How Do You Light A Gas Water Heater - ERNIEGRAVES

How to light a gas water heater

If your water heater is not heating up, it is possible that the pilot light has gone out. No matter what sort of water heater you have, the process of lighting it is straightforward. The majority of contemporary versions of gas water heaters are equipped with a straightforward ignition switch. The water heater is turned on in a matter of seconds, no trouble. If you’ve moved into an older home, on the other hand, it’s possible that your water heater is the type that requires manual activation.

Do you have a manual water heater?

There is a straightforward technique to determine if your gas water heater is automated or manual. Take a look at the box that protrudes from the side of the water heater and has two distinct dials. Automatic vehicles will feature a little ignition button adjacent to the large On/Off/Pilot dial, indicating that it is an automatic. If it is a manual, there will be no button to press. The On/Off/Pilot dial is normally located on the top of the box, whereas the temperature dial is typically located on the side of the box, as shown.

Taylor Martin is a contributor to CNET.

How to light an automatic water heater

The first step is to switch off the gas by looking for the knob labeled On/Off/Pilot on the control panel. You’ll want to move the knob past thePilot position and into theOff position. Allow for a five-minute dissipation of any built-up gas that may be present in the system. It’s time to start the lighting procedure at this point. Turn the water heat dial to Low and the On/Off/Pilot dial to Pilot to complete the process. Then, while simultaneously pressing the igniter button and turning the On/Off/Pilot dial down, turn the On/Off/Pilot dial up.

You should hear a “whoosh” sound as soon as the gas is turned on.

If it is lighted, conclude by closing the door and turning the dial fromPilottoOn, as well as changing the water temperature dial from Low to the temperature you like.

How to light a manual water heater

Identifying the knob labeled On/Off/Pilot is the first step in shutting down the gas line. You’ll want to move the knob past thePilot position and into theOff setting. Allow for a five-minute dissipation of any built-up gas that may be in the system. It’s time to begin the lighting process at this point. Turn the water heat dial to Low and the On/Off/Pilot dial to Pilot to make the water heater work. Afterwards, while simultaneously pressing the igniter button and turning the On-Off-Pilot dial down, turn the On-Off-Pilot dial down.

When the gas is ignited, you should hear a “whoosh” sound.

If it is lighted, conclude by closing the door and turning the dial fromPilottoOn, as well as rotating the water temperature dial from Low to the desired temperature setting. To avoid gas accumulation, you must restart immediately if the flame is not ignited.

How to Light a Water Heater Pilot Light

Prev PostNext PostWhen the pilot light on a water heater goes out, it is typically because of a natural fluctuation in gas pressure, which extinguished the flame. The most obvious indicator that a pilot light has gone out is the one that everyone dreads: the water will not heat up properly. In the event of a damaged flame sensor, it’s critical to know how to relight the pilot light on your water heater so you can get the flame going as quickly as possible. This will not only allow you to get your hot showers back, but it will also ensure that no gas is unintentionally discharged into the home.

However, for the vast majority of gas-powered water heaters, you should begin by locating the gas shut-off valve on the water heater, which is generally plainly labeled on the front lower section of the water heater, before proceeding.

Open the door or cover that provides access to the pilot light. In most cases, this will be positioned under the gas valve
However, some water heaters will just have an open gap where you can see the pilot light burner instead. Locate the burner within the container using a flashlight or a headlamp. It will be reached by two little gas tubes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it while you’re at work. Turn the gas knob to the “Pilot” position and push and hold the button. This will initiate the flow of gas, allowing you to ignite the flame. Some water heaters feature a separate pilot mode button, which is commonly a red button, which you must push and hold in order to activate it. While keeping the gas pedal depressed, ignite the pilot light. Certain water heaters feature an igniting button that is red or black, while others must be lighted manually with a long lighter
Some models include a red or black igniting button. Maintaining pressure on the gas knob or button for a full minute after the flame is ignited is critical. Then slowly release it while checking to see if the light is still on. Turn the gas knob to the “On” position and listen for the unmistakable “whump” or whooshing sounds that indicates the main burner has ignited. Enjoy your hot shower when you’ve replaced the lid.

Despite the fact that a single extinguished pilot light is normally caused by a natural fluctuation in gas pressure, recurrent faults suggest a more serious problem with the water heater itself. The most typical problem that causes repeated pilot outages is a filthy or bent thermocouple, which is a thin copper wire and rod that detects the presence of a flame and immediately switches the gas off when it detects a lack of flame detection.

What is a Thermocouple?

A thermocouple is sometimes referred to as a flame sensor in contemporary water heaters because of the way it detects flames. Your thermocouple is most likely twisted, filthy, or damaged if the pilot light continues to go out after you have completed the above-mentioned lighting procedures. For those who find that their pilot light is twisted and not near the burner, they may simply turn off the gas, shift it over, and attempt lighting the pilot again. It may be necessary to clean the water heater gas valve and the main gas line near the heater if this does not solve the problem.

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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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 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 failed.

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. If there is any evidence of leaking, perform a basic smell test before trying to ignite the pilot again.

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

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s3 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

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
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
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 importance of safety cannot be overstated. 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 with your own flame, however newer design tanks are fitted with a pilot light igniter built in 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. The pilot light on an old-style water heater must be re-lit with a “wand” lighter or fireplace matches since the pilot is too lengthy to reach with a standard lighter.

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

First, put the gas valve to the “Pilot” position by pressing down on it with your finger. Starting the flow of gas into the tube that provides the pilot light is accomplished in this manner.

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. In this case, the thermocouple will be heated, which is a sensor that turns off the gas when the pilot is not lit. 4Remove the valve knob/control button from the valve. Check to check if the pilot light is still illuminated after a minute by releasing the valve and pressing the control button. 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 escaping into your home. 6Re-ignite the main burner if necessary. Turn the main gas valve back to the “On” position and set the temperature control to the appropriate temperature. The main burner under the tank should be turned on and the water in the tank should begin to heat. When turning the knob to “on,” take care to keep your head away from the burner area. 7Set the thermostat to the temperature you wish. 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

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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.

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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.

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.

The writers of this page have together authored a page that has been read 388,843 times.

Did this article help you?

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.

Turn the knob on the gas regulator valve to “Pilot,” press down on it, and keep it pressed down. The flow of gas to the pilot burner is initiated by pressing this button. To start the pilot burner gas flow on some water heater types, you must push and hold down a separate red button for a period of time. Find a red or black button labeled “Ignition” on the top or side of the gas valve if your heater has a piezoelectric spark pilot igniter built in. To start the pilot, press the button on the control panel. As the igniter ignites, you will hear a click sound. If you must manually ignite your heater, a long-necked barbeque lighter is the most secure type of lighter to use. Light the pilot burner with a lighter flame and turn it on.

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

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.

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.

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.

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:

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?

It’s possible that you have a defective thermocouple if you can’t relight the pilot or if your pilot light continues going out despite your efforts. Note: Consult the owner’s handbook for your water heater device.

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 Light a Hot Water Heater

There’s almost nothing worse than taking a cold shower, and if the pilot light on your hot water heater has gone out, that means it won’t be able to produce any hot water. Getting a pilot light on a water heater is a simple task that can be completed by the majority of individuals who don’t have much experience with the process. You should exercise caution if you have a faulty flame sensor since gas might be mistakenly discharged into the home if the sensor fails.

Lighting a Gas Water Heater in 7 Steps

Keeping in mind that each water heater is different and has its own set of instructions that you should follow, we’ve put together some generic directions on how to ignite a gas water heater for your convenience. Don’t forget that you can acquire all of your water heater components right here at PlumbersStock.

Turn off the gas valve—for your own safety, find and shut off the gas shut-off valve. Now, go get yourself a sandwich since you will need to wait around 5 minutes before continuing
Some tanks will have an open gap, most commonly beneath the gas valve, while other units may have a panel with a door that must be opened in order to access the pilot light. Search for and locate the burner- using a flashlight, locate the burner (which will have gas tubes running to and from it
Be prepared to switch on pilot mode- there is either a gas knob or a button that will allow you to engage pilot mode, which will provide you with adequate gas flow to begin the piloting procedure. The process must be started when you’re ready to go on to step 5. Light the pilot at the same time as you initiate pilot mode—while you are in pilot mode, light the pilot. Manually lighting the burner with a hand lighter may be necessary, although many versions are equipped with an ignition button that will ignite the burner. To maintain pilot mode, continue to press the gas button/knob for a full minute, then release the button/knob and check to see whether the flame is still ignited on the burner. Switching on the gas valve should result in a very pleasing “whoosh” sound from the water heater, which happens when the main burner ignites.

Alternatively, if your water heater does have an access panel, simply replace the cover and you’re done. In case you’re interested in seeing a useful video lesson, check out this youtube entry by ehowhome:

Why Do Pilot Lights Go Out?

It’s not an unusual or unexpected event, to put it mildly. It is possible that it occurs merely because the gas pressure has changed. If you are experiencing frequent problems with the pilot light, it is most likely due to one of two factors:

It is possible that you have an issue with the thermocouple. In layman’s terms, a thermocouple is a sensor that detects fire. Your thermocouple will not be able to perceive the flame if it is filthy, bent, or otherwise compromised. If it is bent, it is conceivable that you will be able to bend it back to where it should be in order for it to feel the flame. If something is filthy, it can be cleaned. In the event that it is damaged, it must be replaced. Follow the instructions in this article to learn how to replace the thermocouple. It’s possible that you have a grounded heating element. Sometimes the pilot light will not come on because the element will not turn off, even when the thermocouple is successfully turning off the water heater. Become familiar with the procedure for testing a heating element.

Water Heaters at PlumbersStock

You can contact us if you have any questions about your project or about parts and water heater accessories. We have everything you need to get your water heater up and running like new, so if you have any questions about your project or about parts and water heater accessories, please contact us. Have you considered a water heater that heats water on demand? Resources that are related to this topic include: How to Reset a Water Heater (with Pictures) How to Turn Off a Water Heater (with Pictures) Draining a Water Heater (with Pictures) Instructions on How to Turn On a Water Heater How to Increase the Temperature of a Water Heater Is there a recommended temperature for the 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.
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. Never use a match or a cigarette lighter to relight the pilot light, since this increases the risk of burning your hand when the pilot light is re-ignited.

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.

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.

Remove your foot from the gas pedal. Find the gas shut-off valve on your hot water heater and turn it off. The knob should be labeled in a clear and understandable manner. Turn the switch to the “Off” position and wait 5-10 minutes to ensure that all of the gas has been expelled. Locate the pilot light access point. Most of the time, this will be under the gas valve. To locate the burner and two gas tubes, open the pilot cover (if one is present) and use a flashlight to peer inside the hole to locate the burner and two gas tubes
Return to the gas valve and turn the knob to the “Pilot” position. By depressing the knob all the way down, you will begin to feed gas to the pilot. There are certain hot water heaters that include a separate pilot button
If this is the case, press that instead. While maintaining control of the knob or button, reach into the access and ignite the pilot with an extended lighter while still keeping it down. Once the pilot light comes on, keep the knob/button down for about one minute. Release the knob/button carefully after that period of time, and make sure that there is still a flame emanating from the pilot. Return to the gas valve and turn the knob to the “On” position. Typically, a noise will be heard to indicate that the primary burner is lighting
After giving the heater enough time to restart, replace the access cover and inspect the hot water supply.

What happens if the pilot light goes out again?

The fact that the pilot won’t light or that it keeps going out is a clue that you may be experiencing another problem with your hot water heating system. The most typical issue we encounter is a thermocouple that is twisted, fractured, or filthy (also called a flame sensor). Because the typical service life of a hot water heater is 12-15 years, it may be a wiser investment in some situations to replace the unit rather than spend money fixing your existing unit. 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 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

Locate the shut-off valve for your natural gas line
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
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.

Using a clockwise motion, turn the gas knob on your Rheem water heater until it is at the desired position
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
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
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.

Disconnect the access panel from the side of the A.O. Smith or State water heater and place it somewhere out of the way
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)
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

Control panel for the Bradford White water heater should be turned off
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
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
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.

How To Light The Pilot Light on Your Hot Water Heater

If you have a gas water heater, it has a pilot light that must be kept lighted at all times.

If you don’t, you’ll be without hot water for quite some time. If it does go out, don’t be concerned; re-igniting it is simple. Simply follow the instructions outlined below.

Before You Start

Grab a flashlight and a wand lighter to help you out. If you have a recent water heater, it is likely that it has an electric light integrated into it as well. Then, using your nose and ears, check for any leaks that may have occurred. If you notice any unusual odors or hear a hissing sound, don’t go any farther and call IT Landes in Harleysville, Pennsylvania right now. We’re specialists in everything related to water heaters, and we can come out right away to take care of any problem. Finally, look inside the device for instructions on how to turn on the pilot light, which should be located on the inner panel.

If this is the case, the actions that follow are typically relevant to the majority of water heater units.

Adjust the Temperature Control and the Gas Valve

Turn the temperature control down to “low” and turn off the gas valve for a few minutes to remove any leftover gas that may have accumulated in the appliance. Then, set the gas valve to the “pilot” position.

Find and Light the Pilot

Open the access cover and look for the pilot, which should be visible protruding from the control valve when the cover is closed. Grab the wand lighter and squeeze the gas valve to start the engine. Next, while the valve is still held in the closed position, ignite the pilot. For approximately 20-30 seconds, continue to hold down the gas valve before releasing it. The process should be repeated if the flame goes out, and the gas valve should be held down for 45 seconds to 1 minute.

Final Steps

Once the pilot light remains on, switch the valve from “pilot” to “on,” replace the access cover, and adjust the temperature dial to your chosen setting. IT Landes has been in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning sector since 1929. We’ve achieved an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau as a result of our dedication to client satisfaction. Aside from that, we were named winners of Carrier’s President Award for quality leadership and achievement in 2019. Whether you want assistance with your water heater, ducts, furnace, or plumbing, we are here to help.

How to relight a gas water heater pilot light

When one of our customers, Theresa, requested that we give some basic instructions on how to securely relight the pilot light on a gas water heater, we gladly obliged. Theresa, thank you for your proposal; we are pleased to assist you.

Step 1

Turn the dial on the gas valve to the “Off” position and wait a few minutes.

Step 2

Turn the gas valve to the “Pilot” position and depress the valve button (or, instead, if there is a red button beside the valve, push it down). Maintain pressure on the button to begin the flow of gas via the gas supply tube.

Step 3

Continue to press the button down and wait for the indication to light up on the screen. Some water heaters need the use of a manual light switch. If this is the case, fire the gas at the end of the supply tube using a grill lighter.

Step 4

Maintaining the hold on the control button for another minute or two after the pilot is lighted is recommended.

Then press and hold the control button for a few seconds.

Step 5

Alternatively, if the pilot continues to glow after you remove the control button, set the dial to “on.” If the pilot goes out again or if the light does not come on, start over at Step 1 and repeat the procedure. It’s quite OK to give something a couple of tries. However, if your pilot won’t light or won’t stay lighted after a few of tries, it’s better to contact a professional for assistance.

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

With 23 years of experience in the HVAC sector, Dan has gained knowledge in a variety of areas, including installation, service, sales, and distribution. Some individuals may think that lighting the pilot on a hot water tank is an easy chore, but as a home service provider for over 15 years, I can assure you that I’ve made more than a few dollars executing this task for others. Despite the fact that many modern gas-burning appliances have converted over to hot surface or electronic ignition, there are still a significant number of standing pilot systems being made and used today.

It will be explained in detail in the following stages how to light your pilot, what to watch for when doing so, and a few other techniques you may use to get the fire started.

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

For the sake of illustration, consider the following image of a sealed combustion chamber on this sort of unit: It is your looking glass, which is represented by this small square on the panel. Make a note of the differences between this sort of control module and the earlier tank-style control modules. In addition to serving as a control, the little knob on top also functions as a button View from above in order to notice the electrical spark button to your left.

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
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.

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
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.