free check if the issue returns within 30 days

We don’t upsell or guess. We diagnose, explain, and fix it right—the first time.

Ready for Reliable Heat Again?

If your pilot light keeps going out or your furnace struggles to stay lit, it’s time to have it inspected by a trusted local expert.

When you call Honest Fix for service, we’ll bring you a $25-off “LEO the Lion” refrigerator magnet. You can apply it toward your initial visit—and keep it for future savings every time LEO’s still on your fridge.

If you’re considering a full system replacement, ask us for a free exact quote on new equipment.

Author: Alex Largent
Senior HVAC Efficiency Analyst | Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
Serving the Upper Ohio Valley — Steubenville, Weirton, Wintersville, Toronto, Mingo Junction, Brilliant, Follansbee, Wellsburg, New Cumberland, and Colliers