Where Is The Pilot Light On A Water Heater

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.

How to Light a Water Heater Pilot Light

Natural gas might be a frightening prospect to deal with. It is possible, however, to safely rekindle your hot water heater pilot light at any time 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 for you. Using a staff of professional plumbers, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Duncanville provides service to the Southwest Dallas communities of Cedar Hill, Dallas, DeSoto,Duncanville, Glenn Heights, Grand Prairie, Maypearl, Midlothian, Oak Cliff, Oak Leaf, Ovilla, Red Oak, and Waxahachie.

To book an appointment, please call us at (972) 263-5010.

1. Open the door or cover that provides access to the pilot light. In most cases, this will be positioned under the gas valve
2. 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
3. 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.

• The burner is typically simple to remove by simply sliding it out.
• 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.
• Rooter Plumbing to help you get hot water back into your home again.
• The use of hot water is simply one component of a great showering experience.
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Is The Pilot Light On My Water Heater Out? How Do I Relight It?

Showers that are too cold? Blinking indicators of status? When there should be a flame, there isn’t one. All of these are indications that the pilot light on your water heater has gone out. Fortunately, that is a quite simple repair. In this tutorial, we’ll go over the following topics:

• How to determine whether or not your pilot light is working properly
• How to get it to work again
• How long do you think it will be until you get hot water again
• What is the reason for it continuing to go out?

Meanwhile, if you have any concerns or want assistance, please contact Broadley’s by phone or email. Even when we distance ourselves and practice social distancing, Broadley’s relies on phone conversations and virtual consultations to answer inquiries and obtain further information about our products and services.

Signs your pilot light is out

The following are three fast techniques to determine if your water heater’s pilot light is out:

• ‘Your water is ice cold. ‘ You can’t see the flame because of a blinking light or an error message.

Your Water Is Cold

If you’ve reached the point where you’re only getting cold water, start troubleshooting by checking the pilot light on the faucet. Of course, there are a variety of additional possibilities for why you aren’t getting hot water. The most apparent example is if you’ve recently used a lot of water and completely depleted the tank. However, if this is not the case, the pilot light should be checked first. If that is not the case, you may be dealing with a more serious issue. But, with any hope, it will be a simple remedy.

Blinking Light or Error Message

The first thing you should do is look at the control panel of your equipment. It’s normally located at the bottom of the device, with one or two lights illuminated. If there is an issue with your model, that light may remain on, flicker, or change colors to alert you to the situation. If you have a handbook, look through it. Generally, though, there is a sign or key directly on the heater that tells you what the different lights represent and how to use them. If your light shows that the pilot light is not working, you’ve found the source of the problem.

You Can’t See the Flame

The final stage is to conduct a visual inspection. Double-checking is still recommended, even if you are utilizing the status light. You’ll also need to know where to seek for the items later on in the game. A space at the bottom of the unit should also be there so that you can view what’s going on beneath the unit. That’s where the flame should be placed, right? If you’ve been there previously and saw the pilot light on, it’ll be much easier to locate the location. However, if you don’t see anything and the status light shows that it is not working, you’ve identified the source of the problem.

How to Turn Your Water Heater Pilot Light Back On

It’s simple to re-ignite the pilot light on your water heater. But first, make sure there isn’t a gas leak. The lighting of a flame in the presence of a leak might result in an explosion. Fortunately, this is straightforward: Check the area surrounding the pilot light to check sure there isn’t any gas coming from it. If you understand what I’m saying, you can proceed. Now, various models will have slightly varied approaches to exactly how to accomplish this. However, the general concept remains the same.

You’ll notice a knob with temperature settings, as well as a notch with the words “Pilot” or “Pilot Light” written on it.

It’s normally located in the middle of the panel. Turn the knob to “Pilot” and keep it there while pushing the ignitor. A click, as well as a “whooshing” sound, should be heard as the mechanism engages. If you look through that space, you should be able to see the light on.

How Long Will It Take to Get Hot Water Again?

It takes an ordinary gas heater between thirty and forty minutes to heat a full tank of water on the lowest setting. The precise timing will be determined on the available capacity. For the sake of comparison, consider the following: A typical electric heater takes at least an hour, and in some cases up to 80 minutes, to reach operating temperature. In the case of solar-powered equipment, the same holds true. Tankless systems, on the other hand, do not require a pilot light or a waiting period before providing hot water – ever.

In place of it, they heat the water as soon as you turn on the faucet.

Why Does My Pilot Light Keep Going Out?

The presence of dirt surrounding the pilot region and an issue with the thermocouple are two major causes of the pilot light not working properly. We’ll take a look at each of them individually.

The area around the light is dirty

Dust and dirt surrounding the pilot light, particularly around the pilot light aperture, might cause the pilot light to continuously go out. The hue of the flame will indicate whether or not there is an issue.

Dirty flame

A flame that is a continuous blue cone indicates that everything is in working order. If, on the other hand, the flame is orange or yellow and waving, this indicates that dirt and other impurities are being burned. At that moment, the flame isn’t hot enough to properly heat the contents of the container. Additionally, it increases the likelihood of burnout.

Thermocouple problems

A weak flame will not heat the thermocouple, which is a safety component on your equipment and will not function properly. The thermocouple has the capability of closing the circuit that supplies gas for combustion. In order for your heater to function properly, gas must flow into it and burn in order to create heat. However, if anything isn’t operating properly, the chamber might get overfilled with gas, which can then seep into your home. Consequently, the pilot light keeps the thermocouple warm, which helps to maintain gas circulation.

It is possible that if the thermocouple is clogged or worn out, it will not respond to heat and will instead shut off the gas supply.

Water Heater Repairs in South Jersey

If the pilot light on your water heater keeps going out on a frequent basis, or if you’ve observed any other problems, contact or email us at Broadley’s to schedule an appointment.

How to Light the Pilot for a Gas Hot Water Heater

When the water in the tank needs to be heated, tank-type gas water heaters utilize a pilot light to ignite the gas burner, which then heats the water. The cold water flowing from the hot water tap is usually the first sign that your pilot light has gone out, so keep an eye out for it.

Even if the equipment is not malfunctioning, a pilot light might go out for a variety of causes, including sudden swings in gas main pressure. If the pilot light on your heater goes out, you may relight it by yourself.

1.

• Find the gas regulator valve on the water heater and turn it on. It is positioned on the exterior of the water heater, near where the gas line enters the device, and it is controlled by a knob on the outside. The gas supply to the pilot burner beneath the hot water tank is controlled by this valve. To turn the valve off, turn the knob all the way to the left. Wait five minutes before continuing. Locate the pilot burner, which is located beneath the natural gas water heater. Remove or unsnap any access cover that is preventing you from getting to the burner. Make use of the flashlight to illuminate the pilot burner

2.

• Inspect your water heater to see whether it has a gas regulator. It may be found on the outside of the water heater, near where the gas pipe enters the device, and it is controlled by a knob. In the hot water tank below the pilot burner, the valve controls gas flow to the pilot burner. The “Off” setting is reached by turning the valve knob. Wait five minutes before continuing on your journey. The pilot burner is located beneath the gas water heater. Any access cover that is preventing you from getting to the burner should be removed or unsnapped immediately. Use the flashlight to illuminate the pilot burner.

3.

After the pilot has been ignited, keep the regulator valve knob firmly depressed for at least one minute. This permits the pilot flame to heat the thermocouple safety sensor, which detects the presence of a live pilot flame, allowing the pilot flame to heat the sensor. Reduce the pressure on the regulator valve knob gradually. When the pilot light continues to glow after you have released the knob, turn the knob to the “On” position. During the ignition of the primary burner, you should hear a muffled “whoomp” sound.

Things You Will Need

Look for a label on your gas water heater that provides particular pilot lighting instructions for the model of water heater you have installed.

Warning

1. If you smell gas in the vicinity, it is not a good idea to attempt to relight a water heater pilot light (or to do any other maintenance on the device). When you are outside the home, dial 9-1-1.

How to Light a Water Heater’s Pilot Light (With Pictures)

If you smell gas in the vicinity, it is not a good idea to attempt to relight a water heater pilot light (or to perform any other maintenance on the device); From outside the home, dial 9-1-1 for assistance.

Author’s Qualifications

• 15 years of experience in HVAC installation and service
• 5 years of experience as a home improvement contractor
• Product safety, performance, and certification testing experience spanning more than two years
• EPAOSHA certification. Electrical theory, thermodynamics, and refrigeration coursework have been completed

This is an illustration of what a sealed combustion chamber on this sort of device may look like. It’s your looking glass, which is represented by this small square on the panel. Take note of the differences between this sort of control module and the earlier tank-style control module. In addition to being a control, the little knob on top serves as a button. View from above in order to notice the electrical spark button to the left.

Lighting a Sealed Combustion Pilot

We’ll start with a hot water tank system that is more contemporary and uses sealed combustion technology. With a sealed combustion chamber, there is no need to enter the burner assembly, and you should avoid doing so if at all possible. There is a looking glass in the access panel that you may use to visually verify if the pilot is lit. Everything you need to light this pilot is mounted directly to the burner control module. This access is bolted shut for a purpose, and it should only be accessible by individuals who are properly trained and licensed.

1. Set the gas control knob on the top of the stove to the “pilot” position. To enable gas to flow, press and hold down the control knob itself for many seconds. Press and hold the electronic spark button, which is placed on or attached to your control module, until you hear it click. If there is a little amount of air in the line and it takes a few seconds to “bleed out,” you may need to click it a few times before the pilot is lighted. Continue to hold down the knob until the pilot has heated the thermocouple enough for it to be able to confirm ignition with the thermostat in the control module by visual confirmation. If the thermocouple does not heat up sufficiently, the pilot will be forced to return to the aircraft. Remove your finger from the control knob and visually check that the pilot is still glowing. To turn on the gas, turn the gas control knob to the “on” position. If the pilot was left out long enough for the water temperature to decrease, the burners should begin to operate within seconds of the pilot being turned off. If the water has not cooled, it is possible that there will be no need for the burners to be turned on. Be prepared for it to not start up immediately
2. This is normal.

You are in the correct position if the notch is aligned with the button and the “pilot” is aligned with the indicator. The following is an illustration of what an open combustion burner assembly can look like. I’ve taken the two panels off so you can see what they look like on the inside. It is the copper line you can see in this shot that connects to the thermocouple, and the aluminum tubing that connects to the orifice where you will insert your lighter. Inside the room, the two come face to face.

Lighting an Open Combustion Pilot

Unlike the sealed combustion tank, you will be required to provide your own flame to light the pilot, rather than relying on an electronic ignition to do so for you. This process is very similar to the sealed combustion tank, with the exception that you will be required to provide your own flame to light the pilot yourself.

1. The gas control knob should be set to pilot mode so that the notch in the dial corresponds to the button that controls the gas supply. If you do this, you’ll be able to press the button all the way down when it’s necessary
2. Remove the panels from the burner compartments. Both should be quite simple to remove by raising up and pulling out. Place your preferred flame source (lighter, match, or other similar item) into the chamber such that the flame is directly beneath the aperture of the pilot supply line and ignite the flame. NOTE: I prefer to do three and then four. Despite the fact that the two stages can be exchanged, I believe it is better to introduce the flame before providing gas in order to minimize even the slightest possibility of gas buildup. I prefer to err on the side of caution, so I press and hold down the pilot gas supply button for many seconds before visually confirming that the pilot has been ignited. Keep the pilot gas supply button depressed for about 30-45 seconds to heat the thermocouple if this is the case. Release the button and visually check that the pilot light has not been extinguished. Assuming the pilot light remained on, turn the gas control knob to the “on” position.

Again, depending on your conditions, the water heater’s burners may or may not turn on straight immediately, so be patient.

Things You Can Use to Light a Pilot Light

• A long, thin candle
• A long, thin lighter
• Long, thin matches
• Short matches with a Hemostatic Clamp
• A long, thin candle

Don’t Have a Lighter or Matches?

Lighting a long, thin candle on the stove and utilizing it to light the pilot light may be an option.

When doing this, place a piece of tin foil behind the pilot to prevent wax from spilling onto the bottom of the chamber.

A Quick Water Heater Inspection You Can Do

• Check for moisture and corrosion in the surrounding area and at the bottom of the unit (a.k.a. blisters). This might be a signal to be ready for a new tank
• For example, Check to ensure that your T P valve is operational. Feel the tank in your hands. Is it comfortable? If this is the case, you may want to consider adding an additional layer of insulation. Check the operation of your thermostat control. You may accomplish this by reducing the heat down to the lowest setting and turning off the burners, if any are already operating. It is expected that the burners will shut down at this point and that they will re-ignite within seconds of turning the burners back on. If not, your control may be inadequate, and you should seek professional assistance. Final question: “When was the last time I cleansed my water heater?” You may wish to ask yourself this question. This is something that should be done at least once a year.

To the best of the author’s knowledge, the information in this article is accurate and complete. Content is provided solely for informative and entertainment reasons and should not be relied upon as a substitute for personal counsel or professional guidance in commercial, financial, legal, or technical problems, unless otherwise specified. Dan Reed was born in the year 2012. Dan Reed (author) wrote the following on April 22, 2012: Thank you so much, Mmargie. People who have never done it before may be nervous, but I always spend a significant amount of time thinking about my directions and selecting themes that are safe for anybody to try if the instructions are followed.

I’ve always been apprehensive about using gas appliances.

lolI feel a little better after reading the particular instructions on your site, despite the fact that I do not currently have any gas appliances.

How to Tell If the Pilot Light is Out on Your Water Heater

If you have a gas water heater, there is a good probability that your pilot light has gone out at some point in time. In a gas water heater, the pilot light is a critical component, and if it is not lighted or is not operating correctly, your “hot” water will become cold very quickly. Learning some basic troubleshooting techniques and how to activate the pilot light can help you save money by allowing you to address the problem yourself rather than hiring a professional plumber. Despite the fact that electronic ignitions are becoming increasingly widespread on contemporary gas water heaters, many older models still rely on pilot lights.

This article will assist you in troubleshooting the issue and determining what steps to take next.

What is a Pilot Light? What Does it Do?

Typically, a tiny flame is used to light the burner in gas and propane-fueled water heaters. It is this little flame that is referred to as a pilot light, and it remains lit at all times. When the water heater needs to heat the water in the tank, it uses the pilot light to start the gas burner, which then heats the water in the tank. Consider the pilot light to be similar to a match. You might use a match to start a fire or ignite a gas stove, for example. It is impossible to build a fire or light your gas stove if you don’t have the right kind of match on your person.

The loss of the pilot light will prevent your water heater from being able to ignite the gas burner, and as a result, it will be unable to heat the water.

In fact, the realization that you don’t have hot water is frequently the first indication that your pilot light has gone out. Yet once the pilot light is restored, the water heater is capable of re-igniting the gas burner and resuming its function of heating the water.

Signs Your Pilot Light Has Gone Out

Generally speaking, there are three basic signs that your pilot light has gone out: In the event that your hot water is no longer hot, there is a significant likelihood that your pilot light has been extinguished. There are, of course, other possible causes for your lack of hot water, so if it isn’t the pilot light, you’ll need to perform some further troubleshooting. On the gas control valve, you may observe an error message or a blinking light indicating that there is a problem. If you are experiencing a difficulty, the indicator light may change colors to notify you to the situation.

The fact that the pilot light is not working is always one of the difficulties mentioned.

Learn how to do so by reading the information below:

How to Check if Your Pilot Light is Out

Even if your gas control valve shows that there is a problem with the pilot light, it is always worthwhile to visually inspect the area for a flame. The burner chamber door of a water heater is normally located below the gas control valve, at the bottom of the unit, on the left side of the unit. According on your water heater, you may need to remove the door or open it to get a good look at what’s going on within the burner chamber and in the pilot light tube. It is unlikely that the problem is with the pilot light if there is a flame visible.

What Causes a Pilot Light to Go Out?

There are a variety of various reasons why a pilot light may go out in a home. Here are a few of the most prevalent reasons for this condition: Change in Gas Pressure- When there is a natural change in gas pressure, it is fairly unusual for the pilot light to go out. Although it is unlikely to occur frequently, it does happen from time to time, and relighting the pilot usually remedies the issue. If, on the other hand, the pilot light continues to go out, this indicates that something else is wrong.

• This stops gas from entering the chamber from entering.
• More information about troubleshooting a thermocouple may be found in this article.
• Because the pilot light is only a little flame, it can be quickly extinguished if the heater is installed in a drafty location of the house.
• Because it is positioned in a closet or other enclosed space where it will not have access to the air it requires for combustion, it is possible that the pilot light may not remain illuminated.

If you find yourself in this scenario, we strongly advise that you get expert assistance to fix the problem. It is possible that this condition could be hazardous to your health since it will result in a buildup of carbon monoxide in your house.

Is it Dangerous if the Water Heater’s Pilot Light Goes Out?

It is possible for a pilot light to be turned off for a variety of reasons. Some of the most typical reasons for this are listed below. Change in Gas Pressure- If there is a natural change in gas pressure, it is fairly unusual for the pilot light to go out. However, although it is rare, it does occur from time to time, and relighting the pilot usually remedies the issue. It is possible that something else is happening if the pilot light continues to go out. Thermal Coupler- The principal function of the thermocouple is to serve as a safety device by shutting off the gas valve if the pilot light fails to illuminate properly.

• The thermocouple in your heater may fail, become damaged, or become dusty, resulting in the pilot light being turned off even when everything else is working properly.
• There is a possibility that a blast of air will extinguish the pilot light in your water heater if the combustion chamber isn’t completely sealed.
• Unavailability of Combustible Air- Gas equipment, such as water heaters, require air in order to be safe and perform properly.
• If this is the case, we strongly advise that you seek the assistance of a professional to troubleshoot the situation.

How to Light a Pilot Light

Every water heater is a bit different, so be sure to read the directions that come with your specific make and model of water heater before starting. In most circumstances, the following information may be found on a sticker attached to the side of your water heater:

• Enable for a 10-minute period of time after turning off the gas control valve to allow the gas to exit the chamber region
• Turn the knob on the gas control valve to the PILOT position and push the button. As a result of pressing the button, a little amount of gas will be transported to the pilot
• For 90 seconds, press the little black (or red) igniting button on the side of the stove frequently. The igniting button will cause a spark to be generated, which will ignite the pilot. (Some water heaters may require manual lighting with a long lighter
• This is not uncommon.) As soon as the status button starts blinking or turns on, the pilot light is turned on. At this point, you may adjust the temperature by turning the knob to the appropriate setting. You should be able to hear the burner start up. You should expect this to happen
• If your pilot does not light after 90 seconds, you will need to wait for 10 minutes before attempting to light it once more. If, after multiple efforts, you are still unable to ignite the pilot, there may be an underlying problem.

Take a look at the video

Do I Have a Bad Thermocouple?

When it comes to contemporary water heaters, thermocouples are commonly referred to as flame sensors, although many of them feature a standing pilot light that is powered by a thermocouple. It is possible that the thermocouple is not functioning correctly in this instance, and the pilot light will not remain lit. Although it’s conceivable that the thermocouple is dusty or twisted, or that it’s damaged, it’s typically preferable to just replace the thermocouple rather than repositioning or cleaning it.

You may find out more about it here.

How Long Does it Take to Get Hot Water

It will take some time until you get hot water again once you have gotten your water heater back up and running.

The length of time it takes depends on the size of the tank. As a general rule, you should anticipate to wait between 30 and 40 minutes until your tank has reached its maximum temperature.

Can I Turn Off My Pilot Light?

Even after you’ve gotten your water heater back up and running, it’ll take some time before you have any hot water again. Your tank’s capacity determines how long it will last. As a general rule, you should anticipate to wait between 30 and 40 minutes until your tank has reached its maximum heating capacity.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

It’s never a bad idea to have a professional plumber check at your water heater if you notice something is wrong with it. While they’re checking on your pilot light, they may also do periodic maintenance on your system to keep it running smoothly. Water heater maintenance should be performed at least once a year to prevent sediment buildup and corrosion. Proper maintenance will also increase the service life of your water heater. Even yet, it is not always essential to engage a professional plumber to assist you with the task of lighting your pilot light.

If, on the other hand, you believe the problem is related to the thermocouple in your water heater, you may want professional assistance.

Find a Local PlumberToday is the day to fix your plumbing emergency!

Why Your Water Heater’s Pilot Light Keeps Going Out & How to Fix It

When it comes to your water heater, it’s never a bad idea to have a professional plumber take a look. It’s possible that they’ll undertake routine maintenance on your system while they’re inspecting your pilot light. This is something that experts recommend you perform at least once a year to reduce sediment buildup and corrosion, and good maintenance will help to extend the service life of your water heater as well. Even yet, it is not always essential to engage a professional plumber to assist you with the process of lighting your pilot light.

When it comes to your water heater’s thermocouple, though, you may want professional assistance if you believe the problem is with the device.

Get in Touch with a Local PlumberToday is the day to fix your plumbing problem!

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

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 Relight the Pilot Light on Your Water Heater

Please contact BGE HOME at (410) 918-5600 or via our website if your water heater pilot light will not light or continues going out. No matter what time of day or night, our licensed specialists are available to come out and inspect your water heater in order to offer the most cost-effective and safest solution. At 4:09 p.m. on May 13, 2021, this entry was uploaded on the web. At this time, both comments and pings are closed.

1. Remove the access panel for the water heater
2. Check to see if the gas valve is open (on most valves, this indicates that the valve is in line with the pipe)
3. And Make sure that the gas control valve on the water heater is in the pilot position. Hold the knob on the front in and press it in. For a flame to emerge on the screen, hold down the ignitor button (the black square button below the knob). Keeping the knob pressed in until the indicator light starts blinking is recommended. Using the knob, adjust the temperature to your liking.

The flame should be visible via the viewing window if you look closely enough. That indicates that your pilot light has been turned on. Although the gas control valve on your water heater may be different, the process of relighting it should be very similar. You may look up “How to relight a _” on Google and fill in the blank with the name of the brand of your water heater to see what comes up. YouTube is another excellent source of information.

Gas control valves come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they might be installed on your water heater. Some further how-to videos on relighting the pilot light on a water heater with different gas control valves may be found at the following links.

The flame should be visible via the viewing window if you look through it carefully. The pilot light has now been turned on. The gas control valve on your water heater may be different; nonetheless, the procedure for relighting it should be quite identical to that of the previous model. It’s possible to look up “How to Re-Light a _” on Google and fill in the blank with the name of the brand of your water heater to see what comes up. The video-sharing website YouTube is another excellent resource.

The following are links to more how-to videos on re-igniting the pilot light on various types of gas control valves:

How to Fix a Water Heater Pilot Light

Time Approximately one hour or less Complexity Cost for a beginner is 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

A damaged thermocouple may have caused the gas to the pilot light to be turned off in your hot water heater if it abruptly stopped operating. An easy do-it-yourself repair is replacement.

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)

• 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.

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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Complete your do-it-yourself tasks like an expert! Become a subscriber to our newsletter! Do It Right the First Time, and Do It Yourself! Step number three.

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

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.

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
• A quarter- to half-turn of the wrench tightens them up.

• Pro tip: Because the metals are delicate, avoid overtightening them.

Test for Gas Leaks

• Keep in mind that in order to test for leaks, the pilot light must be lighted and the burner turned on so that gas flows through the big tube.

• You must have the pilot light lit and the burner turned on in order to check for leaks since gas must flow through the big tube to be effective.

• Keep in mind 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.

WhenNotto 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.

How to Light a Water Heater

It is difficult to enter the burner chamber of some gas water heaters because they are “closed.” For this sort of heater, we recommend that you contact a professional for repair. Some gas water heaters do not have pilot lights, which is another issue to consider. This is something that should be left to the professionals, as well.

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.

• Level the temperature control to the lowest possible setting is step 1. 2Find the regulator valve, which is normally situated on the front of a box on the outside of the water heater
• 3Find the temperature control 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
• It regulates gas flow to the pilot burner beneath the hot water tank
• Three The knob should be turned to the “Off” setting. Wait 10 minutes after turning off the knob before proceeding to ensure that any remaining gas from the tank has cleared the air. 3 It is critical to maintain safety
• Determine the type of water heater that you have in your home or business. New and old gas hot water heaters are the two most common types of gas hot water heaters. Traditional heaters will require you to relight the pilot with your own flame, however newer design tanks are fitted with a pilot light igniter built into the tank itself.

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

To use this button, your water tank must be of the newer design with an ignition switch built in. Until the pilot burner ignites, you should hear a clicking sound. In the case of an old-fashioned heater, ignite the pilot burner using the end of a wand lighter or match. Given the fact that you will be using one hand to push the valve/red button and the other hand to ignite the pilot, you may require the assistance of another person to hold a flashlight for you if you require additional illumination.

If you have a new type water tank with an ignition switch built in, you should click this button.

If you have an old-fashioned heater, ignite the pilot burner using a wand lighter or match.

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;

• 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 you detect the scent of gas anywhere in your home, contact your gas provider right once. Even a “little quantity of gas” is too much
• Do not re-open the gas valve until you have completed the replacement of the access panels and doors. It is possible that a flame will come out of the water heater if this is done.

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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. Did you find this overview to be helpful? The writers of this page have together authored a page that has been read 388,769 times.

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