How To Light Pilot On Hot Water Heater - ERNIEGRAVES

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?

Though a single extinguished pilot light is normally caused by a natural fluctuation in gas pressure, a series of faults indicates a more serious problem with the water heating system. One of the most prevalent issues 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 an absence of flame.

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

@ 12:00hinPlumbing Services was posted at 12:00hin. There are a variety of reasons why your hot water heater pilot light may go out. Although 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 causes, including variations in gas pressure.

The majority of the time, if your pilot light is out, cold water will be flowing out of your hot water valves. Fortunately, you can easily re-ignite your hot water heater pilot light by following these five simple steps:

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 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

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.

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.

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. Here’s how to turn on both types of water heaters at the same time.

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

To fire this style of water heater, I recommend using a long barbeque lighter like this one. In any other case, getting in touch with the pilot will be difficult. To begin, remove the plate that is located beneath the dial-equipped box on the side of the water heater. There may also be an inner plate that you will need to shift to the side in order to complete the installation. Following that, you should notice a pipe or pipes heading to a burner. Then, in the box labeledOn/Off/PilotpastPilot, turn the knob to the Off position until it is completely off.

Turn the water temperature dial to the lowest setting and the On/Off/Pilot dial to the Pilot position.
Hold the barbeque lighter over the end of the pipe near the burner for a few seconds.
Continue to press thePilotdial downward for about 30 seconds, after which move the dial fromPilottoOn.
Important: If the burner does not come to life within a few seconds, repeat the operation until the burner does.

Is the energy efficiency of your home high? Here are five different methods to find out. CNET’s Guide to Smart Livingis a one-stop shop for tips, techniques, and how-to guides that can help you live a more intelligent life.

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

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.

First, make sure the pilot light is working properly. 2. In order to determine whether or not the pilot light is indeed out, you will most likely need to remove a tiny panel at the bottom of the tank known as an access panel. It is possible that your pilot light has gone out if you do not notice a little flame flickering.

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

1 Minute after the pilot light has been ignited, continue to hold down the gas valve or control button for another 30 seconds. In this case, the thermocouple will be heated, which is a sensor that shuts down the gas when the pilot is not lit. Remove the valve knob/control button from the valve assembly. Check to check whether the pilot light is still on after a minute by releasing the valve and pressing the control button. 5Replace the access panels with the new versions. When checking to see if the pilot light is still burning, replace the access panel (if you had to remove it first) to ensure that no flames escape into your home.

Set your desired temperature by re-opening the main gas valve and adjusting the temperature control.
When flipping the knob to “on,” take care to keep your head away from the burner area.
Making the water too hot might result in scalding your hands or body while you’re washing and bathing, so be careful not to overheat the water.
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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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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. Did you find this overview to be helpful? The writers of this page have together authored a page that has been read 388,843 times.

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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?

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.

Why Your Pilot Light Keeps Going Out & How To Fix [With Pictures]

That darn pilot light just won’t stay turned on! Moreover, it is causing all of your plans for today to be derailed. Nothing compares to the sensation of taking a hot water shower. However, there are times when this does not occur. After all, there are worse things than having a very cold bath, should we say? The one thing that everyone despises is a lack of running water. This may be incredibly inconvenient – not only for showering, but also for all of the other duties that require hot water to be completed successfully.

You don’t have to put your day on wait because your pilot light isn’t working properly.

However, if you discover that your water heater is leaking water and that this is the root of your water problem, read our guide on what to do when your water heater is leaking water!

What’s A Pilot Light?

An electronic device that maintains a continually burning flame is known as a pilot light. Basically, the goal of this section is to light the burner. How? When you switch on your appliance, gas is released from the main burner, and the pilot light flame ignites the gas, so supplying heat to the room. With each degree of heat generated by the main burner, the air or water contained within your appliance is heated and then disseminated as needed around your residence or place of business

Appliances With Pilot Lights

Water heaters, older furnaces, and boilers are more likely to have a pilot light than other types of appliances. You may also discover that your gas fireplace has a pilot light, which is a good thing. Learn how to switch on the pilot light on your gas fireplace by visiting this page. Pilot lights have been gradually being phased out in favor of hot surface igniters or spark igniters in more recent years. pilot light for a water heater The pilotflame ignites the gas, which generates heat for your house or place of work.

Also, if you are experiencing no heat, check to see whether the pilot light on your furnace or boiler has gone out.

Water Heater Pilot Light: Where Is It And What Does It Do?

A little access panel, located just underneath the thermostat, may be found at the very bottom of your gas water heater. The pilot light for the gas water heater is located within the access panel. There will be a gas panel where you may check to see if the pilot flame has been ignited. The pilot light on your water heater is a little flame that is used to ignite the gas burner in the water heater. This is required for the purpose of heating the water that will be dispersed around your home. If you are experiencing no hot water and have attempted to relight your pilot light without success, you will require water heater repair.

The pilot light on the water heater keeps going out. Warning! Remove the burner and pilot from the interior of your water heater at your own risk. This photograph was shot by a water heater professional for the purpose of giving a demonstration on the use of pilot lights.

What Makes Your Water Heater Pilot LightGo Out

Thermocouple on the water heater is faulty. The thermocouple is responsible for detecting whether your pilot light is on. This copper rod serves as a safety precaution, preventing the heater’s gas supply from being turned off if the pilot light on the water heater goes out. The natural wear and tear of a thermocouple can cause it to get twisted out of place, to malfunction, to become broken, to become covered in dirt, or to accumulate carbon deposits. When one or more of these conditions occurs, the thermocouple will be unable to reliably detect the pilot light and will subsequently shut down the heating system.

Strong Breeze Can Blow Out Pilot Light

In some cases, such as when there is heavy wind or a nearby draft, your pilot light may be extinguished. Unless your pilot light has simply been out, you should have little trouble re-igniting it and keeping the flame burning.

Kink in the Flex Tube

The fuel is delivered to the gas controller by flexible tubes. Gas will not flow through the tube if there is a kink or twist, which can also lead to pilot light difficulties.

Filthy Pilot Light OpeningCan MakePilot Light Keeps Going Out

If the pilot’s mouth is clogged with muck and debris, it will be virtually hard for it to maintain a flame. It will only keep a modest flame that will be readily extinguished if it does catch fire. Your pilot light will not stay lit if your pilot orifice is clogged with debris.

How Do I Re-Light My Gas Water Heater Pilot Light?

The pilot light on the water heater is not lighted.

Step 1: Thoroughly Read Gas Water Heater Manual

To have a better knowledge of where each component of your water heater is situated, consult your water heater’s instruction manual.

Step 2: Turn Down Thermostat

To have a better knowledge of where each component of your water heater is situated, consult your water heater handbook.

Step 3: Turn OFF Gas

The gas valve for the water heater Locate the gas shut-off valve and turn it all the way to the “Off” position. The gas shut off valve is positioned on the gas line near the base of your water heater, near the base of your water heater. Before proceeding on to the next stage, you must wait at least 5 minutes to guarantee that all of the gas has dissipated completely.

Step 4: After 5 Minutes, Turn The Gas Control Valve Setting On Water Heater To “Pilot”

Turn the gas control valve, which is situated on the water heater, to the “Pilot” position. The word “Pilot” should be in the center of the image.

Step 5: HoldDownthe Reset Button

Keep the water heater reset button depressed. After that, press and hold the reset button. This is a button that is often red in color and is situated to the left of the gas control valve. Keep your finger on this button. To be on the safe side, use the instructions to identify each component.

Step 6: While Holding Down The Reset Button, Press TheIgniter

Keep the water heater’s igniter down. The igniter is located to the right of the gas control valve. While continuing to keep the reset button down, press the igniter button on your keyboard. Click on the water heater’s gas window until you see a blue flame appear in the glass.

Step 7: Continue To Hold Down The Reset Button For 20-30 Seconds.

Keeping the water heater’s igniter pressed down is important. A gas control valve is located directly to the right of the igniter (see illustration). While keeping the reset button down, press the igniter button. Click on the water heater’s gas window until a blue flame appears in the window.

Step 8: Turn The Gas Control Valve To The “On” Setting

On the water heater, there is a gas control valve.

The gas control valve may now be turned back to its “On” position, as the pilot light has been ignited by the flame. The word “on” should be in the middle slot at this point.

Step 9: Turn The Thermostat Up

Increase the temperature of the water heater. Now is the time to dial up the heat in order to get that hot water flowing again!

Step 10: Enjoy Your Warm Water, Or Ask For Help!

If you try to relight the pilot light and it does not stay lit, you may want the services of a professional to assist you with your water heater repair.

But What If You Don’t Have A Manual Igniter?

After that, remove the access panel that is located beneath the water heater thermostat and discard it. You can use a wrench to help you.

After 5 minutes, Turn Gas Control Valve To “Pilot”

After that, remove the access panel that is located beneath the water heater’s temperature control. Use a wrench to get the job done.

Next, Hold Gas Control Valve Down And Ignite Pilot With A Lighter

After that, remove the access panel that is located beneath the water heater thermostat. You can use a wrench to help you out.

Once TheFlame Is Lit,Turn Gas Control Valve to “On”

As soon as the pilot light is lighted, you may remove the reset button and turn the gas knob to the “On” position, which will take around 30 seconds. You should be able to hear the main burner turn on at this point. Your pilot light should now be able to maintain a flame, and hot water should be flowing again!

Furnace Pilot Light: Where It Is And What Does It Do?

Old furnaces rely heavily on the pilot light to generate heat, which is why it is so crucial to keep the pilot light on. When the gas valve is opened, the flame will continue to burn constantly, igniting the gas. The heat generated by this process then heats the air that is drawn into your furnace, which is then dispersed throughout your house. If your furnace’s pilot light is out, you may notice that it is spewing chilly air into the house. The failure of the pilot light is one of several probable causes of your furnace’s inability to switch on.

You may find the pilot light by following the gas line into your furnace and looking for it there.

From there, you should be able to see a short tube that runs from the gas valve to the burner itself.

Why Furnace Pilot Light keeps going out

There are a variety of reasons why the pilot flame on your furnace continues flickering out of control. Let’s get started!

Faulty Thermocouple Triggers Pilot Light to Go Out

It is meant to shut off the gas valve if the pilot light goes out, and it is used in conjunction with a thermocouple. Thermocouples can be damaged or worn out over time. If the thermocouple is incorrectly positioned or malfunctioning, the gas valve may be incorrectly shut off, as well as preventing the pilot light from keeping lit.

Dirty Thermocouple Makes Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

A filthy thermocouple may cause the safety mechanism to mistakenly trigger, causing the ignition to be turned off. The thermocouple has the potential to accidentally shut off the gas valve and extinguish the blazing flame.

Filthy Pilot Port/Orifice

A clogged thermocouple may cause the safety device to mistakenly activate, causing the ignition to be turned off prematurely. Because of this, it is possible for the thermocouple to accidentally close the gas valve and extinguish the fire.

Bad Gas Regulator

If you have gas appliances in your house, you will also have a gas regulator outside of your home to regulate the flow of gas into your home.

Your furnace may not receive enough gas to keep its pilot light lit if your gas regulator isn’t functioning correctly. There is a good chance that you have a defective gas regulator if the pilot light is out in more than one home appliance, such as your water heater.

Bad Flue Venting Could Blow Out Pilot Light

Excess wind might enter via the openings in your flue pipe if it is loose, broken, or not correctly attached to the furnace. This would extinguish the pilot light flame.

A Strong Draft

There’s always the potential that a powerful draft knocked out your pilot light’s flame and caused it to go out.

How To Re-Light A Furnace Pilot Light?

The first and most crucial step is to locate the owner’s manual for your heater. The handbook will assist you in gaining a better grasp of the internal workings of your individual appliance.

Step 2: Identify Pilot Light

Find the location of the pilot light in your furnace by consulting the owner’s handbook. In order to get access to the furnace, you will need to remove the front of the furnace.

Step 3: Turn OFF Gas

After that, locate the gas valve and shut it down completely. A tiny valve located towards the bottom of the furnace is standard on most models. In general, there are three settings for the gas valve: “ON,” “OFF,” and “PILOT.” Make sure the valve is in the “OFF” position by turning it clockwise. It is critical that you wait for at least 5 minutes after the previous step to ensure that all gas has been expelled from the pipes before proceeding. A disaster might occur if this is not done.

Step 4: WAIT 5 Minutes, then Turn Gas to “Pilot”

Immediately after waiting 5 minutes, switch the gas valve to the “PILOT” position. It is vital that all of the gas has dissipated before switching the gas position to the pilot position. A few of minutes might be the difference between a peaceful society and a disasterous one. Keep in mind that gas is quite explosive!

Step 5: Hold Reset Button

After that, hold down the reset button. However, if you are having difficulty locating the reset button, your furnace’s owner’s handbook should be able to point you in the appropriate place.

Step 6: Press Igniter While Holding Reset Button

Hold the reset button for a few seconds after that. However, if you are having difficulty locating the reset button, your furnace’s owner’s handbook should be able to lead you in the correct way.

Step 7: Turn Gas to “ON” position

Restore the pilot light by turning the gas control valve back to its “ON” position once it has been re-ignited. Right now, you should be able to keep your house warm!

Step 8: If you Aren’t comfortable yet, call a pro!

If, despite doing the necessary measures, you are still unable to keep your pilot light lit, contact an HVAC professional for furnace repair.

Boiler Pilot Light: Where It Is And What Does It Do?

The pilot light in your boiler is vital for the boiler to function properly and generate heat. It is necessary for the pilot to burn constantly in order for it to ignite the gas when the gas valve is opened. When this occurs, your boiler starts heating the water, which is subsequently dispersed throughout your house to provide warmth. If your pilot light goes out, your boiler and central heating will not be able to operate properly. The pilot light is placed within your boiler, on the other side of the valve from the gas valve.

Why Boiler Pilot Light Goes Out

A malfunctioning, misaligned, filthy, or damaged thermocouple is frequently the source of your pilot light’s failure to illuminate properly.

It is the thermocouple that keeps the gas valve from opening if the pilot light is not lit. Your pilot light may not function properly if there is an issue with your thermocouple, or if it is just coated with dirt and debris.

Dirty Pilot Opening

When you turn on your furnace pilot light and find a yellow flame, this indicates that your pilot light is unclean and is causing your furnace pilot light to constantly turning out. If dirt accumulates in the pilot light port, it may prevent the pilot light from completely enveloping the thermocouple with the flame it produces. This causes the thermocouple safety system to be incorrectly activated, resulting in the gas being turned off and the heat being turned off.

Weak Gas Regulator Can Make Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

If you have gas appliances in your home, you will have a gas regulator outside your home. The failure of your gas regulator may result in your furnace not receiving enough gas to keep its pilot light lit. In the event that you observe pilot light issues on more than one device, such as your water heater, it is possible that your gas regulator is broken or weak.

A Strong Draft

A strong airflow has the potential to completely extinguish your pilot light.

How To Re-Light Boiler Pilot Light

Make sure you are familiar with the components of your boiler by reading the instruction manual thoroughly. It is common for the owner’s handbook to contain instructions for re-igniting the pilot light.

Step 2: Shut OFF Boiler

Starting with shutting off the boiler is always a good idea.

Step 3. Shut OFF Gas

Locate the gas valve and turn it to the “OFF” position.

Step 4. Wait 10 Minutes

Continue to check the pipes for around 10 minutes to ensure there is no residual gas.

Step 5. Open Boiler and Locate Pilot Light

After a short period of time, you can turn on the boiler. To obtain access to the pilot light, remove the access panel from the wall. Typically, this panel is positioned next to the gas control knob box, which is where it gets its name. Sometimes you may simply lift the panel up, but other times it may be screwed to the wall or ceiling.

Step 6. Turn Gas to “Pilot”

Now, set the gas control valve to the “Pilot” position on the pilot valve.

Step 7. Hold Reset Button, Then Click Igniter

Next, press and hold the reset button for a few seconds. While still holding down the reset button, press and hold the igniter button until you see a flame appear. It is necessary to press the reset button for an additional 20-30 seconds after the flame is ignited to ensure that it is fully functional.

Step 8. Turn Gas Control Valve To “On” Setting

Restore the pilot light by turning the gas control valve back to its “ON” position once it has been re-ignited. Right now, you should be able to keep your house warm!

Step 9. Relax in Comfort

How did things turn out? If not, when will you get your home warm and comfortable? If your pilot light has been struggling to keep a flame, or if you are still unclear how to fire your pilot light, boiler repair is simply a phone call away! Now that you don’t have to struggle with a cold house anymore, you may turn to a licensed professional with your queries and concerns. To arrange a boiler repair, call or go online to this page. With the help of superTech HVAC Services, you can relight your pilot light in no time.

How Do I Prevent My Pilot Light From Going Out?

Keeping your water heater, furnace, and boiler in good working order can keep those annoying pilot lights from going out on you. An experienced technician will do a maintenance check on the pilot light and thermocouple, as well as clean them both, to ensure that they operate at peak efficiency. Depending on the appliance, a professional will also check all of the connected pipes and wiring, the flue venting, and all other functional aspects of the appliance to verify that each portion is running at peak efficiency.

Find out more about a furnace tune-up by visiting this page! Maintaining your furnace, water heater, and boiler on a regular basis is essential to ensuring that your heat or hot water never runs out!

Soak Up The Warmth!

That’s all there is to it! A basic description of how to relight your pilot light, as well as the most typical causes for your pilot light to go out is provided. We all know that having no heat or hot water in your house is the worst feeling in the world! The best course of action if you’re having difficulties keeping your pilot light lit or are still unclear about the process is to call a professional. If you are experiencing any pilot light issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (443) 219-7798 or make an appointment onlinehere.