Pilot light keeps going out

[Two_Sheds]

This is doing my head in. The pilot light keeps going on our hot water boiler. (it's a nice blue flame, not a yellow one)
I guess it goes out because it's windy (it's always windy here). I've googled and found talk of thermocouples and such stuff, but I don't understand all that technical talk.

It's easy to relight, but is it going to be leaking gas while the flame is out?

Quite annoyed, because we have a Boiler Just Been Serviced certificate in our hands

[Cloud]

It shouldn't be leaking gas as it has a heat sensor which cuts of the gas supply when there is no flame.

[Two_Sheds]

I thought so. Thanks. (looking on other forums, some people are saying: "it'll blow up your house, and your neighbour's house" !!

[Cloud]

Well you can never be too careful with Gas!!!!

[Johnny Appleseed]

Hi Two sheds. It could be one of several things. Just a few things to tick off the list of maybe's.

If there is any smell of gas - switch off the boiler and call them immediately.

If it's the thermocouple - it either won't light at all or will stay on just long enough for you to think it's OK and then go out again.

Do you have a carbon monoxide detector in case it's a flue related problem and flue gases are leaking back into the building?

Is the wind blowing directly into the flue? Is this the first time you've thought it could be wind related?

As it's just been serviced - well worth a call asap I think.

How old is your boiler? Mine is 22 years old and I have thermocouple go every couple of years or so - same symptoms as you state in your post.

Good luck - don't take any chances though.

[Two_Sheds]

I don't know how old the boiler is. We just moved into the house, and are discovering loads of niggly little problems

I think it's wind-related because the cupboard that the boiler is in, the door rattles and bangs all the time from wind blowing into it.

[Johnny Appleseed]

Two Sheds - is there an air brick somewhere to provide combustion air to the boiler?

Your cupboard should not be rattling when the wind blows - provided the boiler gets its air correctly the cupboard should be draught free.

The rattling indicates uncontrolled external air is entering your home.

It may be time to seal around any gaps you see around the flue externally either to the wall or roof junction. That cold air is getting in somewhere.

Don't seal up any air bricks however without seeking professional advice first.

[Two_Sheds]

Johnny. thanks for your help, but you've lost me now!
Airbrick?
Combustion air?
Flue?

I'll phone a man.


Thanks again, much appreciated

[pigletwillie]

The thermocouple keeps the gas supply to the pilot light open providing that the pilot light is lit and keeps it warm. The most common cause of your problem would be the thermocouple failing or being out of position. This is easily replaced or repositioned and they can be bought from B&Q and similar outlets.

If in doubt however, call a man who can.

[PAULW]

TWO SHEDS
Check the jet on the pilot light if you get a build up of dust/fluff around the jet this can disrupt the flow of gas and give you a wonky flame, two minute job save you pounds