As a retired U S Navy Chief and the owner of Veteran Plumbing Services, I have been helping Fairfax homeowners keep their hot water running for years.
Lately, I have seen a significant increase in a specific problem across older Fairfax neighborhoods.
Gas water heater pilot lights are going out more often than they should.
The homes themselves are solid, but many of the gas water heaters inside them are twenty years old or older.
When a tank reaches that age, the pilot system is often one of the first components to fail.
I want to walk you through why this is happening, what signs to watch for, and what you should do before a simple problem turns into a full shutdown.
Why Fairfax Older Neighborhoods Get More Pilot Light Failures
Fairfax is home to beautiful older communities such as Mantua, Mosby Woods, Greenbriar, Kings Park, and Country Club Hills.
These homes were built with natural gas systems that worked great in their day, but the water heaters inside them are now aging at the same time.
That means the pilot assemblies inside the tanks have been burning for decades.
As these systems age, small changes in air movement, gas pressure, or sediment levels in the burner area can cause the flame to blow out.
Here are the reasons I see most often in homes in Fairfax.
Sediment Buildup at the Bottom of the Tank
Sediment is one of the biggest reasons for pilot failure in Fairfax.
The water in this area has more minerals than people think.
After years of heating and cooling cycles, sediment hardens at the bottom of the tank.
This buildup leads to higher burner temperatures, poor flame patterns, and unstable pilot performance.
When the tank gets noisy or starts popping, it’s a warning sign that sediment is already affecting the burner and pilot.
Dirty or Clogged Pilot Orifice
The pilot flame relies on a tiny opening called an orifice. When dust, lint, pet hair, or corrosion collects in this area, the flame gets weak.
A weak flame cannot keep the thermocouple hot enough to signal the gas valve to stay open.
Fairfax basements and utility rooms often collect dust, so this problem is common.
Drafts and Air Pressure Changes Inside Older Homes
Older Fairfax homes have crawlspaces, older windows, and utility rooms that create strange air movement.
Even a small draft can blow out a weak pilot light. I see this problem a lot when someone installs a new bathroom fan or high-powered range hood.
The airflow inside the home changes, and the pilot light cannot stay lit.
Failing Thermocouples and Gas Control Valves
Every pilot flame depends on a working thermocouple.
When this part starts to fail, the gas valve thinks the flame is out and shuts everything down. Thermocouples wear out naturally over time. In older Fairfax homes, this part is often long overdue for replacement.
If the gas control valve itself goes bad, the tank will not stay lit no matter what you do. I see this a lot with water heaters over fifteen years old.
Signs Your Pilot System Is About To Fail
Homeowners in Fairfax tell me they notice little problems for months before the tank finally shuts down.
Here are the warning signs you should watch for.
The pilot goes out only at night
The water takes longer to heat
You smell a faint gas odor near the tank
You hear popping or banging inside the tank
You have to relight the pilot more than once a month
Your hot water turns cold halfway through a shower
The burner flame looks yellow instead of blue
If you notice any of these, the tank is telling you something is wrong.
Why You Should Not Ignore A Pilot Light That Keeps Going Out
I served twenty years in the Navy, and one thing that service taught me is this. Small problems become big problems when people ignore them. A pilot that keeps going out is not just annoying. It is a safety issue.
A failing pilot assembly means the burner area may be clogged or overheating.
A failing gas valve can stick, causing gas flow problems. A tank full of sediment can break down the bottom of the tank and cause a leak that floods your basement.
Replacing a thermocouple is simple. Replacing a flooded basement is not.
How I Fix These Problems For Fairfax Homeowners
When I arrive at a home in Fairfax, I take the same approach every time. I inspect the pilot assembly, burner chamber, gas valve, venting, and overall condition of the tank. I check the flame quality, draft pressure, and sediment levels. Many times, I can clean the pilot assembly, replace the thermocouple, and flush the tank to restore safe operation.
But if the water heater is fifteen to twenty years old, it is smarter and more cost-effective to replace the entire system. Newer gas water heaters are far safer, more efficient, and easier to maintain.
I always give you honest options because that is how I run my business. If a repair makes sense, I’ll tell you. If replacement will save you money long term, I tell you that too.
When You Should Consider Replacing The Water Heater
Here is when I recommend replacing the tank instead of repairing it.
The tank is more than fifteen years old
You see rust coming from the drain valve
The pilot goes out every week
You have a strong rotten egg smell
You hear loud banging during heating
The water temperature never stays steady
You already replaced multiple parts in the last two years
Fairfax homes with older gas water heaters are reaching the age where replacement is the safest option. You deserve reliable hot water without constant relighting or worrying about leaks.
Call Me If Your Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
If you live in Fairfax and your pilot light has been giving you trouble, call me at 703-791-1339.
Veteran Plumbing Services is based right here in Northern Virginia and I provide same day service for gas water heater problems.
I will inspect your system, provide clear recommendations, and ensure your home has dependable hot water again.
📞 Call Veteran Plumbing Services today at 703-791-1339
I’m Dennis Rollins. I served my country, and now I’m here to help you protect your home.
📞 Schedule online Veteran Plumbing Services Anytime — 24 hours a day.
