How To Reignite Water Heater

How to Reignite Your Water Heater’s Pilot Light

Previous PostNext PostYour gas water heater’s pilot light has gone out due to a power failure. So, what do you do now? Use these ideas to understand how to swiftly re-ignite a water heater before you start picturing ice cold showers and mountains of dirty dishes and laundry on your hands. Continue reading for professional advice on how to get your water heater back up and running so that you can resume taking hot showers and doing your dishes as you normally would.

Do You Need to Learn How to Reignite a Water Heater?

A water heater is typically seen as a household appliance that is out of sight and out of mind – at least until it ceases to function properly. It’s likely that you haven’t given much consideration to the sort of water heater you have in your residence. Here’s how to tell if you even need to restart your water heater in the first place.

  • If you have an electric water heater, you won’t have to worry about re-igniting it. Electric water heaters do not use any gas or need the use of a pilot light. If the electricity to your electric water heater is out, you may be experiencing an electrical problem that necessitates the use of a professional. If you have a newer model water heater that is fitted with an automated pilot light, you will not have to relight the water heater. In the event that your gas water heater does not light automatically, you will need to rekindle it.

How to Reignite a Gas Water Heater in 7 Steps

Identifying whether or whether you have a gas-powered water heater should be the first step. Read the user handbook for information on how to relight the pilot light. Additionally, instructions for using a gas water heater are frequently placed on the outside of the tank. The following procedures should be followed if you do not have access to an owner’s handbook or if there are no instructions on the tank:

  1. Open the door or cover that is blocking the pilot light’s access if one is present. However, some versions will have an open gap where you can see the pilot light burning, which is normally positioned under the gas valve. This type of water heater does not have an open gap and so is known as a sealed burner assembly. Attempting to remove the lid is not recommended. In order to avoid the ignition of flammable vapors outside of the water heater, a sealed burner assembly or Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant (FVIR) unit is used. Locate the burner with the use of a flashlight or a headlamp. There are two little gas tubes that run to the burner
  2. One is on the left and one is on the right. Turn the gas knob to the “Pilot” position and keep it there for a few seconds. This phase stimulates the flow of gas, which allows you to ignite the flame after it has been lit. If your model has a distinct button for pilot mode, push and hold it down
  3. If not, press and hold the button down until the pilot mode is activated. Light the pilot while maintaining control of the gas knob or button. The igniting button on your water heater may be red or black, or you may have to ignite it manually with a long lighter, depending on the kind you have. Continue keeping the knob or button down for a full minute after the flame is ignited, then gradually release the knob or button to ensure that the pilot light remains burning. When you turn on the gas, listen for a “whump” sound or a whooshing sound that indicates the burner is lighting
  4. If you hear neither, turn the gas off. Once the pilot light has been started, close the access cover to the pilot light.

Need Help with Your Hot Water Heater? Mr. Rooter ®Plumbing Can Help

When it comes to getting the support you need with your water heater, it’s sometimes more convenient to resort to expert plumbing specialists. Your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing staff is here to assist you, whether you are having trouble lighting the pilot light or adjusting the water temperature in your home. To arrange plumbing services, call (855) 982-2028 or submit an online request for an estimate. Do you require additional storage space in your utility room? Mr. Handyman can assist you with this.

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How To Reignite Your Gas Water Heater Pilot Light

So your gas water heater has ceased heating the water in your home? What a dreadful situation! Prior to taking cold showers or calling your local plumber, think about one basic component of your system that might be the source of all your problems. Your pilot light has been turned off! If your gas water heater’s pilot light goes out, you must manually relight it unless you have an automated pilot light system installed. Several factors might have contributed to the extinguishment of your pilot light, including a broken thermocouple (the component of your water heater that detects whether your pilot light is ignited), a lack of combustible air, or the flame being blown out by a strong wind or gust of wind.

If it continues to malfunction, bring in your experienced plumber to diagnose and resolve the problem! Step-by-step instructions for re-igniting your water heater (since every water heater is different, it’s recommended to follow these instructions with your owner’s handbook nearby).

  1. Locate the pilot light cover, which is normally placed beneath the gas valve, and remove the cover. It is only necessary to open the lid if there is an open space where you can see the pilot light burning
  2. If there isn’t an open gap, this indicates that your water heater is a sealed unit. NONE of the following should be attempted: removing the lid of a sealed burner assembly, since this may cause the ignition of hazardous gasses outside the water heater
  3. Make use of a flashlight to identify the burner, which should be connected to it by two gas tubes. The “Pilot” position of the gas on/off pilot switch should be selected. This will cause a flow of gas to be released, which will ignite the flame. If your model has a button that allows you to enter pilot mode, press and hold it. Light the pilot while keeping the gas switch or button pressed down for a few seconds. If your water heater is of the electric kind, it may have an igniting button
  4. If it is of the gas variety, you may need to manually ignite it with a long lighter. Once the pilot light has ignited, make sure to keep the switch or button down for a full minute to ensure that the pilot light remains lit. Slowly release the button to ensure that the light remains on. Then, turn the gas switch to the “On” position and listen for a whooshing sound emanating from the stove burner. That sound indicates that it has been lit. Replace the cover that allows access to the pilot light

Because every system is unique, as previously said, You should keep your owner’s handbook handy if you intend to relight your pilot without the aid of a skilled expert. This will allow you to validate the components of your system if something goes wrong. While it is wonderful to be able to handle your plumbing problems on your own, there are occasions when you will want the assistance of a professional! When you do, please know that we will be here to support you! Call us at any time and we’ll send a plumber to your home for free to analyze the problem and assist you in repairing it properly!

How to Reignite a Hot Water Heater

Water heaters that run on natural gas or oil feature a pilot light that burns constantly and automatically ignites the burner when hot water is required. The presence of an air bubble in the gas line might cause the pilot light to lose fuel and eventually go out in some circumstances. When using heaters in outside enclosures, high winds may cause the pilot light to be extinguished. When employing the proper sort of ignition source, starting a water heater is not a difficult task at all. Whenever you smell gas or heating oil, switch off the supply valve that supplies the flexible line to the heater and call a plumber right away to come and inspect the problem.

  1. The “Off” setting is reached by turning the control knob on the heater. Wait five minutes to ensure that any remaining gas or oil has been removed from the control box
  2. Then, using your hands, remove the white cover from the bottom area of the tank below the control knob. To get to the pilot light tube, lift out the metal burner cover and slide it to the side. Look inside the burner chamber for the pilot tube, which should be easy to find. It is customary for a pilot tube to have a diameter ranging from 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch with an oblong or flattened tip
  3. Set the control knob to “Pilot.” Using a long fireplace match or a butane pistol, light the red button adjacent to the control knob and hold it down for a few seconds. In order to fire the pilot, keep the flame just below the tip of the pilot tube. Keeping the red button down will allow the thermocouple tube, which regulates the ignition system, to heat up for one minute. After one minute, release the red button and look for the pilot light to illuminate. If the flame goes out, it means that the button was not kept down for a long enough period of time. To ignite the pilot light, repeat the previous procedures while holding down the button for 90 seconds. Reinstall the burner cover and the outer cover at the bottom of the tank if the previous step was completed successfully
  4. Otherwise, move on to step 2. To turn on the burner, turn the control knob to the medium heat setting on the wall. Make the necessary adjustments to get the appropriate temperature.

Light Your Hot Water Heater Pilot Light in 5 Easy Steps

Posted at 12:00hinPlumbing Services on February 12, 2019 There are a variety of reasons why your hot water heater’s pilot light may go out. However, while the absence of a pilot light may signal a problem with the heater itself, a hot water heater pilot light can also go out for a variety of other causes, such as oscillations in the gas pressure. If your pilot light is out, you will most likely see cold water flowing out of your hot water valves when you turn on the water. The good news is that you can easily re-ignite your hot water heater pilot light by following these five simple steps:

1. Turn Off the Gas

The first thing you should do is make certain that the gas has been turned off completely. Locate the gas regulator valve in order to accomplish this. On the outside of your water heater, around the point where the main gas line enters the heater, you’ll often find this valve. Allow at least five minutes to pass after turning this valve to the “off” position to allow any leftover gas to disperse.

2. Where is The Pilot Light on Hot Water Heater?

This section will most likely necessitate the use of a flashlight. Most of the time, the pilot light for your hot water heater may be found beneath the water tank on your device. It is possible that you may need to remove an access panel in order to get to it. Some newer versions may have the pilot light hidden behind a glass panel, which is a nice touch. In appearance, the pilot light’s housing should be in the shape of a little silver tube. You will need to hire a plumber to diagnose any additional issues you may be experiencing with your water heater if there is already a flame burning at the end of this tube when the pilot light is turned on.

3. Check for any Gas Leaks

Ensure that there are no gas leaks or residual gas before proceeding any further. Igniting a flame in the vicinity of a gas leak can be extremely hazardous to your health and the safety of your property. Relighting your hot water heater pilot light should only be done if you are certain that no gas is leaking from the device. You may confirm this by doing a basic smell test as follows: Take a few deep breaths while standing near to your water heater and smelling the air. Despite the fact that natural gas is odorless, gas companies use an additive called mercaptan to guarantee that it may be discovered in the event of a leak.

If you don’t detect any rotten eggs-like odors in the air surrounding your water heater, step closer and sniff any of the valves, pipes, or connection points in the vicinity of the unit.

Immediately leave the house if you detect even a faint whiff of gas and contact your plumber, who will be able to advise you on what steps to do next.

When you leave the house, avoid turning on or off any lights since this might cause sparks that could ignite the gas.

Always leave the house before phoning someone or sending a text message. Natural gas that is leaking can make you sick, and spending any further time near a gas leak increases your chances of accidently inhaling or igniting the leaking gas.

4. Ignite your Hot Water Heater Pilot Light

It is safe to restart your hot water heater pilot light once you have determined that there are no leaks in your water heater equipment. To accomplish this, set the regulator valve to “pilot” and press and hold it down for a few seconds. Depending on the model, you may be required to press a second red button to regulate the flow of gas to the pilot light. If your machine includes a dedicated pilot button, it will most likely be red and labeled “pilot.” Check the front of your unit for instructions that may assist you in locating all of the valves and buttons necessary to re-ignite your hot water heater’s pilot light, if there are any.

When it comes to newer models, the “ignition” button on your water heater should be either black or red in color.

As this occurs, you should hear a clicking sound.

The safest method for accomplishing this is to use a long-nosed lighter, such as those used to ignite barbecue grills.

5. Make Sure the Flame Stays Lit, and Your Heater is Working.

Maintain pressure on the regulator valve for at least a minute after the pilot light has been ignited. The thermocouple sensor will be able to re-heat as a result of this. This sensor detects whether your water heater’s pilot light has gone out and will shut it down if the water becomes too cold to handle. Allow for a minute before carefully releasing the regulator valve and checking to see whether the pilot light continues to burn. If this is the case, switch the regulator valve to the “on” position.

Once this is accomplished, your pilot light should be operational.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with natural gas may be a frightening experience. It is possible, however, to safely rekindle your hot water heater pilot light whenever you need to if you follow these simple instructions. It’s always possible to call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for skilled, timely, and locally-based assistance if you are still unclear of what you are doing, cannot figure out how your specific model works, or simply prefer to have a professional handle the situation instead. BFP Duncanville provides plumbing services to the Southwest Dallas communities of Cedar Hill, Dallas, DeSoto,Duncanville, Glenn Heights, Grand Prairie, Maypearl and Midlothian as well as the towns of Oak Cliff and Ovilla.

In addition to emergency plumbing repair, the company offers a variety of other plumbing services, including faucet repair, drain services, toilet repair, plumbing fixture installations, tub and shower installations, kitchen sink repair, faucet installation, water heater repair/replacement, and garbage disposal replacement, among other things.

For further information or to make an appointment, please contact us at (972) 263-5010.

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.

See also:  How To Remove Calcium From Hot Water Heater?

Why does the pilot light on my water heater keep going out?

05.13.2021, Friday, May 13 Being faced with the uncomfortable and annoying situation of having your gas water heater’s pilot light flame go out is a difficult situation. The lack of hot water may make even the simplest task like taking a shower a chore when your water heater’s pilot light fails to stay lit. Of course, you’re thinking, “How did this happen? Any hints or suggestions for re-igniting the fire would be appreciated. When will it be repaired and how do I go about doing so? “Can you tell me about the costs?” In the event that your water heater pilot light fails, you should be aware that this is a typical problem that many homeowners have, and that the time and effort required to replace it are modest.

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.

Lack of Combustible Air

Another reason why your gas water heaterpilot light won’t remain lighted might be that there isn’t enough combustible air in the room where it is located. 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:

  1. 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 the case of minor repairs, it is preferable and safer to hire someone who is knowledgeable in the field of repair. 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

Please contact BGE HOME at (410) 918-5600 if your water heater pilot light will not light or continues going out. You may also contact us online. 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. Commenting and pinging are temporarily closed for this post.

How to Reignite Your Water Heater

You may have observed that when you switched on your hot water faucet, the water did not immediately begin to heat up. In the event that you have a gas water heater, there is a strong likelihood that the pilot light has gone out. It is possible to re-ignite the light on your own without professional assistance. In this post, we will walk you through the process of re-igniting the pilot light on your water heater in a safe manner.

First, Carefully Examine Your Water Heater

  1. To ensure that the pilot light has been turned off, look down at the bottom of your water heater and remove the access panel. If you do not see a little flame burning, this indicates that the pilot light has been turned off. In some cases, a detachable panel may be replaced by a transparent glass panel on newer models of water heaters. First and foremost, check sure there is no gas leak—take a minute to smell for anything strange while standing up, or listen for any hissing sounds—and then proceed. After that, get down on your knees and smell around the bottom and sides of the tank. Natural gas is odorless by nature
  2. However, gas firms add a chemical (mercaptan) to make it smell like sulfur or rotten eggs, making it more noticeable by people in the environment. If you detect the odor of sulfur or rotten eggs in either location (even if it is a faint scent), do not attempt to light the pilot lamp. Instead, evacuate the area around the water heater and call the gas company right once for assistance. They’ll provide you specific instructions on how to continue. Is there no stench or hissing noises? Then it’s safe to move forward. For precise directions on how to relight a pilot light, see the inner door panel of the door. Navigate to the temperature controls, which are often placed on the front of a box on the outside of the water heater, and lower the temperature setting
  3. To find it, look for the regulator valve (which is normally situated on a separate box from the temperature control and regulates gas flow to a pilot burner beneath the hot water tank). Turn the knob all the way to the “OFF” setting. To ensure that any remaining gas from the tank has been cleared from the air, wait 10 minutes before continue
  4. I’m curious as to what kind of water heater you have.
  1. Older water heater types will necessitate the use of your own flame to relight the pilot—for this purpose, a wand style lighter or fireplace matches can be used for extra length. Modern water heaters are fitted with a pilot light igniter, which is a first for the industry.
  1. To manually relight the pilot, first find it and then ignite the flame from that location. The pilot is positioned at the end of the little silver tube that emerges from the control valve
  2. It is also known as the pilot tube.

To manually relight the pilot, first find it and then ignite the flame with the match. At the end of the little silver tube that emerges from the control valve, you will find the pilot.

Steps for Relighting the Pilot Light On A Water Hater

  1. Push down on the gas valve and turn it to the “PILOT” position
  2. This initiates the flow of gas into the tube that supplies the pilot light and turns on the pilot light. For those who have trouble pushing down the gas valve, seek for a red control button nearby and press it until the valve pushes down.)
  3. In addition to holding down the pilot gas valve (also known as the red button) with one hand, you’ll use the other hand to turn on the pilot light. You will most likely want the assistance of a second person to hold the flashlight while you inspect the water heater:
  1. New: Turn on the pilot burner by pressing the built-in ignition switch, which will make a clicking sound until the pilot burner comes on. Old: Light a match or a wand lighter and place it near the pilot burner.
  1. After the pilot light has been ignited, continue to hold down the gas valve for one minute more. Check to check if the pilot light stays illuminated after releasing the valve/button. Then, if the light continues to illuminate, replace the access panel and re-ignite the main burner (by turning the main gas valve to the “ON” position). Make the necessary adjustments to the temperature control to get your desired temperature. In accordance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recommendations, the optimal temperature is 120°F.

Please do not hesitate to contact Mister Quik if you have any queries or concerns.

How To Relight the Pilot Light in Your Gas Hot Water Heater

When the hotwater heater in your home fails, duties such as showering, doing laundry, cleaning dishes, 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.

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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. if your water heater isn’t producing enough heat, call Reidelt Plumbing Inc.

Our professional plumbers will come out to your home, assess the situation, and provide recommendations on how to restore hot water flow in your home.

  • This entry was published on April 30, 2020, under the category Water Heaters.

How to Reignite Your Water Heater’s Pilot Light

Instructions on how to re-ignite the pilot light on your water heater

What is a Water Heater Pilot Light?

In your water heater, the pilot light is a little flame that is always illuminated. The purpose of this flame is to ignite the gas burner in your water heater. By raising the temperature of the water in your water heater’s tank before it is transported throughout your home’s plumbing system, the gas burner is able to do its job.

Where is a Water Heater’s Pilot Light Located?

You should be able to see the pilot light of your water heater from the outside of the water heater. Looking at the outside of your water heater, search for a pipe that enters the water heater tank from the outside after you’re done. the placement of the pilot light on a water heater This conduit is known as the gas pipe, and the pilot light for your water heater should be situated at the point where the gas pipe enters the water heater system. When the pilot light is turned on, the gas knob, which is often painted red and positioned on the surface of a metal box attached to the outside of the water heater, should be easily identified.

If the flame is not visible, close the pilot light cover and try again.

What Does it Mean When Your Water Heater Pilot Light Goes Out?

The pilot light of your water heater is responsible for determining whether or not the water in the tank of your water heater is heated. Whenever the pilot light on your water heater fails to illuminate, the water in your water heater’s tank will not get warm, and hot water will not be able to flow through your home’s plumbing system. That is to say, if the pilot light is out, you will not have hot water for hot baths, no hot water for dishwashing, and so on. Unfortunately, when the pilot light on your water heater goes out, it’s typically pretty straightforward to relight it on your own.

In reality, the most typical reason for a pilot light to go out abruptly is a natural shift in gas pressure, which causes the pilot light flame to extinguish.

How to Light an Extinguished Water Heater Pilot Light

The procedure of re-igniting your water heater’s pilot light after it has gone out suddenly is actually rather easy and straightforward. There are no tools required, with the exception of a lighter—and even that may not be necessary, depending on the type of water heater you have. To begin, you must get access to the pilot light burner. It could already be exposed, or you might have to remove a cover in order to get to it. In either case, the pilot light for your water heater should be placed near the water heater’s gas knob, beneath the water heater’s gas valve.

  • This step may necessitate the use of a flashlight.
  • Having identified the pilot light burner, switch the gas knob from “Off” to the position labeled “Pilot.” Be cautious during this stage since gas will begin to flow after the knob is turned to the “Pilot” position.
  • Alternatively, if your water heater includes an initiating button (which is generally either red or black in color), you may press it to start the flame.
  • Finally, keep the gas knob down for a full minute before gently releasing it to ensure that the flame remains ignited throughout the process.
  • This sound indicates that the main burner of the water heater has been lighted, and that hot water will be flowing through your home’s plumbing system shortly.
  • It may not always be able to re-ignite your water heater pilot light on your own, depending on the underlying reason of the extinguished flame.
  • Please contact Accurate Leak Locators and Plumbing if you are situated in Southern California now.
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How To Relight the Pilot Light on Your Gas Water Heater

No one enjoys the feeling of stepping into their shower and discovering that there is no hot water. When this occurs, you must be prepared to relight your pilot light as soon as possible. So, what is the proper way to ignite a pilot light? Fortunately, it is simple! Allow us to demonstrate how to quickly reactivate your pilot light and restore hot water to your home. What is the purpose of a pilot light? When gas is put into your gas hot water heater, a pilot light is merely a little flame that is always there and ignites the burner when gas is added.

  • Several factors, including a brief stoppage in the gas supply, might contribute to the failure of the unit to heat up properly.
  • Instructions on how to relight the pilot light on your water heater There are only a few stages to this, but always proceed with caution, and if you smell gas at any time, stop and call for help immediately.
  • Locate the gas shutoff valve, which is usually situated on the water heater.
  • After five minutes, and sometimes even longer, you should check to see whether any lingering gas has been expelled from the house.
  • If there is a cover, open it and examine inside with a flashlight if there is one.
  • Once you’ve located them, go back to the gas valve and turn it to the “pilot” position.
  • If this is the case, instead of pressing the button, push the button.

Ensure that the pilot is still lit while you use an extended lighter to ignite the pilot flame.

If the flame goes out, repeat the procedure after allowing a few minutes for any gas to disperse before proceeding.

Most of the time, there will be a significant sound to let you know that the primary burner is operating.

What Happens If the Pilot Light Continues to Fade?

A faulty thermocouple, also known as a flame sensor, is frequently the source of the problem.

Concluding Remarks Even though losing your hot water is never pleasant, re-igniting your pilot light does not have to be complicated.

To sum it up, use prudence and make an effort to follow these procedures, and you will complete the task in no time.

Our crew has the knowledge and experience to have your hot water back up and running in no time. Call us at 781-520-1212 or visit us on Facebook to learn more about us.

How to Relight Your Water Heater Pilot Light (For Every Major Brand!)

The pilot light on your hot water heater has great influence on your life. Anyone who has walked into their shower on a frigid winter morning, with their body freezing and their teeth chattering as they wait for hot water that never arrives, knows what I’m talking about. In the case of a natural gas water heater, this might indicate one of two problems. There are two possibilities: either (1) the gas supply has been switched off or (2) your pilot light has gone out. We should first address the likelihood that your gas supply has been interrupted (and as fast as possible).

1. How to Make Sure Your Gas Supply is On

  1. Locate the shut-off valve for your natural gas line
  2. It is common to find the shut-off valve near to your gas meter (as shown in the figure below), which is often positioned on the side or front of your home or major structure. Check to be that the shut-off valve attached to your gas line is in the “ON” position before proceeding. If it is not in the ON position, the problem is not with your gas line
  3. However, if it is, the problem is with your gas line. If the valve is currently in the OFF position, switch it to the ON position. Please do not hesitate to contact your local gas company for assistance.

Examining your gas line is the first step in determining whether or not you have a lack of hot water. Double-check to see that the gas shut-off valve is in the “ON” position. If everything is in working order with your gas supply, it’s time to check the pilot light on your water heater.

2. How to Light Your Pilot Light Water Heater

Depending on the manufacturer, re-igniting a pilot light may need a different procedure. Fortunately, there are just a few number of producers. The first step should be to check for the installation instructions, which are normally fastened to the water heater. Don’t be concerned if you can’t locate them. Specific brand-by-brand instructions are provided in the section below. Instructions in this video are “generalized,” as the title indicates. Scroll down to the bottom of this page for instructions unique to your brand of water heater.

How to Light a Rheem Hot Water Heater Pilot Light

The pilot light on an ARheem water heater must be manually activated by striking thepiezo ignitor striker that is incorporated within the water heater.

  1. Using a clockwise motion, turn the gas knob on your Rheem water heater until it is at the desired position
  2. Counter-clockwise turn the temperature dial on the water heater until it is set to the lowest temperature setting. Wait five minutes to let any gas in the water to pass through
  3. Remove the outer door of your Rheem water heater from its mounting bracket. Counter-clockwise turn the gas knob to the “Pilot Light” setting until it is in this position. Press the red button to the left of the gas knob until it becomes depressed. The piezo ignitor striker is located on the left side of the gas knob. While maintaining pressure on the red button, continually push the piezo ignitor striker until the pilot light is re-lit until the problem is resolved. Through the viewing glass on the inside of the Rheem water heater’s inner door, you can see the pilot light. After the pilot light has been turned on, continue to hold down the red button for one minute before releasing it completely. The pilot light will remain on during the process. Remove and reattach the outer door of your water heater
  4. To turn on the gas, turn the knob to the “ON” position. Set the hot water temperature slider to the temperature that you desire for your water

How to Light an A.O. Smith or State Water Heater Pilot Light

AO Smith water heaters andState water heaters, including the Conservationist model, are equipped with a piezoelectric igniter mechanism that lets you to light the pilot by pressing the ignition button on the water heater.

  1. Disconnect the access panel from the side of the A.O. Smith or State water heater and place it somewhere out of the way
  2. To turn off the gas supply, turn the control knob on the water heater’s side to the “OFF” position and let the room air out for roughly 10 minutes. The “Pilot Light” setting on the gas control knob should be selected. The red button should be pressed down (this will allow the gas to flow to the burner assembly)
  3. And While maintaining pressure on the red button, press down on the ignitor button until the pilot light illuminates. It is possible that you may have to press down on the ignitor button two or three times before the hot water heater pilot light turns back on. Continue to hold down the red button for approximately 60 seconds after the pilot is lighted, then gently release the button. Make sure the gas is turned on by turning the control knob to “ON.” Replacing the access panel on the side of the water heater is necessary.

How to Light a Bradford White Water Heater Pilot Light

  1. Control panel for the Bradford White water heater should be turned off
  2. Allow the water heater to stand for 5 minutes to allow gas to escape from the system. Change the mode of the control switch to pilot light mode. Press the red control button in for a few seconds, then press the button every few seconds while continuing to press in
  3. Listen for a click, and the water heater status light should begin flashing to indicate that the water heater is operational. Allowing the red control button to be released
  4. Make sure that the red control button is in the “hot” position. If the pilot light does not stay lighted or does not relight after being extinguished, it is possible that a more serious problem is causing your lack of hot water. For emergency assistance, contact your plumber.

Resources

  • Precautions to take when using a water heater
  • How to get hot water back from your water heater
  • The components of a water heater
  • Water heater maintenance and repairs
  • What is the average lifespan of a water heater?

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

It might be rather frightening to experiment with the gas in your house. Don’t be concerned, we’ll have you back in a warm shower in no time! Please do not hesitate to contact us or call 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237). Regardless of the nature of the emergency plumbing, drainage cleaning and drain clearing, or water damage situation, we will respond quickly. This includes excavation of subterranean water pipes and sewage main lines.

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 quotations 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 their pilot lights to be sure they haven’t been turned off accidentally. 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.

The following tools and materials will be required:

How to Relight a Gas Water Heater’s Pilot Light

Maintaining the safe and efficient operation of your hot water heater Get bids from as many as three professionals at the same time. To find top-rated professionals in your area, enter your zip code below. You should examine your hot water heater first if your hot shower has turned into freezing rain after you have turned on the water heater. Homes using gas water heaters should check their pilot lights to be sure they haven’t been extinguished by accident.

Your heater may have a pilot light that may be re-ignited with an ignition button or a lighter, depending on how old it is. Difficulty:2/5 15 minutes are allotted for this activity. Materials and tools required:

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, consult with 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

Photograph by Hmzalldesign/iStock / Getty Images Plus courtesy of Getty Images If your water is barely lukewarm, it is possible that your hot water heater is malfunctioning. 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 of repairing 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?

Some things you can do to keep your hot water heater in good working order include examining it on a regular basis and flushing it out of the tank.

How to Relight Your Water Heater’s Pilot Light

An Overview of How to Turn on a Water Heater Pilot Light

  • Step 1: Turn off the gas
  • Step 2: Put the controls in “pilot mode.” Step 3: Press the control button and the light button simultaneously. Step 4: Bring the water temperature back to normal. Step 5: Reinstall the lid.

Don’t freak out if you find yourself without hot water for no apparent reason. It’s possible that the pilot light on your gas water heater has gone out. Despite the fact that this little blue flame should always be burning, it can go out for a variety of reasons. The good news is that, in the majority of situations, relighting is a simple process. This Might Also Be of Interest to You: Using These 5 Simple Steps, You Can Relight Your Furnace Pilot Light Please see the following steps for relighting the pilot light on your gas water heater.

How Do I Know If My Pilot Light Is Out?

In the event that you turn on a faucet and the water comes out cold, no matter how long you let it run, it is likely that your pilot light is out. You’ll need to get to the water heater in order to examine it. Most water heaters have a pilot light that is situated at the bottom of the machine, below the gas control valve, which makes it easy to find. Look into the burner chamber by opening the access panel or entrance to the chamber. The pilot light tube may be found in this location, and it should have a continuous blue flame.

Can I Relight the Pilot Light by Myself?

In many circumstances, you will be able to relight the pilot light on your water heater by yourself. First, check sure there isn’t a gas leak in the area where you’re trying to relight the pilot light. Usually, a simple whiff will suffice to do this. Natural gas is usually scented by the utility companies in order to make it easier to discover leaks in your house. Most of the time, the scent is comparable to that of garlic or rotten eggs. If you suspect that you are smelling gas, do not attempt to relight the pilot light.

See also:  What Type Of Water Heater Do I Need?

For further information, contact your natural gas utility.

Gas hissing and blowing noises may also signal the presence of a gas leak.

Additional Related Articles:

  • Here is an estimate of how much it will cost to replace a water heater: When your water heater isn’t working, you’ll notice these seven tell-tale signs. Learn how to properly drain a water heater. What is a Smart Water Heater and how does it work? I’m wondering how much a tankless water heater will set you back.

What Do You Do When the Pilot Light Goes Out?

Re-lighting the pilot light according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your equipment should be attempted if at all possible. The procedure, on the other hand, is very consistent across different kinds of gas water heaters. To begin, establish if your water heater is equipped with an automated or manual ignition system. A glimpse at the control dial should be enough to notify you, according to Mullen Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling of West Virginia. If you have an automated igniter, it is likely that you have an ignition button.

It will be necessary to manually relight your pilot light.

How to Light a Pilot Light on a Water Heater Without an Automatic Igniter

  1. Using the access cover, switch the gas control valve to the “off” position to cut off the gas supply. Allow about 10 minutes for any gas that has gathered to disperse. The “pilot” position is reached by turning both the control and the water temperature knobs. To activate the control knob, depress it. To re-ignite the pilot light, hold the button down while using a wand lighter or long match to ignite it. A continuous flame should be visible once the pilot light has been turned on. For a full minute, continue to keep the knob down to force air out of the line that has accumulated over the course of time. Turn the knob to the left
  2. Set the temperature of your water heater back to the appropriate level by turning the control knob. Remove the access cover and replace it.

How to Light a Pilot Light on a Water Heater With an Automatic Igniter

  1. Remove the access cover from the door. To turn off the gas, turn the gas control valve to its “off” position. Wait about 10 minutes for the gas to disperse before continuing. Then, set the control and water temperature knobs to the “pilot mode.” To use the control button, press it. While maintaining pressure on the trigger, continually push the striker knob for approximately 90 seconds, or until the pilot is lighted. The striker knob is usually either black or red in color. Continue to hold down the control knob for a full minute to bleed air from the line, then release it.
  2. Set the temperature of your water heater by turning the control knob to the appropriate setting
  3. Replace the access cover in a safe manner.

Your pilot light should remain bright if it was accidentally turned off due to a draft or similar one-time problem. If it doesn’t work the first time, wait 10 minutes before attempting to ignite it yourself again after that. Having trouble with your water heater’s pilot light? It’s possible that your device requires expert maintenance or repair. Because we are spending more time at home than ever before, it is critical to be prepared for unexpected home repairs with a plan from HomeServe.

The knowledge that you can easily call our 24-hour repair hotline in the event of a covered breakdown provides you more peace of mind. Explore the options that are available in your community.

How to Light a Water Heater

Documentation Download Documentation Download Documentation You may see cold water flowing from your hot water faucet if you reside in a home that has a natural gas water heater. This is a good indication that your pilot light has gone out. It is not necessary to hire a professional in most circumstances; you will have hot water again in a matter of hours if the pilot is re-ignited correctly. While having your water heater’s instruction manual on hand is a good idea, it is not fully required because most gas water heaters need a similar process for relighting the pilot light, as described in this article.

  1. 1 Make that the pilot light is working properly. You will most likely need to remove a tiny panel at the bottom of the tank, known as an access panel, in order to determine whether or not the pilot light is truly turned off. If you do not see a little flame flickering, this indicates that your pilot light has been turned off.
  • Depending on your water heater model, it is conceivable that your panel is not detachable and that you must observe your pilot light via a transparent window. It is possible that your pilot light has gone out if you are unable to see a flame burning through the glass in this situation.

2 Check to see whether there is any gas leaking. Never attempt to restart your pilot light if there is gas leaking from your water heater, as this is highly harmful to both you and your property. Instead, call 911 immediately. To check for leaks before attempting to relight the pilot, perform a basic smell test on the cylinder.

  • Standing near to your water heater, sniff the air to see if you can notice any strange aromas. After that, get down on your knees and smell around any valves on the front and sides of the tank. Naturally, natural gas has no odor. To make it noticeable to humans, gas companies add an ingredient known as mercaptan to the mixture. When gas leaks, it has a sulfuric or rotten egg smell to it
  • If you notice gas leaking in either of these locations (even in a faint scent), do not attempt to relight the pilot light. Remove yourself from the vicinity of the water heater and contact your gas provider immediately
  • They will advise you on what to do next. Also keep an ear out for a hissing sound near the water heater, which might indicate a gas leak

Advertisement 3 Instructions may be found on the inside of the door panel of your water heater. Detailed instructions for your specific water heater model may be available here, and following them may assist you in the process of relighting the pilot for your unique water heater. Advertisement

  1. Step 1: Lower the temperature control setting to the lowest possible setting. 2Find the regulator valve, which is normally situated on the front of a box on the outside of the water heater
  2. 3Find the pressure relief valve. In most cases, this valve is positioned on the same box as the temperature control, but it is more likely to be on top of the box
  3. It regulates gas flow to the pilot burner beneath the hot water tank. To turn the knob off, turn it to the “Off” position. Wait 10 minutes after turning off the knob before proceeding to ensure that any remaining gas from the tank has cleared the air before continuing. The most important factor is safety
  4. 4 Determine the type of water heater that you have installed. Gas hot water heaters are often classified into two categories: “new” and “ancient.” Traditional heaters will require you to relight the pilot light with your own flame, however newer design tanks are fitted with a pilot light igniter built into the tank.
  • However, while the specific appearance of the buttons on modern design tanks may vary, many of them include a red igniter button that is located a few inches away from the temperature and regulator valves.

5 Gather any lighting items that may be required. You will need to obtain a long-reach “wand” lighter or fireplace matches to relight the pilot on an older design water heater.

  • Please avoid re-igniting a pilot using a standard lighted matchstick or miniature cigarette lighter, since doing so will force you to place your fingers in a small, tight position too near to the open flame, putting you at risk of being burnt

6Travel to the location of the pilot. The pilot is positioned at the end of the little silver tube that comes out of the control valve and is connected to the control valve. It’s possible that you’ll need to use a flashlight to see clearly in this location. Advertisement

  1. 1 Turn the gas valve to the “Pilot” position and press the button on the valve. It is necessary to do this in order to initiate the flow of gas into the tube that supplies the pilot light.
  • Find a red control button near the gas valve on your water heater if the gas valve on your water heater does not press down properly. Hold this button down for a moment.

2 Light the pilot burner with a match. The pilot gas valve or the red button will be held down with one hand while the other hand will be used to swiftly light the pilot.

  • To use this button, make sure you have a new model water tank with a built-in ignition switch installed. You should be able to hear a clicking sound until the pilot burner comes on. If you have an old-fashioned heater, ignite the pilot burner with a wand lighter or match and wait a few minutes. Because you will be using one hand to push the valve/red button while using the other hand to ignite the pilot, you may require the assistance of another person to carry a flashlight for you if you require additional lighting. Make an effort to get assistance in advance so that you do not go halfway through a procedure only to be forced to halt because you are unable to see what you are doing

1 Minute after the pilot light has been ignited, keep the gas valve or control button down by pressing it down one more time. Heat from this will heat the thermocouple, which is a sensor that will turn off the gas if the pilot is not lit. 4Remove the valve knob/control button from the valve. Check to check whether the pilot light is still on after a minute by releasing the valve and pressing the control button again. 5Replace the access panels with new ones. When checking to see if the pilot light is still glowing, replace the access panel (if you had to remove it first) to ensure that no flames are allowed to escape into your home.

Turn the main gas valve back to the “On” position and set the temperature control to the appropriate temperature.

When turning the knob to the “on” position, take care to keep your head away from the burner region.

Remember not to heat the water to a boiling point, since you might scald your hands or body accidently when washing or bathing. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends a temperature of 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit). Advertisement

Create a new question

  • QuestionHow can I start a newer model gas heater that is on the market? Look up your model number and get in touch with the manufacturer for more detailed information. As a general rule, the most significant difference between a modern heater and these instructions is that newer types feature an electronic igniter (you simply press the button and a spark is produced) for lighting the pilot. Question What do I name the gadget that I use to ignite the pilot’s engine when I press a button on it? You refer to it as a “spark igniter.” Question What should I do if the pilot light on my water heater keeps flickering on and off? It is likely that you will have to replace it. Make contact with a supplier or even the firm that produced your water heater for further information. Question What should I do if the pilot light won’t remain lit for whatever reason? The most likely cause of your problem is that your thermocouple has to be repaired or replaced. A pilot light is a short copper tube that connects your water heater’s controls to the pilot light and has an end that sticks into the flame. Whenever the pilot light heats up the tip, it creates electricity that is detected by the control box, which allows it to determine that the pilot light is on. A new one is simple to install, and you can pick one up at any home improvement, plumbing supply, or hardware shop. Take your old one with you so that you may acquire the right measurement. A little bit longer is OK, but not typically much shorter
  • Question When I press the pilot button, how long should I hold it down before pressing the little red ignitor button beneath it? It takes around 5 seconds. Restart it and make any necessary adjustments to the temperature. Question So, what should I do if the pilot light won’t turn on for whatever reason? Continue to try while keeping an eye out for any signs that there is gas coming through (usually by smell). The likelihood is that the regulator is faulty and that it will need to be replaced. This is also something that you can accomplish on your own.

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Video

  • If this procedure does not provide results, check to see that the pilot light’s base is not filthy or blocked. If it is, clean it well and repeat the process after 10-15 minutes. You may also try holding the valve/control button for an additional 30-45 seconds after the pilot light has been ignited. If this technique does not work, it might be due to a lack of gas pressure or a defective gas valve. If you are unable to light the water heater after many efforts, contact an appliance repair person, a plumber, or your gas provider. You may have a faulty thermocouple if the pilot light does not come back on after being re-lit or if it goes out soon after being re-lit. It is possible to see the thermocouple in the pilot light flame region because it extends from the temperature control into the flame area. The cost of one is pretty low, and you can do it yourself.

Make sure the base of the pilot light is not filthy or blocked if this procedure does not work. If it is, clean it and repeat the process in 10-15 minutes. Holding the valve/control button for an additional 30-45 seconds after lighting the pilot light may also be beneficial. Failure to complete this operation due to low gas pressure or a defective gas valve is possible. If you are unable to ignite the water heater despite repeated efforts, contact an appliance repair person, a plumber, or your gas provider.

It is possible to see the thermocouple in the pilot light flame region since it extends from the temperature control.

  • If this procedure does not yield results, check to see that the pilot light’s base is not dusty or blocked with debris. If it is, clean it and repeat the process after 10-15 minutes. You might also try holding the valve/control button for an additional 30-45 seconds after the pilot light has been ignited. If this method fails to operate, it might be due to a lack of gas pressure or a defective gas valve. If you are unable to light the water heater after many efforts, call an appliance repair person, a plumber, or your gas provider. If the pilot light fails to relight or fails to relight promptly after relighting, you may have a faulty thermocouple on your hands. It is possible to see the thermocouple in the pilot light flame region since it extends from the temperature control to the flame area. They are reasonably priced, and you can put one in yourself.

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About This Article

Summary of the Article Set the temperature control to the lowest setting and turn the gas regulator valve to the “Off” position to begin lighting an electric water heater. X Then, by adjusting the gas valve to the “Pilot” position and pressing down on it, you may begin to pump gas into the system. After that, press the red ignitor button, which is located near the gas valve, to ignite the pilot burner. Hold down the pilot button for 1 minute longer than you think it should be and check to see whether the pilot is lit.

Continue reading for helpful hints on how to prepare for and light your water heater.

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