How to Light a Water Heater Pilot Light
Prev PostNext PostWhen the pilot light on a water heater goes out, it is typically because of a natural fluctuation in gas pressure, which extinguished the flame. The most obvious indicator that a pilot light has gone out is the one that everyone dreads: the water will not heat up properly. In the event of a damaged flame sensor, it’s critical to know how to relight the pilot light on your water heater so you can get the flame going as quickly as possible. This will not only allow you to get your hot showers back, but it will also ensure that no gas is unintentionally discharged into the home.
However, for the vast majority of gas-powered water heaters, you should begin by locating the gas shut-off valve on the water heater, which is generally plainly labeled on the front lower section of the water heater, before proceeding.
- Open the door or cover that provides access to the pilot light. In most cases, this will be positioned under the gas valve
- However, some water heaters will just have an open gap where you can see the pilot light burner instead. Locate the burner within the container using a flashlight or a headlamp. It will be reached by two little gas tubes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it while you’re at work. Turn the gas knob to the “Pilot” position and push and hold the button. This will initiate the flow of gas, allowing you to ignite the flame. Some water heaters feature a separate pilot mode button, which is commonly a red button, which you must push and hold in order to activate it. While keeping the gas pedal depressed, ignite the pilot light. Certain water heaters feature an igniting button that is red or black, while others must be lighted manually with a long lighter
- Some models include a red or black igniting button. Maintaining pressure on the gas knob or button for a full minute after the flame is ignited is critical. Then slowly release it while checking to see if the light is still on. Turn the gas knob to the “On” position and listen for the unmistakable “whump” or whooshing sounds that indicates the main burner has ignited. Enjoy your hot shower when you’ve replaced the lid.
Despite the fact that a single extinguished pilot light is normally caused by a natural fluctuation in gas pressure, recurrent faults suggest a more serious problem with the water heater itself. The most typical problem that causes repeated pilot outages is a filthy or bent thermocouple, which is a thin copper wire and rod that detects the presence of a flame and immediately switches the gas off when it detects a lack of flame detection.
What is a Thermocouple?
A thermocouple is sometimes referred to as a flame sensor in contemporary water heaters because of the way it detects flames. Your thermocouple is most likely twisted, filthy, or damaged if the pilot light continues to go out after you have completed the above-mentioned lighting procedures. For those who find that their pilot light is twisted and not near the burner, they may simply turn off the gas, shift it over, and attempt lighting the pilot again. It may be necessary to clean the water heater gas valve and the main gas line near the heater if this does not solve the problem.
- The burner is typically simple to remove by simply sliding it out.
- If this doesn’t solve the problem, you may get a new thermocouple for less than $15 at any hardware store or home improvement center.
- Rooter Plumbing to help you get hot water back into your home again.
- The use of hot water is simply one component of a great showering experience.
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How to Light a Water Heater’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 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 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.
Why Your Water Heater’s Pilot Light Keeps Going Out & How to Fix It
The date is May 13, 2021. When the pilot light flame on your gas water heater goes out, it is an annoying and frustrating situation to have to deal with. When your water heater’s pilot light fails to stay lit, you’re left without hot water, which makes even the most basic of tasks such as taking a shower a chore. Naturally, you question, “How did this happen? What happened?” Is there anything you can recommend to help you get things going again? What should I do to have it repaired? “May you tell me about the costs I can expect?” Fortunately, if your water heater pilot light goes out, you should be aware that this is a frequent problem that many homeowners have and that the time and effort required to repair it is low.
Why does the pilot light on my water heater keep going out?
Because of problems with the heater’s thermocouple or owing to access to combustible air, your water heater’s pilot light continues going out repeatedly.
Thermocouple Issues
Because of problems with the heater’s thermocouple or availability to combustible air, the pilot light on your water heater keeps going out.
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.
How to light a gas water heater
If your water heater is not heating up, it is possible that the pilot light has gone out. No matter what sort of water heater you have, the process of lighting it is straightforward. The majority of contemporary versions of gas water heaters are equipped with a straightforward ignition switch. The water heater is turned on in a matter of seconds, no trouble. If you’ve moved into an older home, on the other hand, it’s possible that your water heater is the type that requires manual activation.
Do you have a manual water heater?
There is a straightforward technique to determine if your gas water heater is automated or manual. Take a look at the box that protrudes from the side of the water heater and has two distinct dials. Automatic vehicles will feature a little ignition button adjacent to the large On/Off/Pilot dial, indicating that it is an automatic. If it is a manual, there will be no button to press. The On/Off/Pilot dial is normally located on the top of the box, whereas the temperature dial is typically located on the side of the box, as shown.
Taylor Martin is a contributor to CNET.
How to light an automatic water heater
The first step is to switch off the gas by looking for the knob labeled On/Off/Pilot on the control panel. You’ll want to move the knob past thePilot position and into theOff position. Allow for a five-minute dissipation of any built-up gas that may be present in the system. It’s time to start the lighting procedure at this point. Turn the water heat dial to Low and the On/Off/Pilot dial to Pilot to complete the process. Then, while simultaneously pressing the igniter button and turning the On/Off/Pilot dial down, turn the On/Off/Pilot dial up.
You should hear a “whoosh” sound as soon as the gas is turned on.
If it is lighted, conclude by closing the door and turning the dial fromPilottoOn, as well as changing the water temperature dial from Low to the temperature you like.
How to light a manual water heater
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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How to Relight the Pilot Light on Your Water Heater
Several factors might contribute to a pilot light on a water heater being turned off. The front of most water heaters will contain instructions on how to relight the pilot light, and this will usually be on the right side of the water heater. The first step is to turn off the gas to your water heater by turning off the gas control valve on the tank. Then follow these instructions to re-ignite the pilot light on your water heating system:
- Remove the access panel for the water heater
- Check to see if the gas valve is open (on most valves, this indicates that the valve is in line with the pipe)
- And Make sure that the gas control valve on the water heater is in the pilot position. Hold the knob on the front in and press it in. For a flame to emerge on the screen, hold down the ignitor button (the black square button below the knob). Keeping the knob pressed in until the indicator light starts blinking is recommended. Using the knob, adjust the temperature to your liking.
The flame should be visible via the viewing window if you look closely enough. That indicates that your pilot light has been turned on. Although the gas control valve on your water heater may be different, the process of relighting it should be very similar. You may look up “How to relight a _” on Google and fill in the blank with the name of the brand of your water heater to see what comes up. YouTube is another excellent source of information. Gas control valves come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they might be installed on your water heater.
If you are unable to relight your pilot light, or if it does light but continues going out on you suddenly, contact a plumber you can trust for assistance in determining what is causing the problem.
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 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 you happen to come across any, proceed with caution. 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.
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.
If your hot water isn’t functioning, check the pilot light on your water heater. Also, if you are experiencing no heat, check to see whether the pilot light on your furnace or boiler has gone out. furnace with pilot lightBoiler with pilot light
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.
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
It is possible for extra wind to flow through the perforations in your flue pipe, extinguishing the pilot light flame if it is loose, damaged, or not correctly attached to your furnace.
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.