Having hot water available whenever you need it is essential for everyday life. If the pilot light on your water heater goes out, it can be frustrating trying to get it relit. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of lighting the pilot on a water heater so you can get your hot water working again.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Turn off the gas supply, remove any debris or dust buildup near the pilot, depress the reset button if equipped, hold a long lighter or match near the pilot while turning the gas control knob to pilot until it ignites.
Let it warm up for 60-90 seconds before releasing.
In this roughly 3000 word guide, you’ll learn the steps needed to safely and successfully light the pilot, from the required materials and safety precautions to troubleshooting tips. We’ll cover pilot light design, equipment needed, step-by-step instructions, and much more.
Read on for everything you need to know about getting your water heater’s pilot lit and restoring hot water to your home.
Understanding Pilot Light Design
Before learning how to light the pilot on a water heater, it’s important to understand the design and function of a pilot light. The pilot light is a small, continuously burning flame that ignites the main burner of a gas water heater.
Its primary purpose is to ensure that there is always a source of ignition available when the water heater needs to heat the water.
The Purpose and Function of a Pilot Light
The main purpose of a pilot light is to provide a constant source of ignition for the gas burner. When the water temperature drops below the set level, the pilot light ignites the gas burner, which in turn heats the water in the tank.
Without a pilot light, the water heater would need to rely on an external ignition source, such as an electric spark, to ignite the gas burner each time the water needs to be heated. This would be less efficient and could lead to longer wait times for hot water.
The pilot light is designed to stay lit continuously, even when the water heater is not actively heating water. This allows for immediate ignition of the burner once the water temperature drops. However, if the pilot light goes out, it must be relit manually using the appropriate steps.
Main Pilot Light Components
A pilot light consists of several key components that work together to ensure proper ignition and operation of the gas burner. These components include:
- Thermocouple: This safety device is an essential component of the pilot light. It detects the presence of a flame and sends a signal to the gas valve to keep the gas supply open. If the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple detects the absence of a flame and shuts off the gas supply to prevent gas leaks.
- Pilot Light Burner: This small burner is responsible for creating the flame that serves as the ignition source for the main burner. It is typically located near the bottom of the water heater.
- Pilot Light Tube: This tube connects the gas supply to the pilot light burner. It allows gas to flow to the burner, where it is ignited to create the flame.
Alternatives Like Electric Ignition Systems
In recent years, electric ignition systems have become more common in newer water heater models. These systems eliminate the need for a continuously burning pilot light. Instead, they use an electric spark or hot surface igniter to ignite the gas burner when needed.
Electric ignition systems are generally more energy-efficient and eliminate the risk of a pilot light going out. However, they may require more complex troubleshooting and maintenance compared to traditional pilot light systems.
It’s important to note that the specific design and components of a pilot light may vary depending on the manufacturer and model of the water heater. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific water heater when attempting to light or troubleshoot the pilot light.
Gathering the Necessary Lighting Equipment
Before attempting to light the pilot on your water heater, it’s important to gather the necessary lighting equipment. This will ensure that you have everything you need to safely complete the task. Here are some essential items you should have on hand:
Matches or Lighters
One of the most common methods of lighting a pilot is with matches or a lighter. Make sure you have a reliable source of ignition, such as long matches or a butane lighter, that can reach the pilot light easily.
Ignition stick/lighter wand
Another option is to use an ignition stick or a lighter wand specifically designed for lighting pilots. These tools have a long, flexible shaft that allows you to reach the pilot light without straining or risking burns.
Flashlight
A flashlight is an essential tool for any task that requires visibility in dark or tight spaces. Use a flashlight to locate the pilot light and ensure that it is properly lit.
Protective gloves
When working with gas appliances, it’s important to prioritize safety. Wearing protective gloves can help prevent burns or injuries while handling the equipment.
Safety glasses
Protecting your eyes is crucial when dealing with gas appliances. Safety glasses can shield your eyes from any debris or sparks that may occur while lighting the pilot.
By gathering these essential lighting equipment items, you’ll be well-prepared to safely and effectively light the pilot on your water heater.
Safety Precautions Before Lighting
Before attempting to light the pilot on a water heater, it is crucial to take certain safety precautions to ensure the well-being of yourself and others. Here are some important steps to follow:
Checking for gas leaks
Prior to lighting the pilot, it is essential to check for any gas leaks. Gas leaks can be extremely dangerous and can lead to fires or explosions. To check for gas leaks, you can use a mixture of soap and water. Apply the solution to the gas connections and observe if there are any bubbles forming.
If you notice any bubbles, this indicates a gas leak, and you should immediately contact a professional to address the issue.
Venting the system
Proper ventilation is necessary to ensure the safe operation of a water heater. Make sure that the area around the water heater is well-ventilated and free from any obstructions. Proper ventilation prevents the accumulation of dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide, which can be harmful when inhaled.
If you notice any signs of poor ventilation, such as a strong odor or excessive condensation, it is important to have the system inspected by a professional.
Having an emergency plan
While lighting the pilot on a water heater is generally a safe process, it is always wise to have an emergency plan in place. This plan should include knowing the location of the gas shut-off valve and ensuring that it is easily accessible.
It is also important to have a working fire extinguisher nearby and to familiarize yourself with its operation. Taking these precautions will give you peace of mind and ensure that you are prepared in case of any unforeseen emergencies.
Remember, safety should always be the top priority when dealing with gas-powered appliances. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any aspect of lighting the pilot on your water heater, it is best to consult a professional plumber or HVAC technician who can assist you.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lighting the Pilot
Turn off gas and remove cover panel
The first step in lighting the pilot on a water heater is to ensure that the gas supply is turned off. Locate the gas valve, usually located near the bottom of the water heater, and turn it to the “off” position.
Once the gas supply is turned off, carefully remove the cover panel to access the pilot area.
Clean pilot area thoroughly
Before attempting to light the pilot, it is important to clean the pilot area to ensure there is no dirt or debris that could interfere with the flame. Use a clean cloth or brush to gently remove any dust or build-up around the pilot assembly.
Depress reset button if equipped
Some water heaters may be equipped with a reset button that needs to be depressed before attempting to light the pilot. If your water heater has a reset button, press it firmly to reset the system before proceeding.
Turn knob to pilot setting
Locate the gas control knob, typically located near the bottom of the water heater. Turn the knob to the “pilot” setting. This will allow gas to flow to the pilot assembly once it is lit.
Hold flame to pilot while turning gas on
Using a long-reach lighter or fireplace match, carefully hold the flame to the pilot assembly while simultaneously turning the gas control knob to the “on” position. This will ignite the pilot flame. Be sure to keep your face and body clear of the burner area to avoid any potential accidents.
Wait 60-90 seconds before releasing knob
After the pilot flame is ignited, continue to hold the gas control knob in the “on” position for 60-90 seconds. This allows the thermocouple, a safety device that detects the presence of a pilot flame, to heat up and send a signal to the gas valve to keep the gas flowing.
If the pilot flame goes out during this time, wait a few minutes and repeat the lighting process.
Once the pilot flame has been consistently burning for the required time, release the gas control knob. The pilot flame should remain lit. If the flame goes out again after releasing the knob, it may indicate a problem with the thermocouple or gas valve and professional assistance may be required.
Remember, if you ever feel uncomfortable or unsure about lighting the pilot on your water heater, it is always best to contact a trained professional to ensure the safety and proper functioning of your appliance.
Troubleshooting
Pilot won’t stay lit
If your pilot light won’t stay lit, there could be a few possible causes. One common issue is a faulty thermocouple, which is a safety device that senses whether the pilot light is lit. If the thermocouple is malfunctioning, it may shut off the gas supply to the pilot light, causing it to go out.
In this case, you may need to replace the thermocouple to fix the problem. Another possible cause could be a dirty or clogged pilot orifice. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in the orifice, obstructing the flow of gas and preventing the pilot light from staying lit.
Cleaning the orifice with a small brush or compressed air can help resolve this issue.
Pilot light continuously goes out
If your pilot light keeps going out, it may be due to a draft or lack of ventilation in the area around the water heater. A strong draft can blow out the pilot light, causing it to go out repeatedly. Make sure there are no open windows or doors near the water heater that could be creating a draft.
Additionally, check for any obstructions in the venting system, such as debris or bird nests, that could be interfering with proper ventilation. If the venting system is clear and there are no drafts, the issue may be with the gas pressure.
A professional plumber can help determine the cause and make any necessary adjustments.
Pilot light makes popping noises
If you hear popping noises coming from your pilot light, it could be a sign of a dirty burner or a gas pressure issue. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on the burner, causing uneven gas flow and resulting in popping sounds.
Cleaning the burner with a soft brush or cloth can help resolve this issue. If the popping noises persist, it may indicate a problem with the gas pressure. High gas pressure can cause the pilot light to ignite with a loud pop.
In this case, it is recommended to contact a professional plumber to assess and resolve the issue.
Pilot light keeps fluttering
A fluttering pilot light can be caused by a few different factors. One possible cause is a dirty orifice, which can disrupt the flow of gas and cause the pilot light to flicker or flutter. Cleaning the orifice can often resolve this issue. Another potential cause is a faulty gas valve.
If the gas valve is not functioning properly, it may not be providing a steady flow of gas to the pilot light, causing it to flutter. In this case, it is best to have a professional plumber inspect and repair the gas valve to ensure proper functionality.
When to Call a Professional
While lighting the pilot on a water heater is a relatively simple task, there are certain circumstances in which it is best to call a professional. Here are a few situations where seeking professional help is recommended:
1. Lack of Experience
If you have never lit a pilot light before or are unsure about the process, it is always better to be safe than sorry. A professional plumber or technician will have the necessary expertise and experience to handle the task efficiently and safely.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional if you are unsure about your abilities.
2. Persistent Pilot Light Issues
If you have repeatedly tried to light the pilot light but it keeps going out or fails to stay lit, there may be an underlying issue with your water heater. It could be a problem with the gas supply, thermocouple, or other components.
A professional can diagnose the problem accurately and provide the necessary repairs or replacements.
3. Gas Leaks
If you smell gas near your water heater or suspect a gas leak, do not attempt to light the pilot light yourself. Gas leaks can be extremely dangerous and should be handled by a professional immediately. Evacuate the area and call your gas company or a licensed plumber for assistance.
4. Older or Outdated Water Heaters
Older water heaters may have outdated safety features or be more prone to issues. If your water heater is old or has not been serviced in a long time, it is advisable to have a professional inspect it before attempting any repairs or pilot light ignition.
They can assess the condition of your water heater and provide recommendations for maintenance or replacement if necessary.
Remember, the safety of yourself and your home should be a top priority. If you have any doubts or concerns about lighting the pilot on your water heater, don’t hesitate to call a professional. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Conclusion
Lighting the pilot on your water heater is an important maintenance task that will allow you to restore hot water when the pilot goes out. With the right materials, safety steps, and following the instructions, you can successfully light it.
If troubleshooting tips don’t solve your issues, contact a professional for assistance. Our guide walks through the entire process to equip you with the knowledge to DIY and have hot water flowing again quickly.
