Have you ever tried to take a relaxing hot shower just to be sorely disappointed to discover that your hot water is nonexistent? Don’t worry, this has happened to the best of us! Pilot lights on water heaters go out from time to time. But why does this happen? One common reason is that a draft may have passed by in the room where the water heater is located. If the room is poorly insulated or there are doors or windows that are frequently opened and closed, this may have caused the pilot light to blow out.
Another reason pilot lights go out is due to system-related issues like a faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple is the tiny sensor located near the pilot light, and its duty is to detect whether the pilot light is lit or not. If the thermocouple gets clogged or dirty, it can start not to function properly. But regardless of what may have caused your pilot light to go out, here are the simplified steps to relight your water heater’s pilot light from your favorite service professionals at Narrow Path Plumbing.
HOW DO I RELIGHT MY WATER HEATER’S PILOT LIGHT?
- The first step in this process is to locate the access panel, which is normally situated on the side of the water heater. Generally, this panel is firmly held in place by a couple of screws or latches. Carefully remove this panel and set it to the side while you work. Once the access panel is taken off, the electronic ignition system and the gas control valve should be in view.
- Keep in mind that before you relight the pilot light, it is crucial to turn off the gas supply first. You can do this by turning the gas control valve to the “off” position. Then give your water heater 5-10 minutes to allow the previously built-up gas enough time to dissipate. This is a very important step for safety reasons, so be careful not to skip it.
- The next step is to locate the gas control panel. This is the panel with a knob-like switch that has all the settings and buttons. Using your eyes only, scan over this panel, looking for a small black or red square button placed below the knob/switch. It may or may not be labeled “reset” or “ignition.”
- After the gas has had sufficient time to dissipate, set the gas control valve to “pilot.”
- To begin, press and hold the knob down. Bear in mind, some water heaters have a knob on the control panel that also functions like a button as well, so you can press it inward if this applies to your model.
- Keeping the knob pressed down, press the small black square beneath it. This is the ignition button. Remember that depending on your water heater, your buttons may vary slightly. One click should work. At this point, the pilot flame should spark on. If it doesn’t, you can try clicking on the ignition one more time; usually, it will pick up by the second click. It’s crucial to remember that one hand should still be holding down “pilot” mode at this point.
- When the indicator light blinks on, this means you can finally release your grip on the “pilot” button/knob.
- Personalize your preferences by setting the temperature settings to your desired level.
- Make sure to turn the gas supply valve back to the “on” position.
- Finally, return the access panel back to its original position and ensure that all screws or latches are securely in place.
Please bear in mind that a gas water heater with an electronic ignition system may still have a pilot light as a backup should the electronic system fail. Therefore, it’s good to know that you can manually ignite the burner, if necessary, by using either a lighter or a match and activating the pilot light.
Following these instructions, step-by-step as they are, is very important. Although relighting a pilot light isn’t too complicated, it does require each step to be properly executed to ensure the safety of you, your family, and your home. Furthermore, if you have any questions or perhaps do not feel quite comfortable attempting this task on your own, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Narrow Path Plumbing is here for you, night or day. Call us today at (937) 623-2619, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
