How To Reset Pilot Light On Electric Water Heater - ERNIEGRAVES

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

The date is May 13, 2021. When the pilot light flame on your gas water heater goes out, it is an annoying and frustrating situation to have to deal with. When your water heater’s pilot light fails to stay lit, you’re left without hot water, which makes even the most basic of tasks such as taking a shower a chore. Naturally, you question, “How did this happen? What happened?” Is there anything you can recommend to help you get things going again? What should I do to have it repaired? “May you tell me about the costs I can expect?” Fortunately, if your water heater pilot light goes out, you should be aware that this is a frequent problem that many homeowners have and that the time and effort required to repair it is low.

Why does the pilot light on my water heater keep going out?

Because of problems with the heater’s thermocouple or owing to access to combustible air, your water heater’s pilot light continues going out repeatedly.

Thermocouple Issues

When your pilot light is on, your thermocouple detects the presence of the flame. The thermocouple’s tip is positioned above the pilot flame, providing a voltage that maintains the gas valve open in the process. A thermocouple will shut down the gas supply to your water heater if it detects that the pilot light on your water heater is not lighting up properly. When thermocouples are exposed to moisture or dust for an extended period of time, they might malfunction, gather dust, or get bent away from the pilot light’s flame.

Lack of Combustible Air

Another reason why your gas water heaterpilot light won’t remain lighted might be that there isn’t enough combustible air in the room where it is located. To keep the pilot light on in your water heater, you’ll need to blow air into it. Otherwise, the flame will be extinguished. Take precautionary measures to ensure that the water heater is not surrounded by material, such as litter or lint, which might increase the quantity of combustible air present. Maintain as much cleanliness as possible in the surrounding region.

What do I do if my water heater pilot light keeps going out?

Try to rekindle the spark on your own first, if at all possible. Take the following general steps:

Locate the gas shut-off knob and turn it all the way to the “Off” position. The gas flow is halted as a result of this. Allow for a few minutes for the gas to dissipate before continuing. To get access to the burner, remove the access panel. To begin the flow of gas, turn the knob to the “Pilot” position. You’ll want to press and hold the knob down for a few seconds. While still holding the gas knob, ignite the pilot with a long lighter while still holding the gas knob. To ignite your gas water heater, use the button on the side of the tank that says “ignite.” As soon as the flames have been extinguished, turn the gas knob to the “On” position and wait for the main burner to come on.

If you are unable to relight the pilot or if your pilot light keeps going out, it is possible that you have another problem, such as a faulty thermocouple, to consider. Please refer to the owner’s handbook for your water heater equipment for further information.

Can I replace a thermocouple myself?

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 Fix a Water Heater Pilot Light

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

Introduction

If your hot water heater suddenly stops operating, it’s likely that a faulty thermocouple has caused the gas to the pilot light to be turned off. Replacement is a simple do-it-yourself project.

Tools Required

Is there no hot water? If you have a natural gas or propane water heater, there is a good probability that the pilot light has gone out. It is this little flame that starts the gas burner on your water heater that is referred to as the pilot light. When the pilot light on your water heater goes out, the first thing you should do is try to relight it by following the instructions on the water heater label. The thermocouple is by far the most prevalent cause of pilot failure, whether it occurs immediately after lighting or on a regular basis after the pilot has been extinguished.

If you do not wait for a professional to arrive, you will be able to get your hot water running without incurring the expense of a service visit.

What is a Thermocouple?

In order for gas to flow to the burner, a thermocouple must be used to detect the heat of the pilot. A faulty thermocouple will prevent gas from reaching both the pilot and the burner, resulting in the pilot light failing to stay lit.

Project step-by-step (6)

Shut off the gas line by closing the cutoff valve. As seen in this photo, turn the valve a quarter turn so that the handle is at a right angle to the pipe.

Unscrew the Nuts

Turn off the control valve if it is on. Remove the burner access covers and loosen the bolts on the gas, pilot, and thermocouple lines to free up the burner.

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

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

Remove the Assembly

Remove the water heater pilot light burner component from the water heater. Remove the old thermocouple by unscrewing or pulling it out. Purchase a new one that is the same size and length as the previous one

Install the New Thermocouple

Install the new thermocouple in the same manner as the previous one
Replace the burner assembly by sliding it back in. Reattach the three wires to the control valve where they were disconnected.

Reattach the Lines to the Gas Valve

The three lines must be reconnected to the gas valve by threading the nuts into position with your fingers and hand-tightening them
A quarter- to half-turn of the wrench tightens them up.

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

Test for Gas Leaks

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

Replenish the water supply by opening the shutdown valve and lighting the pilot light. Turn the control valve to the “on” position. Use a 50/50 mixture of dish soap and water to check the screw joints for air bubbles, which indicate a leak, while the gas burner is turned on.

Keep in mind that when the water heater pilot light is re-ignited, the flame should wrap around the thermocouple bulb.

CAUTION!

During this procedure, you should not be able to detect the scent of gas (except for a slight whiff when you remove the gas lines). If you find yourself in this situation, exit the house immediately and contact your gas provider.

WhenNotto Replace the Thermocouple

Some gas water heaters have a burner chamber that is “closed,” making it impossible to reach the burner. It is recommended that you contact a professional to repair this sort of heater. In addition, some gas water heaters are not equipped with pilot lights. Allow the professionals to take care of this as well.

How to Light a Water Heater 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

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! Repair Your Pilot Light Right Away With a Pro!

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.

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 burning 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 continuously 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 then redistributed throughout your home 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

First and foremost, make sure that the boiler is completely turned off.

Step 4. Wait 10 Minutes

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

Step 5. Open Boiler and Locate Pilot Light

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

Step 6. Turn Gas to “Pilot”

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

Step 7. Hold Reset Button, Then Click Igniter

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

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

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

Step 9. Relax in Comfort

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

How Do I Prevent My Pilot Light From Going Out?

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

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

Soak Up The Warmth!

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

How To Relight the Pilot Light in Your Gas Hot Water Heater

When the hotwater heater in your home fails, duties such as showering, doing laundry, cleaning dishes, and other household chores come to a grinding halt. If you have a gas-powered hot water heater, it is possible that the pilot light has gone out, which is the root cause of the problem. In most circumstances, if you relight the pilot, you should be able to go back into the air again. In this post, we’ll demonstrate how simple it is to complete the task yourself.

What does the pilot light do?

The pilot light of your gas hot water heater is a tiny, continuously burning flame that serves to start the burner of the appliance. To put it another way, if the pilot light goes out, the unit will be unable to heat water. It is possible for a pilot light to be extinguished for a variety of causes, including something as simple as a short stoppage in the gas line or an air bubble in the gas line. Warning: If you smell gas at any stage throughout the process, leave the area immediately and contact your energy supplier as soon as possible.

Steps to relight the pilot light.

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

What happens if the pilot light goes out again?

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

Our professional plumbers will come out to your home, assess the situation, and provide recommendations on how to restore hot water flow in your home.

This entry was published on April 30, 2020, under the category Water Heaters.

How to Relight Your Water Heater Pilot Light (For Every Major Brand!)

The pilot light on your hot water heater has great influence on your life. Anyone who has walked into their shower on a frigid winter morning, with their body freezing and their teeth chattering as they wait for hot water that never arrives, knows what I’m talking about. In the case of a natural gas water heater, this might indicate one of two problems. There are two possibilities: either (1) the gas supply has been switched off or (2) your pilot light has gone out. We should first address the likelihood that your gas supply has been interrupted (and as fast as possible).

1. How to Make Sure Your Gas Supply is On

Locate the shut-off valve for your natural gas line
It is common to find the shut-off valve near to your gas meter (as shown in the figure below), which is often positioned on the side or front of your home or major structure. Check to be that the shut-off valve attached to your gas line is in the “ON” position before proceeding. If it is not in the ON position, the problem is not with your gas line
However, if it is, the problem is with your gas line. If the valve is currently in the OFF position, switch it to the ON position. Please do not hesitate to contact your local gas company for assistance.

Examining your gas line is the first step in determining whether or not you have a lack of hot water.

Double-check to see that the gas shut-off valve is in the “ON” position. If everything is in working order with your gas supply, it’s time to check the pilot light on your water heater.

2. How to Light Your Pilot Light Water Heater

Depending on the manufacturer, re-igniting a pilot light may need a different procedure. Fortunately, there are just a few number of producers. The first step should be to check for the installation instructions, which are normally fastened to the water heater. Don’t be concerned if you can’t locate them. Specific brand-by-brand instructions are provided in the section below. Instructions in this video are “generalized,” as the title indicates. Scroll down to the bottom of this page for instructions unique to your brand of water heater.

How to Light a Rheem Hot Water Heater Pilot Light

The pilot light on an ARheem water heater must be manually activated by striking thepiezo ignitor striker that is incorporated within the water heater.

Using a clockwise motion, turn the gas knob on your Rheem water heater until it is at the desired position
Counter-clockwise turn the temperature dial on the water heater until it is set to the lowest temperature setting. Wait five minutes to let any gas in the water to pass through
Remove the outer door of your Rheem water heater from its mounting bracket. Counter-clockwise turn the gas knob to the “Pilot Light” setting until it is in this position. Press the red button to the left of the gas knob until it becomes depressed. The piezo ignitor striker is located on the left side of the gas knob. While maintaining pressure on the red button, continually push the piezo ignitor striker until the pilot light is re-lit until the problem is resolved. Through the viewing glass on the inside of the Rheem water heater’s inner door, you can see the pilot light. After the pilot light has been turned on, continue to hold down the red button for one minute before releasing it completely. The pilot light will remain on during the process. Remove and reattach the outer door of your water heater
To turn on the gas, turn the knob to the “ON” position. Set the hot water temperature slider to the temperature that you desire for your water

How to Light an A.O. Smith or State Water Heater Pilot Light

AO Smith water heaters andState water heaters, including the Conservationist model, are equipped with a piezoelectric igniter mechanism that lets you to light the pilot by pressing the ignition button on the water heater.

Disconnect the access panel from the side of the A.O. Smith or State water heater and place it somewhere out of the way
To turn off the gas supply, turn the control knob on the water heater’s side to the “OFF” position and let the room air out for roughly 10 minutes. The “Pilot Light” setting on the gas control knob should be selected. The red button should be pressed down (this will allow the gas to flow to the burner assembly)
And While maintaining pressure on the red button, press down on the ignitor button until the pilot light illuminates. It is possible that you may have to press down on the ignitor button two or three times before the hot water heater pilot light turns back on. Continue to hold down the red button for approximately 60 seconds after the pilot is lighted, then gently release the button. Make sure the gas is turned on by turning the control knob to “ON.” Replacing the access panel on the side of the water heater is necessary.

How to Light a Bradford White Water Heater Pilot Light

Control panel for the Bradford White water heater should be turned off
Allow the water heater to stand for 5 minutes to allow gas to escape from the system. Change the mode of the control switch to pilot light mode. Press the red control button in for a few seconds, then press the button every few seconds while continuing to press in
Listen for a click, and the water heater status light should begin flashing to indicate that the water heater is operational. Allowing the red control button to be released
Make sure that the red control button is in the “hot” position. If the pilot light does not stay lighted or does not relight after being extinguished, it is possible that a more serious problem is causing your lack of hot water. For emergency assistance, contact your plumber.

Resources

Precautions to take when using a water heater
How to get hot water back from your water heater
The components of a water heater
Water heater maintenance and repairs
What is the average lifespan of a water heater?

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

It might be rather frightening to experiment with the gas in your house. Don’t be concerned, we’ll have you back in a warm shower in no time! Please do not hesitate to contact us or call 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237). Regardless of the nature of the emergency plumbing, drainage cleaning and drain clearing, or water damage situation, we will respond quickly. This includes excavation of subterranean water pipes and sewage main lines.

Solved! What to Do When Your Pilot Light Goes Out

Image courtesy of fotosearch.com The temperature in my shower this morning was absolutely freezing, and I mean that in the best way possible. After a brief investigation, I noticed that the pilot light on my water heater had gone out. Is it worth it to try to relight it? A: It all depends on what caused the light to go out. It’s possible that the problem was anything as simple as a draft, a filthy pilot orifice, or a worn-out part—or that the extinguished pilot light was a symptom of something more serious requiring attention.

If you find yourself in this situation, leave your home and call the gas company!

(Please keep in mind that if your water heater has an enclosed burner chamber, you’re most likely out of luck as far as a DIY remedy is concerned; only a professional plumber should be able to reach an enclosed burner chamber.) Make an appointment with a proGet free, no-obligation repair quotes from qualified appliance experts in your area.

When you see your pilot light out, you can usually relight it.

The presence of a downdraft in a vent pipe on a windy day, or even the breeze via an open window, can be sufficient to extinguish a pilot light. It is common for water heaters to include identical relighting instructions, which are usually permanently mounted to the side of the appliance. Image courtesy of fotosearch.com Remove the access cover located at the bottom of the water heater in order to relight the pilot. Ensure that the “Pilot” position is selected for both the control knob and the water temperature knob.

Continue to keep the knob down for a full minute after the pilot is ignited in order to remove any remaining air from the line.

Depending on what happens after the pilot ignites, one of the following options should be considered:

If the flame continues to burn, you’re good to go!. Simply replace the cover plate, turn the control knob to the “On” position, and set the desired temperature on the water temperature knob to return to the refreshinghotshower experience. Ensure that the pilot light does not flicker and goes out immediately after relighting by cleaning the pilot orifice. Gas flow is impeded by a clogged pilot light aperture, but the solution is straightforward. Shut off the gas to your water heater first, of course (look for a valve on the gas line that supplies the unit). Twist the pilot orifice fitting to the left, which is positioned behind the access cover, to release it from its mounting. After that, remove the orifice itself from the fitting by unscrewing it. Using a cotton swab moistened with rubbing alcohol, thoroughly wipe all surfaces of the fitting once it has been dismantled. As soon as you have completed the reassembling and reattaching of the fitting, relight the pilot light as previously specified. You should replace the thermocouple if you are able to ignite the pilot light but it goes out as soon as you remove the control knob from the pilot light control box. It is a safety device that shuts off gas flow if it detects that the pilot light is out
However, if it becomes broken, it loses its capacity to regulate the flow of gas. This repair is a little more involved than the previous two, but a replacement is rather inexpensive—often costing less than twenty dollars

Connecting the control panel to the burner assembly, which is hidden behind an access panel, is this item that looks like a copper tube. Turn off the gas to the water heater before beginning any disassembly efforts. Remove the burner assembly from the control panel by detaching the thermocouple tube, the pilot light tube, and the gas supply tube using an adjustable wrench. The burner assembly should simply slide out of the way. (Tip: Because thermocouples come in a variety of sizes and kinds, bringing the broken thermocouple with you when purchasing a replacement is the most effective approach to ensure that you receive an identical match.) Replacing the broken thermocouple with a new one is followed by reassembling the burner assembly, reattaching the tubes, and relighting the pilot light in the manner indicated above.

How to light the pilot light on your gas hot water storage tank

Whenever you notice that your hot water is suddenly becoming cold, the first step in resolving the issue is to make sure that the pilot light on your hot water heater has not been extinguished. If this has happened, it is something you can easily correct. Whenever the tank requires heating, the pilot light ignites a tiny flame that keeps the main burner running. The pilot light should always be on.

Before you start

It is simple to check to see whether your pilot light has gone out and to relight it; but, as with any home improvement project, exercise extra caution while attempting to relight your pilot light. Before you begin, be certain that there are no open fires or ignition sources near the water heater, and that there is no odor of gas in the vicinity of the water heater. Always remember to put on your safety glasses and to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the appliance.

If you want more assistance, a video of this procedure is also accessible on the Rheem website.

How to light your pilot light

You may take off the access panel by lifting the cover vertically and dragging it in the direction of your body. Inside of the cover, you should find the directions for relighting the pilot, which should be quite clearly stated. As far as you can, turn the gas control knob clockwise until it reaches the off position. Depending on the kind of heater you have, the sign for off may be a line or a little dot. Never use a tool to turn this knob
Always turn it by hand. Wait five minutes after switching the switch to the off position to allow any unburned gas to escape. This is a critical step in ensuring your safety, and failing to do so might result in an explosion. It is okay to proceed once five minutes has passed. The pilot should be re-lit by turning the knob to the pilot position. On the majority of hot water heaters, this is represented by a little flame or spark sign. Once the control knob is in the pilot position, press it all the way down and hold it there for 30 seconds. Continue to push the igniter button repeatedly for about 40 seconds while keeping the control button pressed. Immediately following the push of the igniter button, the pilot should be lit
Nevertheless, continue to keep the control knob down for another 20 seconds. Release the knob after 40 seconds and look to verify whether the pilot is still lit
There should be a blue flame visible.

Then, if the method doesn’t work, switch off the gas valve and wait another five minutes before starting the process over from the beginning. Once the pilot has been properly ignited, turn the control knob anticlockwise until it reaches at least number five and replace the access panel with the new one. If you are unable to ignite your pilot light, please contact Pro-Action Plumbing on 0419 314 505 and one of our expert professionals will be able to come to your home to assist you with your problem.

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 been turned off.

Depending on your water heater model, it is conceivable that your panel is not detachable and that you must observe your pilot light via a transparent window. It is possible that your pilot light has gone out if you are unable to see a flame burning through the glass in this situation.

2 Check to see whether there is any gas leaking. Never attempt to restart your pilot light if there is gas leaking from your water heater, as this is highly harmful to both you and your property. Instead, call 911 immediately. To check for leaks before attempting to relight the pilot, perform a basic smell test on the cylinder.

Standing near to your water heater, sniff the air to see if you can notice any strange aromas. After that, get down on your knees and smell around any valves on the front and sides of the tank. Naturally, natural gas has no odor. To make it noticeable to humans, gas companies add an ingredient known as mercaptan to the mixture. When gas leaks, it has a sulfuric or rotten egg smell to it
If you notice gas leaking in either of these locations (even in a faint scent), do not attempt to relight the pilot light. Remove yourself from the vicinity of the water heater and contact your gas provider immediately
They will advise you on what to do next. Also keep an ear out for a hissing sound near the water heater, which might indicate a gas leak

Advertisement 3 Instructions may be found on the inside of the door panel of your water heater. Detailed instructions for your specific water heater model may be listed here, and following them may assist you in the process of relighting the pilot for your specific 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 most important factor is safety
4 Determine the type of water heater that you have installed. Gas hot water heaters are often classified into two categories: “new” and “ancient.” Traditional heaters will require you to relight the pilot light with your own flame, however newer design tanks are fitted with a pilot light igniter built into the tank.

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. You will need to obtain a long-reach “wand” lighter or fireplace matches to relight the pilot on an older design water heater.

Please avoid re-igniting a pilot using a standard lighted matchstick or miniature cigarette lighter, since doing so will force you to place your fingers in a small, tight position too near to the open flame, putting you at risk of being burnt

6Travel to the location of the pilot. The pilot is positioned at the end of the little silver tube that comes out of the control valve and is connected to the control valve. It’s possible that you’ll need to use a flashlight to see clearly in this location. Advertisement

1 Turn the gas valve to the “Pilot” position and press the button on the valve. It is necessary to do this in order to initiate the flow of gas into the tube that supplies the pilot light.

Find a red control button near the gas valve on your water heater if the gas valve on your water heater does not press down properly. Hold this button down for a moment.

Identify a red control button located near the gas valve on your water heater if the gas valve does not press down. Consistently press this button.

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. Heat from this will heat the thermocouple, which is a sensor that will turn off the gas if the pilot is not lit. 4Remove the valve knob/control button from the valve. Check to check whether the pilot light is still on after a minute by releasing the valve and pressing the control button again. 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 allowed to escape into your home.

Turn the main gas valve back to the “On” position and set the temperature control to the appropriate temperature.
When turning the knob to the “on” position, take care to keep your head away from the burner region.
Remember not to heat the water to a boiling point, since you might scald your hands or body accidently when washing or bathing.
Advertisement Create a new question

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.

Inquire about something There are 200 characters remaining. Include your email address so that you may be notified when this question has been resolved. SubmitAdvertisement

Video

Inquire about a problem a total of 200 characters are still available Fill up the blanks with your email address to be notified when your query is answered. SubmitAdvertisement

Thank you for submitting a suggestion for consideration! Advertisement

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

About This Article

Summary of the Article Set the temperature control to the lowest setting and turn the gas regulator valve to the “Off” position to begin lighting an electric water heater. X Then, by adjusting the gas valve to the “Pilot” position and pressing down on it, you may begin to pump gas into the system. After that, press the red ignitor button, which is located near the gas valve, to ignite the pilot burner. Hold down the pilot button for 1 minute longer than you think it should be and check to see whether the pilot is lit.

Continue reading for helpful hints on how to prepare for and light your water heater. Did you find this overview to be helpful? The writers of this page have together authored a page that has been read 388,843 times.