How to Tell If the Pilot Light Is Out
- Locate the front cover panel on your furnace. It should be a little door that’s easily visible. Open it.
- If your pilot light is on, it should be easy to see – your eyes will be drawn to the little flame.
- If you don’t see a flame, your pilot light is out.
- If there is a flame, check the color. Pilot lights should always be blue. ...
How do I know if my water heater pilot light is out?
Signs your pilot light is out. Three quick ways to tell if your water heater’s pilot light is out are: Your Water is Cold; Blinking Light or Error Message; You Can’t See the Flame; Your Water Is Cold. If you’ve gotten to the point where you only get cold water, start troubleshooting by checking the pilot light.
How do you relight the pilot light on a gas boiler?
How do you relight the pilot light on a boiler? 1 Turn the gas to ‘pilot.’ 2 Press and hold the reset switch for one minute and hold a flame to the pilot light at the same time. Ensure you only... 3 If all is working as expected, return any casing/doors and turn the gas from ‘pilot’ to ‘on.’ More ...
What happens when the pilot light goes out on a furnace?
Loss of heat or hot water is a pretty good sign that the pilot light has gone out, especially if the appliance in question is a furnace, and the blower is still working.
Why is my gas boiler pilot light constantly blowing out?
If you find yourself regularly relighting the pilot light on your gas boiler, you may need to look into other causes. We recommend calling an engineer if you find yourself relighting your pilot more frequently than once a quarter. If you can see your pilot light is being repeatedly blown out, which could be due to a dirty pilot tube.
How do you know your pilot light is out?
If your pilot light is on, it should be easy to see – your eyes will be drawn to the little flame. If you don't see a flame, your pilot light is out. If there is a flame, check the color. Pilot lights should always be blue.
How do you light a boiler when the pilot goes out?
1:523:32Furnace - How to Relight a Pilot Light | Repair and Replace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition hold down the bypass button to let gas into the pilot. Keep holding the button and use aMorePosition hold down the bypass button to let gas into the pilot. Keep holding the button and use a barbecue lighter to insert a flame over the pilot.
What happens if the pilot light goes out on a gas boiler?
If the pilot light has gone out, you'll need to reset it following your manufacturer's instructions. Newer boilers will have an ignitor, whereas an older boiler pilot light may require you to light a match for ignition. If you still can't light your boiler, there could be debris blocking the jet.
What happens when pilot light goes out?
Your Gas Has Been Shut Off Your pilot light relies on your natural gas to stay aflame, so if your gas is shut off, your pilot light will go out. Simply turn your gas back on and either relight your pilot light yourself or call a professional.
Can I relight the pilot light by myself?
If your pilot light goes out, your furnace will not be able to produce heat because its burners will not ignite. Often, homeowners can relight the pilot themselves.
Why is my boiler not igniting?
A boiler might not ignite due to various possible reasons – insufficient pressure, blockage in the burner, faulty valves, frozen pipes etc. Sometimes, you can fix the problem on your own. In other cases, you don't have any choice but to call an engineer.
Should the pilot light always be on in a gas boiler?
The pilot light must always stay on or gas will easily escape. If the pilot light keeps turning off, then your boiler is not working. Older combi boilers may sometimes have pilot lights that flicker off, but can be restarted easily.
How do I turn my pilot light back on?
If the reset button fails, ignite the lighter. Hold down the reset button and bring a grill lighter or long match to the pilot light valve until the pilot ignites. Once the pilot light stays lit, turn the valve to the “on” position. You should hear the furnace activate.
How do you restart a boiler?
Generally, you push the reset button and hold it down for 10 seconds. Do this only once. Wait for 2-3 minutes, as the boiler may be starting up. If the reset has been successful, then the flame will ignite in the boiler.
What do you do if your pilot light won't light?
Check the Thermocouple If your pilot light won't stay alight, it might be the thermocouple. Sometimes dust buildup collects on the thermocouple and blocks the sensor. Try cleaning the thermocouple and then relighting the pilot light. If it continues to go out, the thermocouple might need to be replaced.
How do you light a gas furnace with electronic ignition?
0:252:39Light / Ignite a Gas Furnace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen it's perpendicular like that it turned off so we have it open now we should just be able toMoreWhen it's perpendicular like that it turned off so we have it open now we should just be able to turn this on. You know this furnace has an auto ignite. Inside. So we hear it turn on.
How to tell if pilot light is out?
How to Tell If the Pilot Light Is Out 1 Locate the front cover panel on your furnace. It should be a little door that’s easily visible. Open it. 2 If your pilot light is on, it should be easy to see – your eyes will be drawn to the little flame. 3 If you don’t see a flame, your pilot light is out. 4 If there is a flame, check the color. Pilot lights should always be blue. If it is a strange color, this could indicate that the burner assembly is corroded or dirty and needs to be cleaned. Contact a trusted HVAC company for maintenance services.
What happens if the pilot light doesn't stay lit?
If you attempt to relight your pilot light and it doesn’t stay lit once you release the reset button, you’re going to need professional help to get your furnace working again. If your pilot light burns for a while but then goes out again, this is also a sign that it’s time for maintenance or repairs. But hey, don’t you feel proud that you didn’t have to call for help immediately? Now you can call in the pros knowing that you did all you could do first.
What is a pilot light?
Andy’s confusion is understandable; most of the time when we talk about “lights” in machines or appliances, we are discussing light bulbs. The pilot light, however, is an actual old-fashioned flame inside your furnace. This flame is supplied by your gas line and should always be lit. When the temperature in your home falls below the desired level, your thermostat sends a signal to your furnace. Your furnace then releases fuel (gas) into the burner, and the pilot light ignites that gas. So basically your pilot light is responsible for combusting your fuel source, which is how your furnace creates heat. If it goes out, the safety features of your furnace will not allow it to release gas into the burner, meaning that the furnace will not run at all.
What to do when your furnace stops working?
When your furnace does stop working, there are a few easy steps you can take to troubleshoot it before you call for help. Checking the status of the pilot light is a good place to start and a very easy fix in the moment. If your pilot light keeps going out, you’ll need to call a professional to determine why. Relighting the pilot light can restore your heating immediately, allowing you to get a good night’s sleep before calling for repair service in the morning. Let’s talk about what to do next time this happens:
What does it mean when the pilot light is blue?
If there is a flame, check the color. Pilot lights should always be blue. If it is a strange color, this could indicate that the burner assembly is corroded or dirty and needs to be cleaned. Contact a trusted HVAC company for maintenance services.
Why don't homeowners know about furnaces?
Thanks for the question, Andy! And please, don’t be ashamed – many homeowners don’t know much about furnaces because it’s simply not their area of expertise. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your furnace’s basic parts and take a look at it every once in a while, but be prepared to call in a trusted HVAC repair company for most malfunctions.
What to do if you smell gas?
IMPORTANT: If you perceive an overwhelming smell of natural gas, do not go any further. Leave your home and call your utility company’s emergency line to have your gas shut off. Then call a professional HVAC company to investigate.
How to tell if pilot light is out?
How to Check the Pilot Light. Loss of heat or hot water is a pretty good sign that the pilot light has gone out, especially if the appliance in question is a furnace, and the blower is still working. However, when it comes to furnaces, a few other components could cause a gas shutdown, so you should check the pilot visually, and fortunately, ...
Where do you see a pilot on a gas control?
Note the cavity into which the tubes extend from the gas control; inside that cavity is where you should see the pilot burning. You may have to crouch down to do it but look inside that cavity, and if you see a small bluish flame about an inch high, the pilot is on.
Why Has the Pilot Gone Out?
It's also possible that the appliance ran out of gas because your propane tank is empty, in which case you obviously won't be able to relight the pilot. Some other possibilities aren't as clear cut.
What is a pilot light?
You can check your pilot light. The technical term for a pilot light is a standing pilot, which is a small flame that's continually burning. Its function is to ignite the gas burner flame in a natural gas or propane water heater, furnace or boiler, and if it goes out, the appliance won't operate.
Why does my propane tank run out of gas?
It's also possible that the appliance ran out of gas because your propane tank is empty, in which case you obviously won't be able to relight the pilot. Some other possibilities aren't as clear cut. There could be a problem with the thermocouple, which is a safety device that closes the gas valve when the flame goes out.
What to do if you smell gas in your pilot?
Before you restart the pilot, do a smell test and if you detect gas, stop and call an HVAC pro. The odor could indicate a leak, and a flame could cause an explosion.
Where is the gas control knob on a water heater?
If you're checking a furnace pilot, you'll have to remove the furnace cover to locate the gas control knob, whereas on a water heater, it's prominently placed on the front of the tank about a foot above the floor. Once you've found the gas control knob, you're halfway there. Note the cavity into which the tubes extend from the gas control;
How to check if furnace has pilot?
If your home uses an older furnace system equipped with a pilot, then checking it is actually fairly simple. Just follow these steps: Remove the front cover panel on your furnace. This should expose the pilot, which simply looks like a small single burner, kind of like a candle or if you only had a single flame lit on a gas stove. ...
How does a pilot light work?
When the pilot lights, it’s using a small gas supply of its own that contacts the igniter on the pilot. This lights it, supplying the flame to combust fuel and heat your home.
What Is the Pilot Light, and What Does It Do?
In essence, the pilot is responsible for combusting your fuel source.
What happens when a pilot goes out?
The worry here is that when a pilot goes out, the gas valve that supplies the fuel for the pilot flame could still be pumping gas. This can mean a buildup of gas, and when the pilot is relit or relights itself it could result in a very serious explosion. However, this is much less of a scare in modern days.
What happens if you don't have a flame on a propane burner?
If there is no flame, then the pilot is out. If there is a flame, but the flame is weak or burning a strange color, then the burner assembly may be clogged and need cleaning. A strange color is essentially anything other than blue or, for a propane burner, blue-green. To relight the pilot, you’ll need to hold down the knob that controls gas flow, ...
What to do when your furnace kicks off?
When your gas furnace decides to kick off at random on the coldest night of the year, your first response is always to get help and get it fast! Most people call someone right off the bat, whether it’s a family member or a contractor. No matter who you call, they will ask you the same thing: Is the pilot light out?
Is it scary to handle a gas powered system?
Handling a gas- or oil-fueled system can be scary for anyone. Are you worried about your pilot light, or do you need help getting it relit and operating safely again? No matter your needs, GAC Services is here to help!
What happens if the pilot light goes out?
If the pilot light goes out, it doesn’t warm the thermocouple, which then shuts to prevent unused gas from building up. But, if the thermocouple is dirty or worn out, it may not respond to the heat and then shut off the gas. With no fuel, the pilot light goes out.
Why does my pilot light keep going out?
The area around the light is dirty. Dirt around the pilot light, particularly around the pilot light opening, can cause it to keep going out. You can tell if this is a problem by the color of the flame.
How Long Will It Take to Get Hot Water Again?
The average gas heater takes between thirty and forty minutes to heat a full tank of water. The exact time depends on the capacity.
What happens when a heater is not working?
When your heater is working the way it should, gas flows in and burns to generate heat. But, if something’s not working correctly, the chamber can fill with gas and eventually leak into your home. So, the pilot light keeps the thermocouple warm, which keeps the gas flowing.
What does it mean when a flame is blue?
A flame that’s a steady blue cone is a sign that everything’s fine. However, if the flame is orange or yellow, and waving, then it’s burning up dirt and other pollutants.
Why isn't my water hot?
There are other possible reasons why you’re not getting hot water, of course. The most obvious is if you’ve just used a lot and drained the tank. However, if that’s not the case, check the pilot light first. If that’s not the cause, then you may have a bigger problem. But, with any luck, it’s a quick fix.
Where should the flame be on a gas stove?
There should also be a gap at the bottom of the unit, where you can see underneath it. That’s where the flame should be.
How Do I Re-Light My Gas Water Heater Pilot Light?
Find your water heater manual to get a better understanding where each part of your water heater is located .
How To Re-Light A Furnace Pilot Light ?
First and foremost, it is important to find the manual for your furnace. The manual will give you a better understanding of the inner workings of your specific furnace.
How Do I Prevent My Pilot Light From Going Out?
Maintaining your water heater, furnace, and boiler will prevent those pesky pilot lights from going out. During a maintenance check, a professional will inspect the condition of the pilot light and thermocouple, as well as clean them both so they work at optimal efficiency. Additionally, depending on the appliance, a pro will evaluate the gas valve, all of the connecting piping and wiring, flue venting, and all other functioning parts of your appliance to ensure each part is operating at maximum efficiency. Learn more about a furnace tune- up here! Regular maintenance for your furnace, water heater, and boiler is a necessity so that you can ensure your heat or hot water never goes out!
What happens if you don't hear a boiler?
In this automatic boiler there is an automatic starter which will light the pilot on its own. However, if you didn’t hear any noise or the noise has stopped but no pilot light is visible, then your boiler needs to be checked by a technician.
What to do if you smell gas after venting?
Do not attempt any such process, if you smell gas after venting the area. In that case, turn off the gas and call a service technician for the boiler check. Try to take every safety measure before doing any such work.
