Gas Oven or Commercial Oven Pilot Won’t Stay Lit? Here’s What to Look For
If you run or manage a commercial restaurant, your oven is one of the most important tools you rely on every day. So when your commercial oven pilot won’t stay lit or the oven pilot light keeps going out, it can throw off your entire operation. The good news? Most ignition issues are easy to troubleshoot once you know what to look for. Below, we’ll walk through the most common reasons your gas or commercial oven won’t light, including what to check if the oven pilot light is out or the pilot won’t stay on.
Commercial Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit or Keeps Going Out
If your pilot light will ignite but won’t stay lit, the issue is likely with the thermocouple. This small safety device senses heat from the flame and keeps the gas valve open.
Start by checking the thermocouple’s position. It should be sitting directly in the pilot flame. If it’s misaligned or not in the flame, it won’t heat properly. If the thermocouple is correctly positioned, and the oven pilot still won’t stay lit, the part may be worn out or defective and may need to be replaced.
Faulty Thermostat or Control Issue
If your commercial oven isn’t getting hot enough or is overheating, the issue may be with the thermostat. In many cases, the thermostat may be out of calibration or defective.
To test it, place a reliable oven thermometer inside the unit and set the oven to a specific temperature. Watch to see if the burner flames shut off before the internal temperature reaches the setting, or if there’s a large difference between the actual temperature and the one you selected. Either of these signs means your thermostat likely needs to be calibrated.
Since every oven model is different, always refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to calibrate or replace the thermostat.
Capillary Tube Is Damaged or Causing Issues
If your oven is still experiencing temperature inconsistencies and the thermostat appears to be working, the issue may be with the sensor bulb at the end of the capillary tube. This bulb is responsible for helping the oven maintain a consistent temperature.
The bulb is typically secured inside the oven with metal clips. If it has become loose, misaligned, or fallen out of place, it can cause uneven heating or incorrect temperature readings. Always make sure the bulb is clipped in the proper position, according to your oven’s manual.
Contact Quick Servant for Gas & Commercial Oven Repair Services in Delmarva
Even if your kitchen only operates a few hours a day, your commercial cooking equipment works hard every time it’s in use. Equipment failures can happen at any time, which is why it’s important to have a trusted service team ready to respond quickly. At Quick Servant, we provide 24/7 emergency repair services for all types of commercial ovens and cooking equipment. Whether your oven won’t stay on, the pilot light keeps going out, or your gas oven isn’t lighting consistently, our team is here to help restore your equipment and keep your kitchen running. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment.