Why Won’t My Pilot Stay Lit on My Water Heater?
You may find it quite aggravating when you are attempting to ignite the pilot light on your water heater, but as soon as you release the pilot light knob, the pilot light goes out.Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem, and in the majority of situations, it is a simple, quick, and inexpensive one.It is nearly often the case that a defective thermocouple is to blame for a water heater pilot light that will not remain lighted.It is unable to transmit a signal to the gas valve to open, resulting in no gas being delivered to the pilot or burner.
It might also be caused by a malfunctioning gas control valve or a thermal switch that has been tripped.You most likely have a malfunctioning gas control valve if your water heater pilot will not stay lit even after replacing the thermocouple.It is an indication that the valve is not opening properly and allowing gas to flow to the pilot light.You might possibly be dealing with a thermal switch that has been triggered or that has become malfunctioning.Although a gas water heater heats water by burning natural gas, it also requires a little amount of electricity to operate properly.It is fairly simple to determine the source of the problem, whether it is a problem with the gas supply or an electrical fault in the building.
- If you notice a flame (the pilot light) while igniting the water heater that goes out after releasing the knob, the problem is electrical, and in most cases, a defective thermocouple is to blame.
- Alternatively, if you do not see a flame, it is likely that the pilot tube is clogged or that the gas valve is not operating.
- To diagnose and repair a water heater whose pilot light will not remain lit, use a multimeter to measure the voltage across the thermocouple.
- If you obtain less than 20 millivolts, you should replace the battery.
- The presence of a good thermocouple indicates that the problem is with the gas control valve or with the thermal switch.
- Take a look at the complete procedure for troubleshooting and repairing a water heater whose pilot light will not remain lit.
How to Fix a Water heater that Won’t Stay Lit
As a result of the foregoing explanation, you now understand that the thermocouple is the most likely culprit when a water heater’s pilot light fails to stay lit.However, what exactly is a thermocouple?And how does it function?A thermocouple for a water heater is composed of two dissimilar metals that are linked on one end, with a tiny gap between the two metals on the other end.
The end with the junction is linked to the gas valve, while the other end is put in close proximity to the pilot light.When a pilot is lighted, the two metals get extremely hot due to their close proximity to the pilot, resulting in the generation of a current.Current flows through the thermocouple and activates a spring in the gas valve, causing the valve to be opened.When the pilot light is turned out, the thermocouple cools down and the current progressively decreases until it reaches zero.Once the gas valve is closed, it prevents the accumulation of unburnt gases in the house, which might result in an explosion if they are allowed to build up.An inductive thermocouple serves as both a safety switch and an indicator.
- It’s important to remember that the pilot light is what starts the main water heater burner.
- Your hot water heater will be out of commission as a result of the pilot light being out, and you will not have any hot water in your home.
- In order for the thermocouple to maintain the open position of the gas valve and the operation of the pilot light, it must have 20 to 30 millivolts of electricity flowing through it.
- Anything less than this will result in the gas valve not opening and the pilot light going out as soon as the gas control knob or button is released.
- The following are the measures to do in order to fix a water heater pilot light that would not remain lit:
1. Bend the Thermocouple Slightly
- This feat was demonstrated in a You Tube video, and it was really wonderful. If you’ve been unsuccessful in lighting the pilot light on your water heater, give this a try. Remove the metal cover at the bottom of the pilot light to uncover the sight glass for the pilot light
- Try to relight the pilot as you would normally do or as the instructions on the water heater teach you to do
- You should keep pressing the gas valve/button down until you see the pilot flame, which should take at least a minute.
- Grab the thermocouple (the copper wire) and bend it slightly while still holding the valve or button down.
- Release the button in a slow and deliberate manner
Surprisingly, this approach will work for the majority of individuals. Of course, this is a symptom of a faulty thermocouple, but at the very least it provides you with enough time to purchase a replacement thermocouple while the hot water in your home is still running.
2. Test the Thermocouple
- To check the voltage across a water heater thermocouple using a multimeter, follow the steps below: A low voltage option on your multimeter should be selected.
- The thermocouple should be disconnected from the gas control valve by using a wrench.
- One multimeter probe should be placed on the copper wire and the other should be placed at the tip of the thermocouple. Alligator clips will be required if you are working alone, as your hands will be occupied with other tasks when you are making contact with the thermocouple with your fingers. Alternatively, search for an assistance
- Make an unsuccessful attempt to relight the pilot light. As soon as the pilot light is ignited, maintain pressure on the valve/button for at least 3 minutes while the multimer probes are still attached to the thermocouple.
- Observe the reading on the multimeter to ensure accuracy.
When you attempt to relight the pilot light, the heat generated by the pilot will cause a current to flow through the thermocouple, and the voltage recorded on the multimeter will be the result.The voltage will begin at zero and steadily rise as time goes on.Ideally, the voltage reported should be between 20 and 30 millivolts if the thermocouple is in excellent working condition.If the value is less than that, the thermocouple is worn out and will need to be repaired or replaced.
More step-by-step instructions may be seen in the video below.
3. Clean the Thermocouple
You might as well clean the thermocouple and see if it makes a difference before replacing it.As previously stated, the thermocouple delivers an electric signal to the gas control valve, which controls whether the valve is open or closed.Because of the dirt on the thermocouple’s head, it may interfere with the passage of heat and signal from the pilot to the gas control valve and cause it to malfunction.Cleaning the head of the thermocouple (the one that is close to the pilot tube) may be sufficient to ensure that a pilot light remains illuminated.
An emery cloth will be required for the cleaning of a thermocouple.Remove the thermocouple and use an emery cloth to clean the head until all dirt and grime is gone.Removal and installation of a water heater thermocouple are both rather straightforward, as demonstrated in the video I have provided below.Just make sure that you switch off the gas supply to the water heater before you start working on it.This is not a long-term solution, so please keep that in mind.The most effective technique to deal with a faulty water heater thermocouple is to replace it completely.
4. Replace the Thermocouple
Most of the time, replacing a thermocouple will resolve the problem of a water heater pilot light that will not remain lit.The good news is that changing a water heater thermocouple is a relatively simple do-it-yourself project that the ordinary homeowner can complete.A replacement thermocouple for a water heater might cost anywhere between $10 and $20 dollars.A professional plumber, on the other hand, will charge you at least $100 to replace it for you.
I’ll put this video here for you to see since it’s far more convenient than me having to write 300 words to describe it.
5. Reset/Replace the Thermal Switch
- Thermal switches in water heaters are safety devices located at the bottom of the water heater that trip and turn off power to the gas control valve in the event of excessive heat being generated in the chamber. When the vent or air entrance screen located at the bottom of the heater is obstructed, this is what normally happens. It is possible to have an open circuit due to a tripped thermal switch, in which case the gas valve will simply not open, allowing air to flow to the burner. As a result, you will notice that the pilot light will not remain illuminated after you have released the valve or button. It is possible that the thermal switch is not only tripped, but is also malfunctioning. As a result, you should begin by attempting to reset the switch and, if that does not work, checking for continuity. To fix a water heater thermal switch, follow these steps: Remove the lid that is located at the bottom of the water heater.
- Keep an eye out for a little button located between the two switch connections.
- Insert the button into the slot. You should be able to hear it click, although this is not always the case.
- Make an attempt to relight the pilot
- If the pilot light continues to glow after you have released the button or valve, your problem has been resolved.
- Ensure that the two terminals are connected properly if the button wasn’t tripped in the first place by checking for continuity.
- Disconnect the two wires from the two terminals on the circuit board.
- Set the resistance of your multimeter to the lowest ohms possible, or to beep if your multimeter has that feature
- Place the two multimeter probes on the two terminals of the thermal switch
If there is continuity, the thermal switch is in good working order.A negative continuity test indicates that the thermal switch is faulty, and it will be necessary to replace it.It is quite simple to replace the thermal switch on a water heater.Make use of a screwdriver to unscrew both of the screws that hold it to the tank.
Remove the old one and replace it with the new one by removing the old one.Reconnect the wires and try to relight the pilot light one more time, if necessary.
6. Replace the Gas Control Valve
The most likely cause of your problem is a faulty gas control valve if none of the procedures listed above have worked for you.This is the worst problem to have because the valve is fairly expensive and will almost certainly necessitate the services of a professional to replace it.If you still want to give it a go, I’ll leave you with this video to guide you through the process.And that, in essence, is how to fix a water heater pilot that won’t remain lit any further.
I hope you had a good time and that you were able to fix your water heater.
How To Relight the Pilot Light in Your Gas Hot Water Heater
When the hot water heater in your home fails, everyday duties such as showering, laundry, dishwashing, and other household chores come to a grinding halt.If you have a gas-powered hot water heater, it is possible that the pilot light has gone out, which is the root cause of the problem.In most circumstances, if you relight the pilot, you should be able to go back into the air again.In this post, we’ll demonstrate how simple it is to complete the task yourself.
What does the pilot light do?
The pilot light of your gas hot water heater is a tiny, continuously burning flame that serves to start the burner of the appliance.To put it another way, if the pilot light goes out, the unit will be unable to heat water.It is possible for a pilot light to be extinguished for a variety of causes, including something as simple as a short stoppage in the gas line or an air bubble in the gas line.Warning: If you smell gas at any stage throughout the process, leave the area immediately and contact your energy supplier as soon as possible.
Steps to relight the pilot light.
- Remove your foot from the gas pedal. Find the gas shut-off valve on your hot water heater and turn it off. The knob should be labeled in a clear and understandable manner. Turn the switch to the ″Off″ position and wait 5-10 minutes to ensure that all of the gas has been expelled.
- Locate the pilot light access point. Most of the time, this will be under the gas valve.
- To locate the burner and two gas tubes, open the pilot cover (if one is present) and use a flashlight to peer inside the hole to locate the burner and two gas tubes
- Return to the gas valve and turn the knob to the ″Pilot″ position. By depressing the knob all the way down, you will begin to feed gas to the pilot. There are certain hot water heaters that include a separate pilot button
- if this is the case, press that instead.
- While maintaining control of the knob or button, reach into the access and ignite the pilot with an extended lighter while still keeping it down.
- Once the pilot light comes on, keep the knob/button down for about one minute. Release the knob/button carefully after that period of time, and make sure that there is still a flame emanating from the pilot.
- Return to the gas valve and turn the knob to the ″On″ position. Typically, a noise will be heard to indicate that the primary burner is lighting
- After giving the heater enough time to restart, replace the access cover and inspect the hot water supply.
What happens if the pilot light goes out again?
- The fact that the pilot won’t light or that it keeps going out is a clue that you may be experiencing another problem with your hot water heating system. The most typical issue we encounter is a thermocouple that is twisted, fractured, or filthy (also called a flame sensor). Because the typical service life of a hot water heater is 12-15 years, it may be a wiser investment in some situations to replace the unit rather than spend money fixing your existing unit. Give Reichelt Plumbing Inc. a call at (219) 322-4906 if your water heater isn’t heating up as much as it should. Our professional plumbers will come out to your house and inspect the situation before recommending the best course of action to restore hot water flow. The date has been set for April 30, 2020
- the category is Water Heaters
How Do I Relight My Pilot Light?
Return to the Blog The pilot light of the furnace ignites the burners and initiates the heating process in the furnace.Pilot lights were formerly standard on all gas furnaces, however modern systems do not necessarily include pilot light ignition devices, as was the case with older models.Some contemporary furnaces, on the other hand, are equipped with electronic ignition mechanisms.The loss of your pilot light will result in your furnace being unable to create heat because the burners will not be able to ignite.
The majority of the time, homeowners can relight the pilot on their own.The following is a step-by-step tutorial on how to relight the pilot light on a gas furnace.
How to Relight a Pilot Light: 5 Steps
1. Find the pilot light assembly and its reset switch.
The pilot light of a furnace is typically located at the bottom of the device, controlled by a knob. Typically, the knob is labeled with three different settings:
- Pilot
- On
- Off
If you are unable to locate the pilot light and reset switch on your furnace, consult your furnace’s owner’s handbook for a schematic indicating their placement. If you are unable to locate the hardcopy handbook, you can look for it on the manufacturer’s website.
2. Set the reset switch to off.
Turn the knob all the way to the ″Off″ position. You should be able to adjust it with your fingers without difficulty. The gas flow is halted as a result of this.
3. Wait a moment.
After turning off the pilot, it’s crucial to give it some time to cool off completely before attempting to re-light it. This allows the gas to drain from the chamber, preventing you from accidentally igniting additional gas while re-igniting the pilot. A minute to two minutes should be plenty time.
4. Relight the pilot light.
Turn the knob to the ″Pilot″ position and allow gas to flow to the pilot light. Light a lighter or a match, and then press the reset button on the remote control. Keep your flame close to the entrance of the pilot light. To ensure that the pilot light continues to burn continuously, keep the reset switch down. Then press and hold the button for a few seconds.
5. Observe the furnace.
Once the pilot light has been re-ignited and the reset button has been depressed, your furnace should begin to operate on its own.For a few seconds, keep an eye on the pilot light to make sure it remains lit.Check the surrounding area for drafts or other air sources that might have caused the pilot light to go out at the start of the experiment.Don’t hesitate to call an expert HVAC contractor at Parker’s Heating & Cooling if you are unable to relight the pilot light or if you are uncomfortable executing the instructions above on your own.
Call us at (615) 355-9137 or send us an email!If you need assistance with your pilot light or any other furnace repair for your home or business in or around Smyrna, TN, we’re here to help you.Contact us now.We also welcome you to take advantage of our unique offers and become a member of our Comfort Club, which allows you to save money while still receiving dependable, high-quality business and residential HVAC services across Rutherford County, TN!
Water Heater Pilot Light Out In San Francisco, CA? Here’s Why It Happens and What You Should Do!
An issue that can arise with older water heaters is the loss of the pilot light flame, which is one of the most prevalent concerns. When this occurs, your burners will not light, and the water in your house will be ice cold as a result. The reason why your water heater’s pilot light can go out and what you should do if this occurs to you will be discussed today.
Why does a water heater’s pilot light go out?
- Here are a few of the most typical reasons why water heater pilot lights go out in the first place: A defective thermocouple was discovered. When your pilot light is turned on, your thermocouple is responsible for detecting it. If the thermocouple detects that the pilot light has been extinguished, it automatically cuts off the gas supply to the flame, preventing any potential safety hazards with your water heater. Even if the pilot light is burning properly, thermocouples can become faulty over time and cause the gas supply to be cut off. A bent or filthy thermocouple might cause this to happen. Along with regular failure, your thermocouple may suffer from dirt accumulation or the device may become twisted away from the flame of your pilot light, among other things. In either instance, the thermocouple will have a more difficult time sensing your pilot light, and it will shut off the gas supply to the flame
- the flame has been extinguished. If your water heater does not have a sealed combustion chamber, it is possible that the pilot light will be blown out as a result of a powerful draft passing close to your unit.
- There is insufficient flammable air. There is insufficient flammable air. If your water heater is placed in a utility closet or another area where it is lacking in combustible air, it is possible that the pilot light will not illuminate. A build-up of Carbon Monoxide, which can be fatal, could result as a result of this circumstance.
What should you do when your water heater’s pilot light goes out?
Even if this is the first time this has occurred to you, or if it hasn’t happened in a long time, you can attempt to relight the pilot light on your water heater by following these instructions.For specific information on how to do this with your specific water heater, contact Cabrillo or see the owner’s handbook for your device.Generally speaking, the procedure will look something like this: 1.Reduce the temperature on the thermostat to the lowest level.
Switch the on/off/pilot switch to the ″pilot″ position to begin.3) Remove both the outer and inner panels in order to have access to your pilot light.4.Using a long lighter or match, start the flame while holding the pilot button pressed down (some water heaters will not have a pilot button and can be lit without pressing anything) 5.Once the flame has been ignited, press and hold the pilot button for about 60 seconds to verify that the flame remains lighted and is blazing brilliant blue throughout.6.
- Turn the knob to the ON position after adjusting the temperature to your liking.
- We propose that you set it to ‘A’.
- Install the access panels and reset the thermostat to its default temperature setting.
- 7.
Contact Cabrillo if your water heater’s pilot light continues to go out
If your pilot light goes out on a regular basis, or if it is not blazing bright blue, call Cabrillo for assistance.The issue is most likely something similar to what we discussed previously (such as a malfunctioning or filthy thermocouple), and it will require the services of a professional plumber to be resolved.Please feel free to contact Jerry Kelly, a plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractor serving the Bay Area, if you have any concerns regarding what to do if your water heater’s pilot light goes out or if you’d like to have a plumbing system serviced or installed in your house.What is causing the leak in my water heater’s relief valve?
» What is causing my pipes to ratchet when I turn on the faucet?
Why Your Water Heater’s Pilot Light Keeps Going Out & How to Fix It
The date is May 13, 2021.When the pilot light flame on your gas water heater goes out, it is an annoying and frustrating situation to have to deal with.When your water heater’s pilot light fails to stay lit, you’re left without hot water, which makes even the most basic of tasks such as taking a shower a chore.Naturally, you question, ″How did this happen?
What happened?″ Is there anything you can recommend to help you get things going again?What should I do to have it repaired?″May you tell me about the costs I can expect?″ Fortunately, if your water heater pilot light goes out, you should be aware that this is a frequent problem that many homeowners have and that the time and effort required to repair it is low.Please allow us to guide you through some of the most frequent reasons why your water heater isn’t heating and how to resolve this issue if your water heater pilot light won’t stay lit and you are unfamiliar with water heaters.
Why does the pilot light on my water heater keep going out?
Because of problems with the heater’s thermocouple or owing to access to combustible air, your water heater’s pilot light continues going out repeatedly.
Thermocouple Issues
When your pilot light is on, your thermocouple detects the presence of the flame.The thermocouple’s tip is positioned above the pilot flame, providing a voltage that maintains the gas valve open in the process.A thermocouple will shut down the gas supply to your water heater if it detects that the pilot light on your water heater is not lighting up properly.When thermocouples are exposed to moisture or dust for an extended period of time, they might malfunction, gather dust, or get bent away from the pilot light’s flame.
In either situation, the thermocouple will have a difficult time sensing the pilot light and shutting down the gas flow.
Lack of Combustible Air
The lack of sufficient combustible air in your gas water heater might also be a contributing factor to its inability to maintain a steady flame.To keep the pilot light on in your water heater, you’ll need to blow air into it.Otherwise, the flame will be extinguished.Take precautionary measures to ensure that the water heater is not surrounded by material, such as litter or lint, which might increase the quantity of combustible air present.
Maintain as much cleanliness as possible in the surrounding region.
What do I do if my water heater pilot light keeps going out?
Try to rekindle the spark on your own first, if at all possible. Take the following general steps:
- Locate the gas shut-off knob and turn it all the way to the ″Off″ position. The gas flow is halted as a result of this. Allow for a few minutes for the gas to dissipate before continuing.
- To get access to the burner, remove the access panel.
- To begin the flow of gas, turn the knob to the ″Pilot″ position. You’ll want to press and hold the knob down for a few seconds.
- While still holding the gas knob, ignite the pilot with a long lighter while still holding the gas knob. To ignite your gas water heater, use the button on the side of the tank that says ″ignite.″
- As soon as the flames have been extinguished, turn the gas knob to the ″On″ position and wait for the main burner to come on.
If you are unable to relight the pilot or if your pilot light keeps going out, it is possible that you have another problem, such as a faulty thermocouple, to consider. Please refer to the owner’s handbook for your water heater equipment for further information.
Can I replace a thermocouple myself?
Yes.In the event that you are handy with tools, you may be able to change the thermocouple yourself.It is easier to accomplish this by turning off the gas valve and removing the entire burner and thermocouple assembly.In some cases, however, it is preferable and safer to hire someone who is knowledgeable in modest repairs.
A specialist may also evaluate your water heater for other faults and provide advise or ideas on how to deal with any existing or future difficulties that may arise.
Call BGE HOME
BGE HOME can assist you if your water heater pilot light won’t ignite or keeps going out.You may reach us by phone at 410-918-5600 or by email.Our licensed specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to come out and inspect your water heater and make recommendations on how to get it running safely and effectively again.This item was posted on Thursday, May 13th, 2021 at 4:09 pm and is filed under Uncategorized.
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Replacing the thermocouple usually does the trick.
Time Complexity is limited to one hour or less. Beginners may get started for less than $20.
Introduction
If your hot water heater suddenly stops operating, it’s likely that a faulty thermocouple has caused the gas to the pilot light to be turned off. Replacement is a simple do-it-yourself project.
Tools Required
Materials Required
- Dish soap
- Long matches
- Thermocouple
Is there no hot water?If you have a natural gas or propane water heater, there is a good probability that the pilot light has gone out.It is this little flame that starts the gas burner on your water heater that is referred to as the pilot light.When the pilot light on your water heater goes out, the first thing you should do is try to relight it by following the instructions on the water heater label.
The thermocouple is by far the most prevalent cause of pilot failure, whether it occurs immediately after lighting or on a regular basis after the pilot has been extinguished.One piece of good news is that a thermocouple can generally be replaced for very little money and in less than an hour.If you do not wait for a professional to arrive, you will be able to get your hot water running without incurring the expense of a service visit.Continue reading to find out how to start a pilot light.
What is a Thermocouple?
- In order for gas to flow to the burner, a thermocouple must be used to detect the heat of the pilot.
- A faulty thermocouple will prevent gas from reaching both the pilot and the burner, resulting in the pilot light failing to stay lit.
Project step-by-step (6)
Step 1
Turn Off the Shutoff Valve
- Shut off the gas line by closing the cutoff valve.
- As seen in this photo, turn the valve a quarter turn so that the handle is at a right angle to the pipe.
Step 2
Unscrew the Nuts
- Turn off the control valve if it is on.
- Remove the burner access covers and loosen the bolts on the gas, pilot, and thermocouple lines to free up the burner.
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Turn off the control valve if it is still on.
Unscrew the nuts on the gas, pilot, and thermocouple lines by removing the burner access covers;
Remove the Assembly
- Remove the water heater pilot light burner component from the water heater.
- Remove the old thermocouple by unscrewing or pulling it out.
- Purchase a new one that is the same size and length as the previous one
Step 4
Install the New Thermocouple
- Install the new thermocouple in the same manner as the previous one
- Replace the burner assembly by sliding it back in.
- Reattach the three wires to the control valve where they were disconnected.
Step 5
Reattach the Lines to the Gas Valve
- The three lines must be reconnected to the gas valve by threading the nuts into position with your fingers and hand-tightening them
- Wrenches should be used to tighten them up by turning them a quarter to half turn. Pro tip: Because the metals are delicate, avoid overtightening them.
Step 6
Test for Gas Leaks
Note: To check for leaks, you must have the pilot light lit and the burner turned on so that gas is flowing through the big tube in the stove.
- Replenish the water supply by opening the shutdown valve and lighting the pilot light.
- Turn the control valve to the ″on″ position.
- When the gas burner is turned on, use a 50/50 mixture of dish soap and water to check the screw joints for air bubbles, which indicate leaks in the joint. Take note that when the water heater pilot light is re-ignited, the flame should wrap around the thermocouple bulb.
CAUTION!
During this procedure, you should not be able to detect the scent of gas (except for a slight whiff when you remove the gas lines). If you find yourself in this situation, exit the house immediately and contact your gas provider.
When Not to Replace the Thermocouple
Some gas water heaters have a burner chamber that is ″closed,″ making it impossible to reach the burner. It is recommended that you contact a professional to repair this sort of heater. In addition, some gas water heaters are not equipped with pilot lights. Allow the professionals to take care of this as well.
What Causes A Pilot Light To Go Out?
The majority of modern gas furnaces are ignited by an electronic ignition; however, older furnaces are likely to be equipped with a standing pilot flame, which is used to kick-start the heating system when the furnace is first turned on.For gas burners, a standing pilot light (in which the flame remains burning at all times) is used to function as a tiny igniting flame for the gas burner.When the pilot light on an older furnace goes out, it is a typical cause of the furnace not being able to run.But why does this happen in the first place?
In this article, you will learn about some of the most typical faults that can cause a pilot light to go out and eventually a system shutdown.
Age & Condition Of Heating System
If your gas or propane furnace has a standing pilot light, there’s a strong likelihood that it’s been in operation for more than 20 years. Because of the age of the system, numerous parts and components are likely to have grown dusty, worn, and inefficient over time; any combination of these elements malfunctioning might result in the loss of the pilot light in the system.
Cracked Heat Exchanger
A fractured heat exchanger is something that we frequently encounter in older heating systems, and it is a typical cause of the pilot light going out in these systems.Simply said, a crack in the heat exchanger will have an affect on the air pressure and venting inside the combustion chamber, which will have an impact on the flame inside the combustion chamber.Depending on where the fracture is located within the heat exchanger, air can be forced into the heat exchanger and onto the flame.
Gas Valve & Gas Supply Issues
The pilot light must be fueled by a consistent supply of natural gas or propane in order to remain illuminated.If there is a problem with the gas valve that delivers the gas to the flame, whether it is unclean or faulty, it can result in the flame going out completely.It’s also conceivable that your gas supply has been insufficient or has ran out completely, which will also result in the flame going out.
Thermocouple Malfunction
The thermocouple in your heating system is a safety device that determines whether or not the pilot light in your furnace is illuminated or not.It is placed extremely close to the flame, and when lighted, it instructs the thermocouple to keep the gas line open.A filthy or defective thermocouple will frequently cut off your gas supply inadvertently, causing the pilot light to go out and your furnace to cease working.
Improper Venting & Airflow
An out-of-service pilot light may be caused by a gust of wind or a gust of air simply blowing it out of the fixture.If this occurs, there might be a problem with the way your flue pipe is configured or with the way your system is venting.What Are the Risks of Lighting Your Own Pilot Light?It doesn’t matter what caused your pilot light to go out; many homeowners aren’t sure if it’s safe to re-light the pilot light themselves.
If you are dealing with a gas-related issue, it *might* be safe to re-light your pilot light; nevertheless, we always recommend having this done by a professional in these situations.This process may be performed safely by an expert HVAC service specialist, who can also assist in determining the cause of the system failure in order to prevent a system breakdown in the future and to assure the safe operation of your system.Are you ready to make the call for assistance?Our team will be delighted to assist you!To obtain a free estimate, please click here.To request service, please click here.
6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Won’t Ignite
The majority of households generate and distribute heat through the use of a furnace.Furnaces have a typical lifespan of 15 to 20 years before they need to be replaced.When a furnace fails to ignite, it is often because the system is unable to ignite the burners that supply heat.Unless your furnace is more than 15 years old and has failed to ignite, you should first investigate the cause of the failure before deciding on a complete replacement.
Why Won’t My Furnace Ignite?
One or more of the following factors may be contributing to your furnace’s inability to ignite:
1. Gas Line Issues
- It’s possible that the root of your furnace’s malfunction is due to a problem with the gas line.
- Gas leaks, clogged gas lines, and faulty gas valves are all examples of natural gas problems that can occur often.
- If the gas line has been turned off, just reconnect it.
Afterwards, if the furnace continues to refuse to ignite, contact an HVAC specialist to have it checked for any potential problems.If you smell gas at any time throughout the day, leave your home immediately and contact your gas provider.
2. Defective Thermostat
The thermostat must be set to the heat setting in order for your furnace to begin. If it isn’t, your furnace will not be able to start the burners. Alternatively, it is possible that the thermostat’s connections or sensors are malfunctioning. To begin, check to see that the thermostat is set to the heat setting. If the problem continues, seek expert assistance.
3. Dirty Furnace Filter
It is important to replace furnace filters on a regular basis since they accumulate dust and other particles. Filters that are clogged restrict the appropriate flow of air that is required to light the burners. Replace your furnace filter on a regular basis, usually every several months.
4. Malfunctioning Igniter or Pilot Light
- Furnaces that employ a standing pilot light to ignite burners may experience intermittent or full failure of the pilot light to illuminate the burners.
- The use of a filthy or burnt igniter can inhibit the ignition of burners in furnaces that use an electronic system to ignite them.
- If you are experiencing any of the issues outlined above, you should contact an HVAC specialist for assistance.
Ways to Repair a Malfunctioning Heating System: Advice and Insights
5. Broken Flame Sensor
- If your furnace would not ignite, it is possible that the problem is due to a faulty flame sensor. The sensor is in charge of shutting down the gas burners in order to prevent gas accumulation in the system. Once this component begins to fail, it has the potential to prevent the burners from igniting at all. In the event that this situation happens, you have two choices: Replace the flame sensor on your own
- have an HVAC specialist replace the flame sensor on your behalf.
6. Dirty Gas Burners
If the burners are unclean, they will be unable to bring in the oxygen that is required to light them. Make an appointment with a professional to remove, clean, and reinstall the burners.
3 Types of Furnace Ignition Systems
Learn about the three primary types of furnace igniting systems: direct current, arc, and arc flash.
1. Standing Pilot Light
On furnaces equipped with a standing pilot light system, the gas valve knob was labeled ″OFF/ON/PILOT.″ This system is equipped with a thermocouple, which is a heat-sensing device. In order for gas to reach the burners, the thermocouple must be sufficiently warmed in order for the pilot light to illuminate it.
2. Intermittent Pilot Igniter
- The intermittent pilot igniter is a type of electrical igniting device that is used intermittently. The intermittent pilot igniter, like the standing pilot light, also makes use of a pilot flame. The difference between the two is that the pilot flame in the intermittent pilot igniter is only activated when the thermostat signals that the heat should be turned on instead of all of the time. Here’s how the procedure is carried out: In response to the signal from the electronic control board, the igniter activates the pilot flame
- the pilot flame then activates the gas.
- As soon as the burn cycle is completed, the burners and pilot flame are turned off.
3. Hot Surface Ignition
A hot surface igniter is a component of hot surface igniting systems (HSI). The HSI consists of a fork-like attachment, a plastic base, and two wires, all of which are included. It is the fork attachment that becomes heated when the thermostat signals that heat should be turned on. The increase in temperature signals the opening of the gas valve, which ignites the gas.
Superior Furnace Repair & Replacement Services
- If your furnace won’t ignite, call the furnace specialists at Horizon Services in your area for assistance!
- Our HVAC professionals are available to give customers with emergency furnace repair and furnace installation services on the same day they call.
- When you find yourself in a difficult situation and are unsure of what to do, we are here to help you resolve the situation and put your mind at ease.
Find out more about when to contact for furnace repairs on our website, or give us a call at (800) 642-4419 to talk with one of our technicians directly.
How to light a gas water heater
- If your furnace won’t ignite, call the furnace specialists at Horizon Services in your area for assistance.
- The emergency furnace repair and installation services provided by our HVAC professionals are available the same day.
- When you’re in a bind and don’t know what to do, we’re here to help you solve the situation and put your mind at ease.
Contact us now.Find out more about when to contact for furnace repairs on our website, or give us a call at (800) 642-4419 to talk with one of our technicians right away.
Do you have a manual water heater?
There is a straightforward technique to determine if your gas water heater is automated or manual. Take a look at the box that protrudes from the side of the water heater and has two distinct dials. Automatic vehicles will feature a little ignition button adjacent to the large On/Off/Pilot dial, indicating that it is an automatic. If it is a manual, there will be no button to press.
How to light an automatic water heater
- When you turn off the gas, check for the knob that says On/Off/Pilot first, then turn it off completely.
- Ensure that the knob is turned beyond Pilot and into the Off position before continuing.
- Allow for a five-minute dissipation of any built-up gas that may be present in the system.
It’s time to start the lighting procedure at this point.Make sure the water heat dial is set to Low and the On/Off/Pilot dial is set to the Pilot position.Then, while simultaneously pressing the igniter button and turning the On/Off/Pilot dial downward, turn the ignition switch on.Allow the igniter button to be released, but continue to press the Pilot dial downward for about 30 seconds.
- You should hear a ″whoosh″ sound as soon as the gas is turned on.
- Taking the little door below the ignition box will reveal a small window through which you may peer to see whether there is an open flame within.
- If it is lit, conclude by closing the door and turning the dial from Pilot to On, as well as changing the water temperature dial from Low to the temperature you choose.
- To avoid gas accumulation, you must restart the process immediately if the pilot light is not lighted.
How to light a manual water heater
- To fire this style of water heater, I recommend using a long barbeque lighter like this one.
- In any other case, getting in touch with the pilot will be difficult.
- To begin, remove the plate that is located beneath the dial-equipped box on the side of the water heater.
There may also be an inner plate that you will need to shift to the side in order to complete the installation.Following that, you should notice a pipe or pipes heading to a burner.Next, move the knob on the box labeled On/Off/Pilot beyond the Pilot position and into the Off position to complete the process.After that, wait for five minutes to allow any residual gas to disperse.
- Turn the water temperature dial to Low and the On/Off/Pilot dial to Pilot to complete the installation.
- While using one hand to push the On/Off/Pilot dial downward, use the other to ignite the barbeque lighter on the grill.
- Hold the barbeque lighter over the end of the pipe near the burner for a few seconds.
- The flame should be ignited immediately.
- Continue to press the Pilot dial downward for approximately 30 seconds, after which you will be able to switch it from Pilot to On.
- Finalize by placing the plates back over the burner hole and adjusting the water temperature control to your preferred setting.
- Important: If the burner does not come to life within a few seconds, repeat the operation until the burner does.
- If you continue to do it for an extended length of time, gas can accumulate and produce an explosion.
- Is the energy efficiency of your home high?
Here are five different methods to find out.CNET’s Guide to Smart Living is a one-stop shop for tips, techniques, and guidelines to help you live a more intelligent life.
Step by Step Guide: How to Light a Water Heater
- Get your hot water heater up and operating in a safe and efficient manner. Get bids from as many as three professionals! Enter your zip code below to get matched with top-rated professionals in your area. You should examine your hot water heater first if your hot shower has turned into freezing rain after you have turned on the hot water. Homes using gas water heaters should check to see whether the pilot light has gone out before using the water heater. The age of your heater may determine whether or not you may use an ignition button or a lighter to relight the pilot light on it. 2 out of 5 on the difficulty scale 15 minutes is allotted for this task. Tools and materials required: flashlight, lighter, and other such items.
How to Relight a Gas Water Heater’s Pilot Light
To relight a hot water heater, just follow the instructions outlined in the following section.
1. Safety First
- Even though the vast majority of homeowners are capable of relighting a pilot light on their own, it’s crucial to use caution when working with a gas-powered hot water heater.
- When relighting a pilot light, you should always proceed with caution since the gas used to power your hot water heater is volatile and possibly deadly.
- If you smell gas at any time, you should turn off the gas valve immediately and open the windows to let the gas escape.
Do not switch on any lights.Leave your home and call the gas company or the fire department for assistance.
2. Turn Off the Gas
First and foremost, you must switch off the gas supply before re-igniting the pilot light. Locate the gas valve on your hot water heater and turn it to the ″off″ position to turn the water off. Hold off for around 10 minutes; this will give any gas in the region time to clear, which is vital because the gas is very combustible, so patience is required.
3. Access the Pilot Light
It is customary for the pilot light to be situated directly beneath the gas valve. In certain circumstances, a door or cover may be placed over the light to prevent it from being seen. While you are doing this procedure, use a flashlight to ensure that you can see everything clearly and accurately.
4. Turn the Gas Valve to ‘Pilot’
Turn the gas valve to the ″pilot″ position and push the button. As a result, the gas valve provides enough gas to ignite the pilot light, which is what you want. If your hot water heater is equipped with a separate pilot button, this is something to look for.
5. Light the Pilot
- The method you use to relight the pilot on your gas water heater is determined on the age of the appliance.
- Gas water heaters manufactured during the last eight years are not required to include manual illumination.
- Instead, these water heaters are equipped with an electric spark generator, similar to that found in a gas grill.
To ignite the pilot light on a water heater that has a pilot light ignition button, you should press the button until the pilot light illuminates.If your water heater does not have such a button, you’ll have to manually ignite it with a long lighter if it does not have one.
6. Turn On the Gas
Once the pilot light has been lighted, re-ignite the gas supply.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask a Professional
If you want assistance, get assistance from a local water heater technician, particularly if your hot water heater requires manual ignition. Most service providers will charge a set price every visit, which will normally cover the cost of relighting a gas water heater in the event that one is required. The cost of this service call might range between $80 and $100.
FAQs About Hot Water Heaters
What causes lukewarm water?
- Photograph by Hmzalldesign/iStock / Getty Images Plus courtesy of Getty Images A malfunction with your hot water heater might be the cause of the lukewarm water you’re experiencing.
- It might be a sign that your water heater is going to malfunction, that sediment has accumulated, or that the temperature has been adjusted improperly.
- In order to establish the specific nature of the problem, you need consult with a water heater repair professional.
How much does it cost to repair a hot water heater?
The cost to repair a hot water heater can range from $225 to $960 depending on the model. The cost of repairing a water heater varies based on where you reside and what is wrong with it. In certain circumstances, it may be more cost effective to replace your hot water heater rather than repair it.
How do I maintain my water heater?
The following are some measures you can do to keep your hot water heater in good working order: examine your water heater on a regular basis; rinse out the tank.
What If The Pilot Goes Out On A Gas Heater?
- When the pilot light on a gas heater goes out, it may be quite inconvenient.
- It’s possible that you don’t know what caused the problem, but it might be one of numerous possible explanations for why the pilot is no longer lighted.
- It is possible that the pilot light has gone out, and the heater will not be able to keep the water heated.
As a result, you may encounter cold water when taking a shower or trying to receive hot water from the faucet.Cold water is typically an indication that the pilot light has gone out, and many people will immediately check the heater to verify whether the pilot light has been extinguished.When the pilot light on a gas heater burns out, it must be re-lit; nevertheless, it is important to do safety checks and go through a ritual before re-lighting the pilot light on the heater.Instead, a West Covina plumber who is extremely educated about water heaters and who is licensed to maintain and repair them is the ideal person to have relight the pilot while also checking to see what caused the pilot to go out in the first place would be the best choice.
- An access panel may conceal the pilot, or in a modern water heater, the pilot may be seen via a tiny glass window that prevents the pilot from being handled by human hands but allows the pilot to be ignited by a spark plug.
Check For Any Gas Leaks
- Once it has been confirmed that the pilot has failed, the next step is to inspect the aircraft for leaks.
- Although the thermocouple on the gas heater is designed to sense heat from the pilot in order to maintain feeding it gas, if it malfunctions, it will cut off the gas supply to the pilot, which will subsequently cause the pilot light to be extinguished.
- Because the thermocouple regulates the flow of gas to the pilot, it should turn off on its own if the pilot ever fails to ignite, but only if it is properly operating.
This means that, if the thermocouple is not functioning properly, it is conceivable that gas is leaking into the exact room where the heater is placed, which is dangerous.Especially if the pilot has been out for many hours and the gas has been leaking the entire time, this may be quite dangerous.Whenever possible, check for a gas leak before re-igniting the pilot.A gas leak may be detected very easily; simply sniff about to check if you can detect a foul odor that smells like rotting eggs or other unpleasant odors.
- Because all natural gas has the same scent, it is simple to spot a leak.
- You should immediately switch off the gas to your heater and contact the gas company for further instructions if you detect the scent of natural gas in the air.
- Sometimes it is not necessary to have a company representative come out since the problem can be resolved in a couple of minutes or with a few simple measures on your own.
- If everything appears to be in working order and there is no evidence of a gas leak, then it is safe to proceed with relighting the pilot after taking a few more steps.
Start The Process Of Relighting The Pilot
- It is recommended that instructions on how to relight the pilot be shown on the heater or within a door panel that is positioned on the heater.
- These instructions will especially assist a person with re-igniting the pilot in a safe and proper fashion.
- Following the completion of the search for the instructions, it is required to locate the temperature control gauge and set it to ″low″ or the lowest level that is available.
The temperature gauge will be positioned on a box-shaped surface that is located outside of the heater, and the on and off knob, which should also have the ″pilot″ setting on it, should be located above the temperature gauge.The regulator valve, which may be located on the top section of the structure or on the bottom portion of the structure, should be located on the same box-like structure.After lowering the thermostat setting, turn the gas knob to the ″off″ position and leave the heater alone for 10 minutes without being disturbed.The room should be cleared of any gas that may have been present, and it is safe to return and complete relighting the pilot light.
- Due to the numerous water heater types available, it may be difficult to establish which model you have, but simply notice whether you have a new or an old heater to figure it out.
- It is possible that you will have to ignite the pilot on an ancient heater by igniting it with a match.
- A modern heater does not require the use of a fire to ignite it; instead, an ignition switch may simply ignite this sort of heater, making it far easier to ignite than the previous model heater.
- It will be necessary for those who have an old heater in their West Covina house to obtain something to light the pilot with, and it should not be a match or any other form of lighter since doing so can be harmful.
- The place where the pilot is located is quite small, and placing a hand in there might result in a person getting burned while using matches or a lighter, especially because they must go so near to the pilot to do so safely.
- In this case, it’s advisable to use a wand lighter, which can ignite the pilot with only a spark even if there isn’t any fire in the wand lighter itself.
- If you need to manually relight the pilot, you should invest in a wand lighter.
- Go to the box containing the valves and turn the gas valve from the ″off″ position to the ″pilot″ position by turning it clockwise.
- Once the valve is in the pilot position, use the other hand to reach down and light the wand lighter in the direction of the pilot with the lighter.
Pushing down on the valve will allow gas to flow to the pilot immediately, and lighting the pilot with the wand lighter will complete the process.In some circumstances, the heater prevents the gas valve from being pushed downwards, and the regulator valve must be pressed in place of the gas valve instead.Once the pilot is lighted, it is required to wait for approximately one minute before evaluating whether or not the pilot will remain lit, at which point the regulator valve can be opened.You should be able to close any door or access panel on the heater as long as the pilot light is still illuminated.In order to relight the main burner, turn the gas valve to the ″on″ position.
- Once the main burner has been relighted, it is important to adjust the heater’s temperature from the lowest setting.
- Specifically, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that the temperature be maintained at 120 degrees Fahrenheit/ 49 degrees Celsius.
- The heater should be operational once again, although it may take up to three hours or more for the water to become warm, particularly if the heater is a 50-gallon one.
Consider Water Heater Repair
- When water heaters are created, they are designed to survive for many years, and some may be used for up to ten years or more.
- However, proper maintenance is essential.
- Those who haven’t considered getting their water heater repaired should take a look at how well their heater is doing, especially if it has been malfunctioning recently.
Regardless of whether the heater is gas or electric, it should be serviced once a year, and water heater repair should be performed as necessary.Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer in West Covina, CA will do routine maintenance or repairs on your water heater.Call (626) 962-0885 for more information.
How to Light a Water Heater Pilot Light
- When the pilot light on a water heater goes out, it is typically due to a natural shift in gas pressure extinguishing the flame.
- Previous Post Next Post The most obvious indicator that a pilot light has gone out is the one that everyone dreads: the water will not heat up properly.
- In the event of a damaged flame sensor, it’s critical to know how to relight the pilot light on your water heater so you can get the flame going as quickly as possible.
This will not only allow you to get your hot showers back, but it will also ensure that no gas is unintentionally discharged into the home.It is critical that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your water heater; instructions differ depending on the type and model.However, for the vast majority of gas-powered water heaters, you should begin by locating the gas shut-off valve on the water heater, which is generally plainly labeled on the front lower section of the water heater, before proceeding.Turn the knob to the ″Off″ position and wait five minutes for the gas to clear before proceeding with the next steps:
- Open the door or cover that provides access to the pilot light. In most cases, this will be positioned under the gas valve
- however, some water heaters will just have an open gap where you can see the pilot light burner instead.
- Locate the burner within the container using a flashlight or a headlamp. It will be reached by two little gas tubes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it while you’re at work.
- Turn the gas knob to the ″Pilot″ position and push and hold the button. This will initiate the flow of gas, allowing you to ignite the flame. Some water heaters feature a separate pilot mode button, which is commonly a red button, which you must push and hold in order to activate it.
- While keeping the gas pedal depressed, ignite the pilot light. Certain water heaters feature an igniting button that is red or black, while others must be lighted manually with a long lighter
- some models include a red or black igniting button.
- Maintaining pressure on the gas knob or button for a full minute after the flame is ignited is critical. Then slowly release it while checking to see if the light is still on.
- Turn the gas knob to the ″On″ position and listen for the unmistakable ″whump″ or whooshing sounds that indicates the main burner has ignited.
- Enjoy your hot shower when you’ve replaced the lid.
- Despite the fact that a single extinguished pilot light is normally caused by a natural fluctuation in gas pressure, recurrent faults suggest a more serious problem with the water heater itself.
- The most typical problem that causes repeated pilot outages is a filthy or bent thermocouple, which is a thin copper wire and rod that detects the presence of a flame and immediately switches the gas off when it detects a lack of flame detection.
What is a Thermocouple?
- A thermocouple is sometimes referred to as a flame sensor in contemporary water heaters because of the way it detects flames.
- Your thermocouple is most likely twisted, filthy, or damaged if the pilot light continues to go out after you have completed the above-mentioned lighting procedures.
- For those who find that their pilot light is twisted and not near the burner, they may simply turn off the gas, shift it over, and attempt lighting the pilot again.
It may be necessary to clean the water heater gas valve and the main gas line near the heater if this does not solve the problem.Remove the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve and set them aside for later use.The burner is typically simple to remove by simply sliding it out.Clean out the burner ports with a vacuum, and then use a microfiber cloth and steel wool to clean the tip of the thermocouple.
- If this doesn’t solve the problem, you may get a new thermocouple for less than $15 at any hardware store or home improvement center.
- If your water heater is causing you more issues than you can manage, or if you’re ready to upgrade to a more energy-efficient one, you may call your local Mr.
- Rooter Plumbing for help restoring hot water to your home.
- Hundreds of qualified specialists work for us all across the country, and hot water heaters are only one of the plumbing and water appliances that we like repairing and upgrading the most.
- The use of hot water is simply one component of a great showering experience.
- Replace that sticky shower curtain with a bespoke glass shower door from Glass Doctor, a sister company in the Neighborly network of reputable home service providers, to let in more light, make your bathroom feel larger, and create the shower area of your dreams.
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