Safety valve prevents gas leak

Sun., Feb. 26, 2006

Samantha Mazzotta King Features Syndicate

Q: I’m writing in regard to your article on household emergencies. I agree with everything you said, except for the last one on “should the pilot light go out.” You said that if the pilot light went out that natural gas could leak into the home. I disagree. If the thermocouple is working properly, all gas should be stopped when the pilot-light flame no longer heats the thermocouple.

I also have a conservation tip: We are gone a lot (we have a weekend home) and while we are away I turn our water heater to the pilot-light position in order to save gas. One time we came home after being out of town for a week, and I forgot to turn the water heater back to the “On” position. I was able to take a shower without any problems; unfortunately, my wife was not! She always reminds me now. — Sam K., via e-mail

A: Thanks for the point about the thermocouple! You’re right, if it is working properly then little or no gas should enter the home should a pilot light go out.

The thermocouple is a type of temperature sensor that generates a small electric charge while the pilot light is lit and keeps the pilot gas valve open. If the pilot goes out, the temperature drops, the thermocouple stops generating this charge and the gas valve closes.

A slight odor of gas may be detected when a pilot light goes out. Before relighting it, open a nearby window to safely vent this gas. To keep the thermocouple and the entire gas appliance operating safely and efficiently, have the appliance serviced regularly (once a year) and keep it as clean as possible.

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