When you experience issues with your water heater, it can cause serious frustration. Not having hot water can ruin your morning if that’s when you shower. But all issues don’t have to involve major repairs or replacement. One of the simplest and most common issues is the pilot light on your water heater going out. Don’t worry though, in this blog we will tell you exactly how to light a pilot light on a water heater!
Relighting The Pilot Light On Your Water Heater
- First, locate the gas valve on your water heater and turn it to the “Off” position. This will shut off the gas supply to the water heater.
- Locate the pilot light access panel on your water heater. This is typically a small door or panel on the front or side of your water heater.
- Open the access panel and locate the pilot light assembly. The pilot light assembly is usually made up of a small gas burner and a metal rod. This metal rod is referred to as the thermocouple.
- Using a long match or lighter, relight the pilot light by holding the flame to the pilot light burner.
- Once the pilot light is lit, use the gas valve to turn the gas back on and allow the pilot light to heat the thermocouple.
- After the thermocouple has heated up, the main gas valve should open and allow gas to flow to the main burner.
- Once the main burner is lit, you can close the access panel and allow the water heater to heat up.
- If the pilot light goes out again, you may need to repeat the process. If you have trouble relighting the pilot light, or if the pilot light keeps going out, you may need to call America’s Plumbing Company for assistance.
Why Your Pilot Light May Have Gone Out
There are several possible causes why your water heater pilot light keeps going out, including:
- A draft or wind blowing through the area where the water heater is located
- A faulty or clogged thermocouple
- A faulty gas valve
- A lack of gas pressure
- A build-up of dirt or debris around the pilot light assembly
If the pilot light goes out repeatedly, it is important to diagnose and address the underlying issue to prevent potential safety hazards and damage to the water heater. Call America’s Plumbing Company today so we can accurately diagnose the issue. Don’t forget to check out our awesome reviews!