How Do I Re-Light My Gas Water Heater Pilot Light?
- Step 1: Thoroughly Read Gas Water Heater Manual. Find your water heater manual to get a better understanding where each part of your water heater is ...
- Step 2: Turn Down Thermostat.
- Step 3: Turn OFF Gas.
- Step 4: After 5 Minutes, Turn The Gas Control Valve Setting On Water Heater To "Pilot".
- Step 5: Hold Down the Reset Button.
What to do when the pilot light is not working?
And when the gas supply is hampered, the pilot light will not work as well. Solution: Changing the gas valve is the best solution in this situation. Here’s how to do it,
What to do if your water heater does not have a pilot?
If your gas water heater has a closed burner chamber or doesn’t have a pilot light, it’s much more difficult to access. To do this replacement, you most likely need a professional to fix this type of thermocouple. Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit?
Why won’t my furnace’s pilot light stay lit?
The most common reason why your furnace pilot light won’t stay lit is dirty furnace parts. Replacing the thermocouple may only have a little to do with this issue.
What does the pilot light on a water heater do?
Let’s start by explaining the water heater pilot light so you can better understand how it functions. A pilot light is a small flame present to ignite the gas burner on your water heater. A functioning pilot light should appear blue in color, which can help you determine whether or not your pilot light is working.
What do you do if your pilot light won't stay lit?
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.
What would cause a pilot light to keep going out?
A faulty, misaligned, dirty, or damaged thermocouple is often the culprit behind your pilot light going out. The thermocouple is an automatic safety shutoff device that prevents the gas valve from opening if the pilot light is out.
Why does my pilot light go out when I release the pilot light knob?
If you're able to light the pilot light, but it goes out when you release the control knob, the thermocouple probably needs replacing. The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off gas flow if it senses the pilot light is out, but when damaged it loses its regulatory ability.
How does a pilot light stay on?
In a pilot light, one of the junctions of a thermocouple is sitting in the pilot light's flame. The electricity that is created runs to a small electromagnetic valve and holds it open. If the pilot light blows out, the thermocouple quickly cools off. It stops generating electricity and the valve closes.
How do I know if my thermocouple is broken?
After about a minute, when you're sure the probe has gotten hot, place one lead on the shaft of the thermocouple and the other lead on the connector. If the reading is less than 25 millivolts, the thermocouple is bad and needs to be replaced.
Can you clean a thermocouple?
Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up. Cleaning a thermocouple is not a fix for an issue, such as inaccurate readings.
How do you clean a thermocouple on a furnace?
2:275:18Furnace - Thermocouple | Repair and Replace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a soft abrasive pad or emery cloth to gently clean the outside of the thermocouple. Be carefulMoreUse a soft abrasive pad or emery cloth to gently clean the outside of the thermocouple. Be careful not to scratch the coating. Next insert the thermocouple into the pilot assembly.
What does it mean when your water heater pilot light keeps going out?
Thermocouple Issues If it senses that your water heater pilot light keeps going out, the thermocouple will shift off the gas supply to the heater. Over time, thermocouples can malfunction, accumulate dust buildup, or the device can get bent away from the pilot light's flame.
Where is the pilot light adjustment screw?
0:271:25How To: Adjust the pilot flame - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow I will show you how to adjust the pilot flame the adjustment screw of the pilot flame is behindMoreNow I will show you how to adjust the pilot flame the adjustment screw of the pilot flame is behind this cover we can press through this cover. And find the adjustment screw.
Does a furnace pilot light always stay on?
Should The Pilot Light Always Be On In A Gas Furnace? Yes, if the furnace is in operation, the pilot light will need to be on for it to be functional. However, some homeowners turn off their furnace's pilot light in the warmer seasons when the gas furnaces aren't in use.
Is a pilot light always on?
It is important to remember that not all gas fireplaces have “standing” pilot light, or, a pilot light that is “always on”. The best way to determine if you have this type of gas fireplace is to look at the control knob of the fireplace. On a fireplace you will normally find the control knob behind the grate or door.
Will a bad gas valve cause pilot light to go out?
The pilot light depends on a reliable source of gas or propane in order to stay lit. Any issues with the gas valve that supplies that gas to the flame, whether it be dirty or malfunctioning, can result in that flame going out.
What does it mean when your water heater pilot light keeps going out?
Thermocouple Issues If it senses that your water heater pilot light keeps going out, the thermocouple will shift off the gas supply to the heater. Over time, thermocouples can malfunction, accumulate dust buildup, or the device can get bent away from the pilot light's flame.
How do you clean a thermocouple on a gas heater?
2:055:18Furnace - Thermocouple | Repair and Replace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a soft abrasive pad or emery cloth to gently clean the outside of the thermocouple. Be carefulMoreUse a soft abrasive pad or emery cloth to gently clean the outside of the thermocouple. Be careful not to scratch the coating.
Why does the flame on my furnace keep going out?
If your furnace keeps shutting off, it could be due to low airflow. There are several indirect issues that cause low airflow. Dirty Air Filters. If you don't change your air filters often enough, the filters will become dirty and clogged, which means the heat exchanger retains heat and eventually causes it to overheat.
Why won't my pilot light stay lit?
The most common reason why your furnace pilot light won’t stay lit is dirty furnace parts. Replacing the thermocouple may only have a little to do with this issue.
Why does my pilot light not work?
The gas valve is responsible for supplying gas to the furnace. It may fail to do so if the gas valve is faulty. And when the gas supply is hampered , the pilot light will not work as well.
Why is my pilot light not working after replacing the thermocouple?
The most common reasons for pilot light failure after replacing the thermocouple are dirty furnace parts, faulty gas valve, defective thermocouple, improper draft positioning, and incorrect installation of the thermocouple. Below you will find effective solutions to these 5 problems.
Why does my furnace pilot light keep going out?
Furnace pilot lights keep going out can indicate broken thermocouples, dirty furnace parts, and inconsistent supply of gas.
How to fix draft in furnace?
Solution: Just put the draft back to its position, and it will solve the issue. However, look for other potential paths that are likely to allow the circulation of airflow in the furnace. Close or seal that path if you find any.
What to do if you notice dirt accumulation?
Clean the area if you notice any dirt accumulation
Where to use compressed air?
Use a can of compressed air in the points where dirt is most likely to accumulate
Why won't my pilot light stay lit?
Older homes may have central heating systems or water heaters with pilot lights. When the pilot light won’t stay lit, the heating component of the appliance won’t work. Do not try to reignite the pilot light. You can call a professional technician, but he or she is probably going to tell you that it’s time to replace your appliance.
What happens if a pilot light doesn't work?
A pilot light is connected to a gas line, which keeps it continuously aflame. When the pilot light won’t stay lit, the gas may still escape from the pipe. Instead of feeding a fire, though, it goes into your home. Pilot lights have a safety valve, which should cut the gas when the light goes out. If the valve is functioning properly, it will close and gases won’t escape. But if it is not working, your home may be filling with a dangerous gas. Natural gas and propane are odorless, but the gas companies typically add a sulfur compound to make it smell. However, the sulfur may be difficult to detect, especially if it’s cold out or the gas pipes are rusty.
Is pilot light a safety hazard?
Pilot lights are a safety hazard . They are inefficient, wasting power (and your money!). Many issues have been found with pilot lights in the past, but these are the most common problems.
Do most modern appliances have pilot lights?
With the exception of fireplaces and gas stoves, most modern appliances have done away with pilot lights altogether. Several safer alternatives are available, including:
Explore Simple Solutions First
Let’s start first by assessing if you can quickly resolve your pilot light issue with basic troubleshooting.
Your Thermocouple Is Bad
Your thermocouple, also known as a “flame sensor,” is the copper tube that’s located next to your pilot light. A furnace’s thermocouple works to determine when to shut off the gas that flows into your system.
Your Pilot Light Orifice is Dirty
The gas powering your pilot light flows through a pilot light orifice. If this orifice becomes clogged with dirt, your flame may weaken to the point that your thermocouple can no longer sense it. When pilot lights begin burning a weak yellow color instead of a strong blue color, a dirty pilot light orifice is often to blame.
Your Gas Valve Needs Attention
The gas valve on your furnace delivers the gas your pilot light needs to remain lit. If the valve is turned ON, but your pilot light won’t stay lit, the problem might be a broken gas valve. The solution most likely will be to replace the valve.
Your Gas Regulator is Faulty
Your gas regulator works to decrease the pressure of the natural gas that’s provided to your home. You can typically find the regulator at your gas meter. If the regulator is old or faulty, the gas may not flow through it at a steady enough pressure to support your furnace’s pilot light.
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!
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 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 .
Gas Fireplace Pilot Light Always on, What Should It Be?
This is a relative question. Some say yes, others say no. The arguments behind it vary greatly from person to person. That means you have to find the answer yourself.
Conclusion
One of the most common problems is that the gas fireplace pilot light won’t stay lit. The pilot light for a gas fireplace is the small flame in the front of the unit that ignites and burns continuously to provide a heat source.
