Most homeowners have already had to discover how to light a pilot light on a water heater. Today, it is your turn to learn all about it! To relight it, you should turn off the gas, access the pilot light, turn to the pilot setting, light the pilot, turn on the gas, and replace the access panel.
This is the most complete guide on pilot light problems on water heaters, covering everything from the location of the pilot light and reasons why it keeps going out to steps for solving it. Start reading and learning!
Does An Electric Water Heater Have A Pilot Light?
An electric water heater does not have a pilot light.
Not all water heaters are the same: If you have an electric water heater, there is no need to worry about a pilot light. Electric water heaters use electrical heating elements to warm the water, so they do not have a pilot light.
Instead, the water is heated directly by electricity, eliminating the need for a flame. If you are having issues with your electric water heater, the problem is likely related to a faulty heating element or tripped circuit breaker, not a pilot light.
Read this other homeyou guide and find out which hot water heater system is best for your home!
Where Is The Pilot Light On A Water Heater?
For those with gas water heaters, the pilot light is a small flame that ignites the burner, which in turn heats the water. The pilot light is usually located near the bottom of the water heater, behind an access panel.
Depending on the model you have, you might need to remove this panel to see the pilot light assembly. Inside, you will find the pilot light, the gas valve, and the thermocouple, a safety device that ensures the gas valve is closed if the pilot light goes out.
Why Does Pilot Light Go Out On Water Heater?
The pilot light may extinguish due to drafts, dirty pilot tubes, faulty thermocouples, or insufficient gas pressure. Continue reading for explanations of these common reasons!
- Drafts: A strong draft can blow out the pilot light. So, your water heater must be installed in a location shielded from heavy winds or drafts.
- Dirty Pilot Tube: Over time, debris can clog the pilot tube, restricting gas flow and causing the light to go out.
- Faulty Thermocouple: This safety device detects if the pilot light is lit. It can cut off the gas supply and extinguish the flame if it malfunctions.
- Insufficient Gas Pressure: Low gas pressure often leads to an unstable pilot light.
Regular inspections help discover and rectify these issues promptly. Know who to call for water heater repair and save yours from further damage!
How To Relight Pilot Light On Water Heater?
Is your pilot light not staying lit? Turn off the gas, access the pilot light, turn to the pilot setting, light the pilot, turn on the gas, and replace the access panel.
It is a straightforward solution; however, following safety precautions and avoiding higher water heater repair costs is essential. Read below to learn exactly how to do it.
- Find the gas valve on your water heater and turn it to the "Off" position, waiting some minutes to allow any residual gas to dissipate.
- Remove the access panel if necessary to reach the pilot light.
- Turn the valve to the "Pilot" position to guarantee gas flows to the pilot light but not to the main burner.
- Press the "Pilot" button and ignite the pilot light with a long lighter. Continue holding the button down for 30-60 seconds to give the thermocouple time to heat up.
- Release the "Pilot" button and turn the gas valve to the "On" position after confirming that the pilot light is lit. Beware that the main burner should ignite as the water heater begins to heat the water!
- Replace the access panel once the pilot light is steady and the burner is operating.
If the water heater pilot light keeps going out after multiple attempts, it is best to call homeyou's professional plumbers to inspect the system. Relighting a pilot light is generally safe, but ongoing issues could indicate a deeper problem that requires expert attention.
