How to Turn On the Water Heater Pilot
Getting hot water from your water heater is a daily necessity in most households. However, when the pilot light went out, it can pose a significant inconvenience. It’s essential to know the steps to turn on and maintain the pilot light regularly to ensure a continuous water supply. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of troubleshooting and turning on the pilot light on your water heater.
What is the Pilot Light?
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The pilot light is an essential component of a tank-style water heater. When the pilot light is glowing, it ignites a gas flame that heats your water. The pilot is typically located at the center of the water heater flue, and its location may vary depending on your water heater model. Consult your user manual if necessary.
**Why Does My Pilot Light Go Out Frequently?**
Before attempting to turn on the pilot, it’s crucial to identify any potential causes for frequent power outages. Common issue includes:
• **Scale buildup**: Mineral deposits form over time, causing inefficient combustion and pilot light dimming.
• **Insufficient gas supply**: Verifying the gas line remains unobstructed (free from debris) avoids interruptions.
• **Excessive air pressure**: An air leak in the connection or venting system makes it difficult for the water heater to maintain a draft.
• **Dirty/ faulty thermocouple (thermopile]**: The thermocouple detects the pilot light ‘s heat and signals shutting off the gas supply accordingly. A faulty or oxidized thermocouple limits pilot light performance.
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**How to Turn on the Water Heater Pilot**: **Step-by-Step Guide**
1. Check your water heater model by consulting the user manual in case you’re unsure
a. **Gas Valve Safety Lock**: Locate the ignition control valve and push-button switch. Turn the latch to the “ON'” position. You might spot a small red pin indicating the valve is already actuated.
b. Continue with the following steps before the pilot light becomes warm (about 10sec).
2. **Propane Pilot Light Assembly* **: Remove any filter screens or caps protecting a propane pilot light.
– Hold the pilot assembly horizontally.
– Locate the pilots light burner head with LED or pilot light symbol next to it.
– In some cases, it assists with the pilot ignition device. Ensure the knob.
3. **Press for Ignition**: While performing step 2:
c. **Ignite Flame**: Press the igniting device (usually an electronically controlled ignition or gas-controlled pilot light) or continue using a lighter, as suggested by your user manual. Hold the flame over-the pilot light for a length of time specified (as stated in your manual):
* **Tank pilot lights**: 2-minutes
* Propane pilot lights**: Press and hold for about ~1-2 sec
d. **Light Holding**: Release the pilot housing. The pilot should rise in the center once gas starts flowing. Keep your LED/LED symbol nearby!
e. **Hold Flue**: If a cold pilot light doesn’t begin after 3 seconds
1) Push down on the burner unit with your hand. To release any trapped gases & help the pilot take to hold.
5-10 seconds are crucial here. Keep doing Steps a-c.
If Steps e fail, proceed or call a professional
7. **Check**: Switch to the “PST” or “Pilot** button on your ignition** switch. The gas input valve should now open at this point. In such cases, the light typically glows brightly (although the pilot light) Pilot lights are usually very red.
8. Wait or verify the pilot flame works as expected.
*How to Turn On Water Pilot (Propane or NAT Gas)**
Proactively ensure your water heater gets enough gas supply:
* Check for air-lock by slowly opening the shut• off valve. A normal water heater pilot flame doesn’t require an
Please
and for more information and proper troubleshooting.
**Preven** **tive Pilote Light Maintenance** by regularly cleaning the area inside your water heater with its cleaning brush, the bottom side of the heat
By following these steps, knowing what to look for should the pilot light fail at some point, you increase your chances of keeping, turning on, or starting a pilot light properly – all while maintaining optimal.
References:
1. Hot Water Heater Pilot Light Basics – Water Heater Troubs**
2. Preventive Maintenance for Water Pumps – Water Pump | Plumbing | Water Pump Care
3. **tank-style water heater Pilot & Gas Valve Installation**
1. **Tank pilot**
(Source:
https://www.westernplumbing.com/about-us/our-exp
*Please reference the respective user manual for more, as well as a summary of the pilot maintenance** and troubleshooting.
