Pilot light keeps going out — and why it usually means replacement
Modern condensing boilers do not have a standing pilot light. If yours does, you are looking at a boiler that is likely 20 years old or more and running at roughly 60-70% efficiency against 92%+ today.
We will always be straight with you: the repair is often possible, but on a boiler of that age it is money spent on something that is burning a third of your gas bill for nothing.
Try this first — free
Checks you can safely do yourself
Check for draughts
An open flue near a draughty window or a newly fitted extractor can blow the pilot out. Simple to rule out.
Relight following the boiler's instructions
Hold the reset for the full time stated on the label. If it lights and drops within a minute, the thermocouple is the likely culprit.
Look at the flame colour
The pilot should be crisp and blue. Yellow, lazy or sooty means incomplete combustion — turn it off and call a Gas Safe engineer immediately.
Do not repeatedly relight
Multiple relight attempts release unburnt gas each time. Two attempts, then stop.
Never remove the boiler casing or touch gas components yourself — that's illegal as well as dangerous. Anything behind the front cover is Gas Safe work.
If that didn't fix it
What it usually turns out to be
Failed thermocouple
The classic. Cheap part, and usually a viable repair if you are not ready to replace.
£140 – £240
Blocked pilot jet
Dust and debris. Clean and test.
£120 – £200
Draught or flue problem
Needs a flue check — this one has safety implications.
£99 – £300
Gas valve failing
On a boiler of this age, parts may be obsolete.
£350+ or replace
Back boiler behind a gas fire
Most standing-pilot systems in the Midlands are back boilers. Removal and combi conversion is our most requested job.
From £2,995
Prices inc VAT and include our £99 diagnostic. We confirm the price before any work starts — no surprises on the invoice.
Straight talk
When we'd tell you to replace instead
- The boiler has a standing pilot at all — you are paying for it in gas every single day
- It is a back boiler behind a gas fire
- Parts are obsolete or on long lead times
- Any sign of yellow flame, soot or spillage
Yellow or sooty flames, soot marks or a smell of gas: turn the appliance off, ventilate, and call the Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 before calling us.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a pilot light expensive to run?
A standing pilot burns gas 24/7 — commonly £60 to £100 a year on its own, before you heat anything.
Should I repair or replace a back boiler?
Almost always replace. A back boiler to combi conversion typically halves the gas used for heating and frees up the fireplace.
How much is a back boiler conversion?
From £2,995 inc VAT including removal, new combi, flue, filter and full system flush.
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