How To Relight A Gas Hot Water Heater - ERNIEGRAVES

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 Light the Pilot for a Gas Hot Water Heater

When the water in the tank needs to be heated, tank-type gas water heaters utilize a pilot light to ignite the gas burner, which then heats the water. The cold water flowing from the hot water tap is usually the first sign that your pilot light has gone out, so keep an eye out for it. Even if the equipment is not malfunctioning, a pilot light might go out for a variety of causes, including sudden swings in gas main pressure. If the pilot light on your heater goes out, you may relight it by yourself.

1.

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

2.

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.

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.

Turn the knob to the “Off” position and wait five minutes for the gas to clear before proceeding with the next steps:

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

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

What is a Thermocouple?

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

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.
Previous PostNext Post Previous Post

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 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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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 388,956 times.

Did this article help you?

Get your hot water heater up and operating in a safe and efficient manner. Get quotations from as many as three professionals! Enter your zip code below to get matched with top-rated professionals in your area. You should examine your hot water heater first if your hot shower has turned into freezing rain after you have turned on the hot water. Homes using gas water heaters should check their pilot lights to be sure they haven’t been turned off accidentally. The age of your heater may determine whether or not you may use an ignition button or a lighter to relight the pilot light on it.

The following tools and materials will be required:

How to Relight a Gas Water Heater’s Pilot Light

To relight a hot water heater, just follow the instructions outlined in the following section.

1. Safety First

Even though the vast majority of homeowners are capable of relighting a pilot light on their own, it’s crucial to use caution when working with a gas-powered hot water heater. When relighting a pilot light, you should always proceed with caution since the gas used to power your hot water heater is volatile and possibly deadly. If you smell gas at any time, you should turn off the gas valve immediately and open the windows to let the gas escape. Do not switch on any lights. Leave your home and call the gas company or the fire department for assistance.

2. Turn Off the Gas

First and foremost, you must switch off the gas supply before re-igniting the pilot light. Locate the gas valve on your hot water heater and turn it to the “off” position to turn the water off. Hold off for around 10 minutes; this will give any gas in the region time to clear, which is vital because the gas is very combustible, so patience is required.

3. Access the Pilot Light

It is customary for the pilot light to be situated directly beneath the gas valve. In certain circumstances, a door or cover may be placed over the light to prevent it from being seen. While you are doing this procedure, use a flashlight to ensure that you can see everything clearly and accurately.

4. Turn the Gas Valve to ‘Pilot’

Turn the gas valve to the “pilot” position and push the button. As a result, the gas valve provides enough gas to ignite the pilot light, which is what you want. If your hot water heater is equipped with a separate pilot button, this is something to look for.

5. Light the Pilot

The method you use to relight the pilot on your gas water heater is determined on the age of the appliance. Gas water heaters manufactured during the last eight years are not required to include manual illumination. Instead, these water heaters are equipped with an electric spark generator, similar to that found in a gas grill. To ignite the pilot light on a water heater that has a pilot light ignition button, you should press the button until the pilot light illuminates. If your water heater does not have such a button, you’ll have to manually ignite it with a long lighter if it does not have one.

6. Turn On the Gas

Once the pilot light has been lighted, re-ignite the gas supply.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask a Professional

If you want assistance, consult with a local water heater technician, particularly if your hot water heater requires manual ignition.

Most service providers will charge a set price every visit, which will normally cover the cost of relighting a gas water heater in the event that one is required. The cost of this service call might range between $80 and $100.

FAQs About Hot Water Heaters

Photograph by Hmzalldesign/iStock / Getty Images Plus courtesy of Getty Images If your water is barely lukewarm, it is possible that your hot water heater is malfunctioning. It might be a sign that your water heater is going to malfunction, that sediment has accumulated, or that the temperature has been adjusted improperly. In order to establish the specific nature of the problem, you need consult with a water heater repair professional.

How much does it cost to repair a hot water heater?

The cost of repairing a hot water heater can range from$225 to $960 depending on the model. The cost of repairing a water heater varies based on where you reside and what is wrong with it. In certain circumstances, it may be more cost effective to replace your hot water heater rather than repair it.

How do I maintain my water heater?

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

How to 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. To avoid gas accumulation, you must restart the process immediately if the pilot light is not lighted.

How to light a manual water heater

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

Warning!

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.

Following the sighting of a flame and the removal of your finger from the igniter, you must continue to press the reset button. Continue to hold the button down for another 20-30 seconds.

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”

Now, set the gas shutoff valve to the “Pilot” position.

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

Keep the gas knob pressed down as you ignite the pilot using a long lighter, similar to a BBQ skewer. If your gas water heater, on the other hand, has an igniting button, use it instead.

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. You should be able to locate the pilot light if you follow the little tube leading to it.

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

Examine the flame. If the flame is becoming orange, contact an HVAC professional immediately. If you light your pilot and the flame is yellow, this indicates that your pilot opening is filthy and is preventing your pilot light from keeping lit for long periods of time. A buildup of dirt in the pilot light port might prevent the flame from fully enveloping the thermocouple, which can result in a faulty ignition. As a result, the safety system is activated, which results in the gas being turned off.

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

Holding the reset button down for a second or two will allow you to activate the igniter and light the flame. Once the flame has been ignited, remove the igniter and continue to hold down the reset button until the flame has been extinguished. Keep the reset button pushed for 20-30 seconds to complete the process. To light the pilot when you do not have a manual igniter, you can use a BBQ lighter or a match. furnace with a pilot light

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.

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.

How To Relight the Pilot Light on Your Gas Water Heater

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

Several factors, including a brief stoppage in the gas supply, might contribute to the failure of the unit to heat up properly.

Instructions on how to relight the pilot light on your water heater There are only a few stages to this, but always proceed with caution, and if you smell gas at any time, stop and call for help immediately.

Locate the gas shutoff valve, which is usually situated on the water heater.

After five minutes, and sometimes even longer, you should check to see whether any lingering gas has been expelled from the house.

If there is a cover, open it and examine inside with a flashlight if there is one.

Once you’ve located them, go back to the gas valve and turn it to the “pilot” position.

If this is the case, instead of pressing the button, push the button.

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

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

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

What Happens If the Pilot Light Continues to Fade?

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

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

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

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