Having hot water available at all times is something most homeowners take for granted. But when you go to take a shower and only cold water comes out, it likely means you have a problem with your water heater pilot light.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The main signs your pilot light is out are no hot water, a gas smell near the water heater, and/or the pilot light not staying lit when you try to relight it.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about water heater pilot lights, including what they are, why they can go out, signs yours is out, relighting instructions, and when to call a professional for water heater pilot light repair.
What Is a Water Heater Pilot Light?
A water heater pilot light is a small, continuous flame that ignites the main burner of a gas-powered water heater. It is an essential component that ensures the proper functioning of the water heater.
Purpose and Function
The pilot light serves as an ignition source for the gas burner in the water heater. When the water temperature drops below the set level, the pilot light automatically ignites the main burner, which then heats the water.
It acts as a safety mechanism as well, as it also includes a thermocouple that detects if the pilot light goes out. If the pilot light is out, the gas supply to the burner is automatically shut off to prevent the buildup of dangerous gas.
What Powers It On and Off
The pilot light is typically powered by a small amount of gas flowing through a dedicated gas line. When you turn on the water heater, a control valve opens to allow gas to flow to the pilot light. The gas is then ignited by a spark or a standing flame.
To turn off the pilot light, you can usually find a dedicated knob or switch on the water heater control panel that shuts off the gas supply to the pilot light. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when operating or shutting off the pilot light to ensure safety.
If you are unsure about the operation of your water heater pilot light, it is always recommended to consult the owner’s manual or contact a professional plumber for assistance. They can guide you through the process and ensure that your water heater is functioning properly and safely.
Common Reasons a Pilot Light Goes Out
When your water heater’s pilot light goes out, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. Understanding the common reasons for pilot light failure can help you identify and resolve the issue quickly. Here are some of the most common reasons why a pilot light goes out:
1. Normal Cycling On and Off
In some cases, the pilot light going out may be a normal occurrence. Water heaters often cycle on and off to maintain the desired temperature. During these cycles, the pilot light may temporarily go out before reigniting.
If the pilot light goes out occasionally and reignites on its own, it is usually not a cause for concern. However, if it goes out repeatedly or fails to reignite, further investigation is needed.
2. Combustion Air Issues
A lack of proper combustion air can cause the pilot light to go out. If the area around your water heater is poorly ventilated or if there are obstructions blocking the air intake, it can disrupt the combustion process and extinguish the pilot light.
Ensure that there is sufficient air flow around the water heater and remove any potential blockages to prevent the pilot light from going out.
3. Thermocouple Failure
The thermocouple is a safety device that detects whether the pilot light is lit. If the thermocouple is faulty or damaged, it can shut off the gas supply to the pilot light, causing it to go out. A common sign of thermocouple failure is when the pilot light goes out immediately after releasing the control knob.
Replacing the thermocouple is usually necessary to resolve this issue.
4. Clogged Gas Line or Orifice
If there is a blockage in the gas line or orifice, it can prevent the flow of gas to the pilot light, causing it to go out. Debris, such as dirt or dust, can accumulate over time and clog the gas line or orifice.
Regular maintenance, including cleaning the gas line and orifice, can help prevent this issue and ensure that the pilot light stays lit.
5. Moisture Buildup
Moisture buildup inside the water heater can also lead to pilot light failure. When water enters the combustion chamber, it can extinguish the pilot light. This issue is more common in older water heaters or those that have not been properly maintained.
Regular inspection and maintenance can help identify and resolve moisture buildup issues.
6. Damage From Age or Use
Over time, the components of a water heater, including the pilot light, can wear out or become damaged. Corrosion, wear and tear, or faulty parts can contribute to the pilot light going out. If your water heater is old or has been heavily used, it may be more prone to pilot light failure.
In such cases, it may be necessary to replace or repair the damaged components to ensure the pilot light stays lit.
Remember, if you are unsure about how to troubleshoot or fix the pilot light issue on your water heater, it is always best to consult a professional plumber or technician. They have the expertise and knowledge to diagnose and resolve the problem safely and efficiently.
Signs Your Pilot Light Is Out
No Hot Water
One of the most obvious signs that your pilot light is out is when you suddenly have no hot water. The pilot light is responsible for igniting the gas burner that heats the water in your water heater. When the pilot light goes out, the burner cannot be ignited, which means that no hot water can be produced.
If you turn on the hot water tap and only cold water comes out, it’s a clear indication that your pilot light needs to be relit.
Gas Smell
If you notice a strong odor of gas around your water heater, it could be a sign that the pilot light is out. Gas has an unmistakable smell, often described as rotten eggs. This odor is added to natural gas for safety reasons, so that people can easily detect a gas leak.
If you smell gas near your water heater, it’s important to take immediate action. Turn off the gas supply to your water heater, open windows to ventilate the area, and contact a professional plumber to inspect and relight the pilot light if necessary.
Gas leaks can be dangerous and should never be ignored.
Flame Won’t Stay Lit
Another sign that your pilot light is out is when the flame won’t stay lit. Normally, the pilot light should remain lit continuously to ensure that the burner can be ignited whenever hot water is needed.
If you notice that the flame keeps going out or won’t stay lit, it could be due to a problem with the pilot light. This could be caused by a faulty thermocouple, a clogged pilot tube, or a draft in the area where the water heater is located.
A professional plumber will be able to diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs to get your pilot light working again.
It’s important to address a pilot light that is out as soon as possible to avoid any inconvenience or safety risks. If you’re unsure about how to relight the pilot light yourself or suspect that there may be a gas leak, it’s always best to seek the assistance of a qualified professional.
They have the knowledge and experience to safely handle gas-related issues and ensure that your water heater is working properly.
How to Relight a Water Heater Pilot Light
Turn Off Gas Valve
If you suspect that your pilot light is out on your water heater, the first step is to ensure your safety by turning off the gas valve. This valve is typically located near the bottom of the water heater and is responsible for controlling the flow of gas to the pilot light.
By turning off the gas valve, you can prevent any potential gas leaks while working on relighting the pilot light.
Remove Panel
Once the gas valve is turned off, you’ll need to locate the panel covering the pilot light. This panel is usually secured with screws or clips and can be found on the front or side of the water heater. Carefully remove the panel to gain access to the pilot light area.
Locate Pilot Light
With the panel removed, you’ll now be able to locate the pilot light. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner in your water heater. It is usually positioned near the bottom of the water heater, closer to the gas supply line.
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the location and appearance of the pilot light.
Light Pilot
Now that you’ve found the pilot light, it’s time to relight it. Start by turning the gas valve to the “pilot” position. This will allow a small amount of gas to flow to the pilot light. Next, locate the pilot light igniter or the matchstick-sized device used to manually light the pilot.
Press and hold the igniter or use a long match to ignite the pilot light. Once the pilot light is lit, continue to hold the gas valve in the “pilot” position for about 30 seconds to ensure the flame stays lit.
Test and Replace Panel
After successfully relighting the pilot light, it’s important to test the water heater to ensure it is functioning properly. Turn the gas valve back on and set the water heater to the desired temperature.
Wait a few moments for the water to heat up and then check to see if hot water is flowing from the faucets. If everything seems to be working as expected, you can replace the panel that covers the pilot light. Make sure it is securely fastened to prevent any accidental exposure to the flame.
Remember, if you are unsure about relighting the pilot light or if you encounter any issues during the process, it’s always best to consult a professional plumber or contact the manufacturer for guidance.
When to Call a Professional
While some minor issues with your pilot light can be resolved on your own, there are certain situations where it is best to call a professional. Here are some scenarios where it is recommended to seek professional assistance:
Pilot Won’t Stay Lit
If you have tried relighting your pilot light multiple times and it continues to go out, it may indicate a more serious problem. This could be due to a faulty thermocouple or a gas valve issue. A professional technician will have the expertise to diagnose and fix the underlying problem.
Lingering Gas Smell
If you detect the smell of gas near your water heater, it is crucial to take immediate action. A gas leak can be extremely dangerous and requires the attention of a professional. Do not attempt to relight the pilot light or ignite any flames in the vicinity.
Evacuate the area and contact your gas utility company or a licensed plumber to address the issue.
Other Mechanical Issues
If your water heater is experiencing other mechanical issues, such as leaks, strange noises, or inadequate heating, it is best to leave it to the professionals. Attempting to troubleshoot and repair complex problems without the necessary knowledge and tools can potentially worsen the situation.
A licensed plumber or HVAC technician will have the skills and resources to properly diagnose and fix the problem.
Remember, safety should always be the top priority when dealing with gas appliances. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any aspect of your water heater’s pilot light, it is better to err on the side of caution and seek professional assistance.
Conclusion
Having your pilot light go out is a common issue many homeowners face. With this guide, you now have a thorough understanding of water heater pilot lights, why they go out, signs yours is out, and how to relight it yourself in many cases.
Knowing how to quickly troubleshoot and relight your pilot light can get your hot water running again. But don’t hesitate to call in a professional water heater technician if you can’t get the pilot relit or suspect other issues.
