Low gas pressure: why your geyser keeps going out in winter

Signs that low pressure is the cause

• The pilot goes out at the same times every day, usually cold mornings and evenings.
• Stove flames are small and weak at the same time.
• Neighbours have the same problem.
• The pilot relights easily later in the day and stays lit.

Signs the geyser itself is the problem

If these sound familiar, see our guides to the thermocouple and the pilot assembly before blaming the gas company.

• The pilot goes out even when the stove burns strongly.
• The pilot flame is yellow, lazy or does not touch the thermocouple tip.
• The pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the knob: usually a weak thermocouple.
• The geyser only works after you clean it, then fails again.

What makes pressure worse

Demand peaks on winter mornings, at meal times and in the evening. Homes at the end of a distribution line and upper floors notice it first. Gas compressors, which some households use to pull extra gas, lower pressure for everyone else; they are illegal and also dangerous to the user.

What you can do

• Use the geyser in hours when pressure is good; a timer makes this easy.
• Have the pilot jet cleaned so the flame survives lower pressure.
• Check the gas valve and pipe to the geyser are fully open and not kinked.
• Report persistent low pressure to your gas company with your consumer number.
• Fit automatic ignition so short pressure dips no longer leave you with a cold geyser.