Relighting the pilot light on your water heater can be a simple but slightly daunting task. It is important to be aware of any safety concerns before proceeding. It is a good idea to check if you have natural gas, as it is required for the pilot light to work.
If you smell gas, do not relight the pilot and call a professional.
First, you should turn off the power for your water heater before you begin. Then locate the pilot light setup, which is normally located on the bottom of the tank. It may be covered by a panel or some other protective device.
Remove any debris, dust, or dirt build up from the panels.
Next, press the valve for the pilot light and then hold a lighted match or lighter next to the pilot light. While doing this, press and hold in the reset button located close to the pilot light. Use the flame to ignite the pilot light and hold in the reset button until the pilot light stays lit, around 60 to 90 seconds.
Afterward, replace any covers or panels you may have removed. You can then turn the power to your water heater back on. You may want to let the water in the tank drain and fill before using to ensure the pilot light is working correctly.
Do a safety check to be sure there are no leaks or odors.
If the pilot light keeps going out, it is best to contact a professional to examine the water heater and to ensure it is working correctly.
Can I relight the pilot light by myself?
Yes, you can relight the pilot light by yourself. It is a relatively simple process that does not require many tools or materials, however, you should take safety measures such as shutting off the gas and ensuring that the space is well ventilated before attempting to relight the pilot light.
To relight the pilot light, you will need to locate the pilot light and the corresponding valve. Then, push on the valve to release any built-up gas. Hold a lit match or a lighter in one hand, and use your other hand to gently push down the valve of the pilot light.
The flame should light the pilot light and you should be able to see a blue flame burning. Once you see the flame, you can release your hand from the valve and leave the pilot light burning. If it doesn’t stay lit, then you may need to clean the burner or look for other issues that may be preventing it from staying lit.
Is it safe to relight water heater pilot?
Yes, it is safe to relight a water heater pilot light. However, it is important to follow specific safety precautions before proceeding. First, it is important to make sure the gas control knob is turned to the “Off” position, and that the pilot light is cold before proceeding.
Once this is complete, the pilot light needs to be cleaned before relighting, to ensure an efficient and even flame. After the pilot light is cleaned, the gas control knob can be turned to the “Pilot” position.
Then, press and hold the pilot reset button down for 30 seconds, allowing the gas to fill the pilot tube before using a lighted match or butane lighter to relight the pilot. If the pilot does not stay lit within 10 seconds, turn the gas control knob back to the Off position and wait for 5 minutes before attempting to light the pilot again.
If the pilot light still will not stay lit, it is best to call a professional to inspect and repair the water heater.
How long does it take for hot water to come back after pilot light goes out?
The length of time it takes for hot water to come back after a pilot light goes out will depend on a few factors. Firstly, if you are re-igniting the pilot light yourself, then the time it takes will vary depending on your heating knowledge, the appliance being used and the ignition method.
Generally speaking, if you know what you are doing, it should take no longer than 5 minutes.
If you are calling a professional to come to re-ignite the pilot light, then the time frame is a little less certain as it is largely dependent on their availability and the distance they need to travel to get to your location.
On average you could expect it to take 30 to 45 minutes for a professional to arrive and complete the job.
When the pilot light goes out, it’s important to act quickly so that your hot water is restored as soon as possible. If you are unsure of how to re-ignite the pilot light yourself, it is always recommended that you call a professional to ensure it is done correctly.
How do you restart a water heater after running out of propane?
Restarting a water heater after running out of propane will take a few steps. To start, you will need to turn off the power to the water heater and make sure that the propane gas valve is closed. Next, you will need to open the combustion chamber and inspect the burners for any damage or debris.
If there is damage or debris, it should be cleaned up before proceeding. Once the burners are clean, you will need to re-light the pilot light. To do this, you will need to press down and hold the pilot light button as you light a match or lighter near the burner.
Once the pilot light is lit, the gas valve should be opened and set to the appropriate level. Then the power should be turned back on and the water heater should be allowed to heat up. After a few minutes, the heater should be back to normal working condition.
How do I reset my pilot light?
Resetting your pilot light can be an easy and straightforward process. Before beginning, it is important to make sure you are familiar with the general safety precautions of handling an open flame, especially when dealing with gas bottles or gas appliances.
First, turn off the main gas supply. To do this, you will need to find the shut-off valve on your gas bottle or gas line and turn it clockwise to the “off” position. If there aren’t separate gas lines, you might need to cut or disconnect the electricity or shut off the power at the electrical panel.
Once the gas and electricity are turned off, you will need to wait 5-10 minutes for the gas to properly clear from the area.
Next, light a long fireplace-style lighter, and then manually depress the pilot light reset button. Put the flame of the lighter close to the pilot light opening, and then hold the reset button down for up to one minute or until you hear or see the pilot light start to ignite.
After about 30 seconds, you can release the reset button. The pilot light should stay lit on its own. If it doesn’t, you will need to reset it again and check to make sure all your connections are tight.
Finally, turn the main gas supply back on. Be sure to listen for any leaking before lighting the pilot light, and conduct a thorough check of the appliance and its connections to make sure it’s working properly and there are no gas leaks.
Following these steps should help you reset your pilot light and get your appliance running properly again.
Will gas shut off if pilot light goes out on water heater?
Yes, gas will shut off if the pilot light on your water heater goes out. The pilot light is responsible for controlling the flow of gas to the heater. When the pilot light is out, the thermocouple will sense this and cause the gas valve to shut off.
If the pilot light has gone out, you will need to relight it before the heater will work again. Make sure you are aware of any safety hazards when relighting the pilot light, such as checking for gas leaks.
You should read your water heater’s instructions for detailed instructions on relighting the pilot light. If you are unsure, it may be wise to contact a certified plumber for advice.
What causes a gas water heater pilot light to go out?
The most common are: a clogged thermocouple, a dirty burner, a too-small pilot flame, a restriction in the gas line, or an improper thermostat setting.
The thermocouple is the part of the gas water heater that keeps the gas valve open. When it gets clogged, the gas valve will not stay open and the pilot light will go out. Dirt or debris on the burner can also prevent the pilot light from staying lit.
In both of these cases, it’s necessary to clean the thermocouple and/or burner to get the pilot light to stay on. A too-small pilot flame can be caused by a worn out thermocouple, or the pilot light orifice could be blocked, preventing enough gas from getting to the pilot flame.
It’s also essential to make sure there are no obstructions or restrictions in the gas line that could be preventing enough gas from reaching the pilot light. Finally, if the thermostat is responding too quickly and turning the gas supply off before the pilot flame has had time to ignite, the pilot light will go out.
If all of these causes have been checked and eliminated, it is possible a pressure switch could be obstructing the flow of gas, or the pressure could have been reduced too low. If that’s the case, a qualified plumber or service technician should be contacted to get it fixed.
What trips the reset button on a gas hot water heater?
A gas hot water heater has a reset button often found near the bottom of the unit. It is a safety feature designed to shut off the gas in the event that the gas burner does not light or the temperature of the water exceeds the manufacturer’s recommended setting.
This button should be pushed if the water heater does not seem to be working properly and is not producing hot water.
When the reset button has been tripped, the gas burner will need to be reset, a process which will require the help of a qualified technician. Before beginning this process, gas supplies to the heater should be disconnected and the heater should be allowed to cool.
Once cooled, the technician can access the pilot light and reset the gas burner by pressing and holding the reset button until the pilot light lights up. They may also need to check the thermostat settings and other components to ensure that everything is in working order.
After the pilot light is lit, the gas supply can be turned back on and the water heater can be tested to ensure that it is working properly before being put back into service.
Do gas water heater need to be relight after power outage?
Yes, gas water heaters need to be relighted after a power outage. This is because any time the power goes off, the pilot light will go out, leaving the water heater unable to function. If you do not relight the pilot light, no hot water will be available.
The procedure for relighting a gas water heater varies slightly depending on the model, but usually involves locating and pressing the reset button near the bottom of the heater. Additionally, you will need to use a long match or lighter to manually light the pilot.
Be sure to refer to your particular model’s instructions for the specific steps to safely relight the pilot light. Once the pilot is lit and the reset button has been pressed, the water heater should function as normal.
Do I need to turn gas off if pilot light goes out?
Yes, if your pilot light goes out, you should turn off the gas supply for safety. When the pilot light goes out, it means that the flame has become extinguished, leaving a dangerous amount of gas in the air.
This can lead to a buildup of gas, which can be explosive if combined with an ignition source, such as a match or spark. Turning off the gas valve shuts off the supply of gas and eliminates the risk of an explosion.
After the gas is turned off, you’ll need to relight the pilot light according to the instructions in your appliance manual.
Can you manually light a water heater with electronic pilot?
Yes, it is possible to manually light a water heater with electronic pilot. This is done by accessing the water heater’s burner compartment, locating the electronic pilot and its related components, and then following the manufacturer’s instructions to light the pilot manually.
The process typically involves turning off the water heater’s electricity and/or gas supply, removing the protective guard over the pilot assembly, pushing the control knob in while simultaneously pressing down and turning the knob to the “pilot” position, and then pressing and holding the knob in the “pilot” position while the pilot lights.
After the pilot has been lit, the control knob should be released and turned back to the “on” position for the water heater to operate. It is important to always follow the manufacturer instructions for any task involving the water heater.
Additionally, if the user is not familiar or comfortable with the manual lighting process, it is strongly recommended to contact a qualified service professional.
Will the gas company light my pilot?
No, the gas company will not light your pilot light for you. It is not within the scope of their services, which is typically just to provide the gas to your house. It is best to have a certified professional come to your home and light the pilot for you.
This ensures that the job is done correctly and safely and that you won’t have to deal with any potential gas leaks. It is advised that you contact your local heating and cooling companies to find a licensed technician in your area who can assist you with this task.
How much does it cost to relight a pilot light?
The cost to relight a pilot light will vary depending on a few factors, such as the type and age of the appliance and how accessible it is. If the appliance is easily accessible and you can light the pilot light without the help of a professional, the cost will just be the cost of the propane or natural gas fuel that is used to light it.
This could be approximately $2-$3 or more depending on the type of fuel and the amount that is needed.
If you need the help of a professional, the cost can be significantly more. A professional technician may charge a flat rate fee to come out to your home and relight the pilot light. Some technicians may also charge a per hour fee.
The cost of this service can range from $75-$150 or more. The actual cost will depend on your specific appliance and the technician that you hire.
Is it an emergency if the pilot light goes out?
No, having a pilot light go out is not an emergency. However, it is a good idea to fix the problem as soon as possible. Pilot lights can go out for a number of reasons, including severe drafts, soot buildup, and broken thermocouples.
To determine what the problem is, it is a good idea to first turn off the gas, then clean the thermocouple and valve and replace if necessary. The pipe connections should also be checked for any signs of a gas leak.
Once you have determined the problem, you can try to relight the pilot light manually, but if you are uncomfortable doing this, you should call a qualified technician to complete the repair. It is also important to reinstall the proper safety devices for gas appliances such as a CO2 detector.