Restarting the Pilot Light: A Step-by-Step Guide
Have you faced the frustration of a lit pilot light refusing to roar back to life? Is your water heater or space heater not working, leading to a lukewarm shower or chilly evening by the fireplace? Restarting the pilot light can sometimes be a simple task. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to restart a pilot light, covering common reasons and troubleshooting steps, to restore warmth and functionality to your home.
How to Restart a Pilot Light in 5 Steps
STEP 1: Locate Your Pilot Light
Find your pilot light location on water heaters, space heaters, or furnaces. Here are some common places:
| Location | Example Appliances |
|---|---|
| Water Heaters: | Rear-located pilot lights |
| Space Heaters: | Bottom-front situated pilot lights |
| Furnaces: | Side- or end-mounted pilot lights |
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**STEP 2: Confirm the Pilot Light is Shut Off**
Check your instruction manual or appliance labels, as some devices require confirmation of the pilot light’s shutdown before proceeding.
Is your pilot light truly ‘out’? Double-check through the following means:
* **Use a remote control**: Check your settings to ensure it is remotely shut off or tripping the pilot.
• **Check electrical panels/gas valves**: Make adjustments if necessary, especially upon installation or servicing.
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Resetting varies in complexity depending on the age and type of device being used. Below, simple steps for three typical units are provided.
#### for Water Heaters and Tanks
1. For most water heaters:
· Locate the thermoelectric device at the combustion chamber.
· Make sure it’s pushed far enough to ‘OFF. ’; then release and press ON.
· You’ll experience a brief re-blew.
1. On some models: † For Kenmor and similar tank-type installments, proceed:
) &· , Locate the thermostat adjustment for the pilot; Turn Counter-clockwise
&#xin; Then move adjustment clockwise until a strong stream of gas issues (it may take up to 6 trials).
&#xin;Finally, press ‘On.”
#### for Space Heaters
1. **Compact units**: Gently snap the pilot shutter in
1. **O-vent units**: Lift gently the pilot housing.
Button the pilot cover when securing.
#### for Furnace
1. Typically entails a manual switch to push the pilot assembly button/push button
For step-by-step diagrams of steps 3A-D:
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**STEP 4: Attempt Igniting the Pilot**
Attempt two to three consecutive trials ensuring proper alignment:
Button:
&for Water Heaters, Gas Valves.
í If ‘gas’ doesn’t spark from the pilot opening:
&Press the pilot switch repeatedly (‘ON’ while button)
Hold the pilot igniter; ensure it gets within five inches of pilot gas –
If igniting fails or stays hot, check safety cutoff(s) and potential malfunction sources.
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