Tag Archives: water heater pilot light

Mar '24

How to Re-Light your Water Heater Pilot Light

If you’re experiencing a lack of hot water in your home, it’s possible that the pilot light on your water heater has gone out. This can happen for various reasons, such as a gas supply interruption or a faulty thermocouple. Whatever the cause may be, we’re here to help you get your pilot light re-lit and your hot water flowing again.

Is It Safe to Relight the Pilot Light Yourself?

Before we dive into the steps of re-lighting the pilot light, let’s address an important question – is it safe for you to do it yourself? While re-lighting the pilot light is generally a simple task, it’s essential to ensure your safety and follow proper precautions. If you’re uncomfortable or unsure about handling gas appliances, it’s best to contact a professional plumber.

However, if you’re confident in your abilities and take the necessary precautions, re-lighting the pilot light can be a straightforward and cost-effective solution. With that in mind, let’s move on to the step-by-step process.

Gathering the Necessary Tools

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools:

Long lighter or fireplace matches
Flashlight

Locating the Pilot Light

The next step is to locate the pilot light on your water heater. In most cases, you’ll find it at the bottom of the heater behind a small access panel. Once you’ve located the access panel, carefully remove it, ensuring you don’t damage any components in the process.

Turning Off the Gas

Before attempting to re-light the pilot light, it’s crucial to turn off the gas supply to the water heater. Look for a valve near the bottom of the heater and turn it to the “Off” position. If you smell a strong gas odor or suspect a gas leak, immediately leave the premises and contact your gas company.

Preparing to Re-Light the Pilot Light

With the gas supply turned off, it’s time to prepare for re-lighting the pilot light. Here’s what you need to do:

Wait for at least five minutes to allow any remaining gas to dissipate.
Locate the pilot light assembly, which typically has a red or black button.

a plumber re-lighting a water heater pilot light.

Remember, if at any point you feel uncomfortable or encounter any issues during the process, it’s best to seek professional assistance.

Re-Lighting the Pilot Light

Now comes the moment of truth – re-lighting the pilot light. Follow these steps carefully:

Using a flashlight, locate the pilot light burner and the pilot tube.
Press and hold down the red or black button on the pilot light assembly. This helps release gas into the pilot tube.
While holding down the button, carefully light the pilot light burner with a long lighter or fireplace match.
Keep the button depressed for about one minute after the flame has been re-lit. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve to remain open.
Release the button and check to ensure that the pilot light remains lit. If it goes out, repeat the steps.

Finishing Up

Once the pilot light is lit and stays lit, you can now put everything back together. Follow these final steps:

Turn the gas supply valve back on by rotating it to the “On” position.
Replace the access panel, ensuring it is securely in place.

Remember, if at any point you feel uncomfortable or encounter any issues during the process, it’s best to seek professional assistance.

Re-lighting the pilot light on your water heater is a task that can be done with some basic knowledge and the right precautions. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to re-light your water heater pilot light safely and efficiently. However, if you’re ever unsure or feel uncomfortable, it’s always wise to contact a professional for assistance. Stay safe and enjoy your hot water!

Aug '23

How to Light a Pilot Light on a Water Heater

A pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner in a water heater, allowing it to heat the water inside the tank. If your water heater’s pilot light has gone out, don’t worry! Relighting the pilot light is a relatively simple process that can be done safely with the right tools and instructions. Here we will guide you through the step-by-step process of lighting a pilot light on a water heater.

Step 1: Gather the necessary tools

Before attempting to light the pilot light, make sure you have the following tools handy:

Long-reach lighter or fireplace match

Flashlight

Screwdriver (if required for access to the pilot light)

Step 2: Locate the pilot light and gas control valve

The pilot light and gas control valve are usually located near the bottom of the water heater. Look for a metal panel or access door on the front of the heater. Open it carefully to expose the inner workings of the water heater.

Step 3: Switch the gas control valve to “off”

Locate the gas control valve, which is typically a knob or switch near the pilot light. Turn the knob or switch to the “off” position. This shuts off the gas supply to the pilot light and burner.

Step 4: Wait for gas to dissipate

After turning off the gas control valve, it is important to wait a few minutes for any residual gas to dissipate. This ensures that there is no gas buildup when you attempt to relight the pilot light, reducing the risk of a sudden flame or explosion.

Step 5: Access the pilot light

Depending on the type and model of your water heater, you may need to remove a metal panel or access cover to reach the pilot light. In some cases, a screwdriver might be required to loosen screws or fastenings. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.

Step 6: Use the flashlight to locate the pilot light

With the access panel opened, use a flashlight to locate the pilot light. The pilot light is a small tube-like structure that is usually near the gas burner assembly. It might have a small blue flame when it’s lit, but since the pilot light is currently out, you won’t see any flame.

Step 7: Light the pilot light

Take your long-reach lighter or fireplace match and carefully position it near the pilot light opening. Press the ignition button or trigger to create a spark, aiming it directly at the pilot light to ignite the gas. If successful, the pilot light should ignite and produce a steady flame.

Step 8: Hold the gas control valve

After igniting the pilot light, continue to hold down the gas control valve for 30-60 seconds. This allows the heat from the flame to reach the thermocouple, which is a safety device that senses the presence of the pilot flame. Holding down the valve ensures the pilot light stays lit once the control valve is released.

Step 9: Release the gas control valve

After the thermocouple has warmed up, you can release the gas control valve. The pilot light should remain lit on its own. Take a moment to double-check that the flame is stable and not flickering or going out.

Step 10: Close the access panel and check for proper operation

Once the pilot light is successfully lit, close the access panel or door securely. Make sure it is fastened properly to prevent any gas leakage. Turn the gas control valve to the “on” position. Lastly, test the water heater by turning on a hot water faucet in your home to confirm that the water is heating properly.

To Sum It Up

Relighting a pilot light on a water heater might seem intimidating, but by following these step-by-step instructions, you can do it safely and efficiently. Always remember to exercise caution and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific water heater model. If you encounter any issues or your pilot light keeps going out, it’s recommended to contact a plumber or service technician to inspect and repair or replace the water heater.

Apr '23

Is Your Pilot Light Not Staying Lit on Your Water Heater?

If your pilot light on your water heater is not staying lit, it can be an annoying and time-consuming problem to solve. Fortunately, there are a few common causes and easy fixes to get your water heater working again.

The first step in fixing your water heater’s pilot light is to locate the pilot light assembly. This will be found at the bottom of your water heater and will contain the pilot light and the gas control knob.

Once you’ve located the pilot light assembly, check the gas control knob to make sure it’s in the “On” position. If it’s not, turn it to the “On” position and attempt to light the pilot light. If it does not stay lit, it could be due to a few different things.

The first potential cause is a faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device designed to shut off the gas if the pilot light goes out. If the thermocouple is faulty, it will not be able to sense when the pilot light is lit and will not be able to keep the gas on. To fix this, you’ll need to replace the thermocouple.

The second potential cause is a clogged pilot light orifice. This orifice is the tiny hole where the pilot light flame is supposed to come out. If the orifice is clogged, the pilot light will not be able to stay lit. To fix this, you’ll need to clean the orifice with a wire brush.

The third potential cause is a draft. If the pilot light is located near a drafty window or door, the draft can blow out the pilot light flame. To fix this, you’ll need to move the water heater to a different location.

Troubleshooting Water Heater Pilot Light

If you’ve tried the steps above and your pilot light still won’t stay lit, you’ll need to do some troubleshooting. The first step is to check the gas line for any leaks. To do this, you’ll need a gas leak detector. If you detect a leak, you’ll need to have it repaired before attempting to light the pilot light again.

The next step is to check the vent pipe for any blockages or obstructions. The vent pipe helps to ensure that the gas from the pilot light is vented outside your home. If the vent pipe is blocked or obstructed, it will not be able to do its job properly and the pilot light will not stay lit. To check the vent pipe, you’ll need to remove the vent cap and check inside for any blockages or obstructions.

Finally, if all else fails, you may need to call a professional. A local plumber or HVAC technician will be able to diagnose the problem and provide you with a solution.

Water Heater Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

If your water heater’s pilot light keeps going out, it can be a frustrating problem to deal with. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to determine the cause and fix it.

The first step is to make sure the gas control knob is in the “On” position. If it’s not, turn it to the “On” position and attempt to light the pilot light. If the pilot light still won’t stay lit, it could be due to a faulty thermocouple, a clogged pilot light orifice, or a draft.

If you’ve tried the steps above and your pilot light still won’t stay lit, you’ll need to do some troubleshooting. The first step is to check the gas line for any leaks and the vent pipe for any blockages or obstructions. If all else fails, you may need to call a plumber for a water heater repair or replacement.

Fixing a water heater’s pilot light can be an annoying problem to solve, but with the right knowledge and tools, it can be done easily and quickly. With a few simple steps and a bit of patience, you can have your water heater’s pilot light working again in no time.