Having hot water is a modern convenience we often take for granted. When your hot water heater’s pilot light goes out, it can disrupt your daily routine. While newer models often have electronic ignition, many older gas-powered water heaters still rely on a pilot light that needs to be manually lit. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to safely and effectively relight your hot water heater’s pilot light.
Understanding Your Hot Water Heater
Before attempting to light the pilot, it’s crucial to understand the basic components of your gas water heater. Knowing the parts involved will make the process smoother and safer.
Essential Components
The key components you’ll interact with are:
- Gas Control Valve: This valve controls the gas supply to the pilot and the main burner. It usually has settings like “On,” “Off,” and “Pilot.”
- Pilot Light Assembly: This small assembly houses the pilot light orifice and the thermocouple.
- Thermocouple: A safety device that senses the pilot light flame. If the flame isn’t present, it shuts off the gas supply to prevent gas leaks.
- Igniter Button (Piezo Igniter): This button creates a spark to ignite the pilot light. Some older models might not have this and will require a match.
- Sight Glass: A small window that allows you to see the pilot light flame.
- Main Burner: The burner that heats the water once the pilot light ignites.
Safety First: Recognizing Potential Hazards
Working with gas appliances requires caution. Always be aware of the potential hazards.
- Gas Leaks: The most significant danger is a gas leak. If you smell gas at any point, stop immediately, evacuate the area, and call your gas company or a qualified technician. Do not attempt to light the pilot if you suspect a leak.
- Carbon Monoxide: Improper combustion can lead to carbon monoxide production. Ensure proper ventilation when working with gas appliances. Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
- Burns: Be careful when working near the pilot light assembly, as it can get hot.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lighting the Pilot Light
Follow these steps carefully to safely relight your hot water heater’s pilot light.
Step 1: Preparation and Safety Checks
Before you even think about touching anything, preparation is key.
- Turn Off the Gas Supply: Locate the gas control valve and turn it to the “Off” position. This usually involves turning a knob to the right.
- Wait for Five Minutes: This allows any accumulated gas to dissipate. Impatience is not your friend here.
- Sniff for Gas: Carefully smell around the base of the water heater. If you smell gas, do not proceed. Call your gas company immediately.
- Gather Your Tools: You might need a flashlight, a long-handled lighter or match (if your heater doesn’t have a piezo igniter), and possibly a screwdriver to remove an access panel.
Step 2: Accessing the Pilot Light Assembly
Now it’s time to get to the heart of the matter.
- Locate the Access Panel: This is usually a small door or panel near the bottom of the water heater. It may be secured with screws or clips.
- Remove the Panel: Carefully remove the panel, exposing the pilot light assembly and the gas control valve.
- Identify the Components: Familiarize yourself with the pilot light assembly, thermocouple, igniter button (if present), and sight glass.
Step 3: Setting the Gas Control Valve
Getting the gas flow right is critical for a successful lighting.
- Turn the Gas Control Valve to “Pilot”: Locate the gas control valve knob and turn it to the “Pilot” position. You may need to push the knob in slightly while turning it.
- Press and Hold the Gas Control Valve: Once in the “Pilot” position, press and hold the gas control valve knob down. This allows gas to flow to the pilot light. You’ll need to hold it for the duration of the next step. This is crucial.
Step 4: Lighting the Pilot Light
The moment of truth.
- Locate the Igniter Button (If Applicable): If your water heater has a piezo igniter, locate the button.
- Press the Igniter Button Repeatedly: While holding the gas control valve knob down, repeatedly press the igniter button. Look through the sight glass to see if the pilot light ignites. You may need to press it several times.
- If No Igniter Button: If your water heater doesn’t have an igniter button, carefully use a long-handled lighter or match to light the pilot light. Hold the flame near the pilot light opening while holding down the gas control valve knob.
- Observe the Pilot Light: Once the pilot light ignites, continue holding the gas control valve knob down for about 30-60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up.
- Release the Gas Control Valve Knob: After holding the knob down for the specified time, slowly release it. If the pilot light stays lit, you’ve succeeded! If the pilot light goes out, repeat steps 3 and 4.
Step 5: Finalizing the Process
Almost there!
- Turn the Gas Control Valve to “On”: Once the pilot light is steadily lit, turn the gas control valve knob to the “On” position.
- Replace the Access Panel: Securely replace the access panel.
- Monitor the Water Heater: Listen for the main burner to ignite. This should happen shortly after turning the gas control valve to “On”.
- Check Water Temperature: After a few hours, check the water temperature to ensure the water heater is functioning correctly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to deal with some common problems.
Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
If the pilot light keeps going out after you release the gas control valve knob, the thermocouple may be faulty. The thermocouple senses the heat from the pilot light and keeps the gas valve open. If it’s not working correctly, it will shut off the gas supply. Replacing the thermocouple is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair. Alternatively, the pilot light may not be getting enough gas. Ensure the gas control valve is fully in the “Pilot” position and that the gas line is clear.
No Spark from the Igniter
If the igniter button isn’t producing a spark, it could be due to a faulty igniter or a dirty pilot light assembly. Try cleaning the pilot light assembly with a small brush. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the igniter. In the meantime, you can use a long-handled lighter or match to light the pilot.
Smell of Gas
If you smell gas at any point, do not proceed. Immediately turn off the gas supply to the water heater and evacuate the area. Contact your gas company or a qualified technician to inspect for leaks. Gas leaks are extremely dangerous and should be addressed immediately.
Water Not Heating
If the pilot light is lit but the water isn’t heating, the main burner may not be igniting. This could be due to a faulty gas control valve, a clogged burner, or a problem with the thermostat. Check the gas control valve to ensure it’s in the “On” position. If the problem persists, contact a qualified technician.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance can prevent pilot light issues and extend the life of your water heater.
- Annual Inspection: Have your water heater inspected annually by a qualified technician. They can identify potential problems before they become major issues.
- Sediment Flush: Periodically flush sediment from the bottom of the water heater. Sediment buildup can reduce efficiency and damage the tank.
- Check the Anode Rod: The anode rod protects the tank from corrosion. Have it checked and replaced as needed.
- Inspect Gas Connections: Regularly inspect gas connections for leaks. Use a soapy water solution to check for bubbles.
When to Call a Professional
While lighting a pilot light is a relatively simple task, there are times when it’s best to call a professional.
- You Smell Gas: As mentioned before, any smell of gas warrants an immediate call to your gas company or a qualified technician.
- You’re Uncomfortable: If you’re not comfortable working with gas appliances, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
- Repeated Pilot Light Outages: If your pilot light repeatedly goes out, there may be an underlying problem that needs to be addressed by a professional.
- Old or Damaged Water Heater: If your water heater is old or damaged, it may be time to replace it rather than attempt repairs.
Lighting a hot water heater pilot light manually is a straightforward process if you follow these steps carefully. Prioritize safety, understand the components, and don’t hesitate to call a professional when needed. By taking these precautions, you can restore hot water to your home quickly and safely.
What safety precautions should I take before attempting to light my hot water heater manually?
Before attempting to manually light your hot water heater, safety should be your utmost priority. Begin by turning off the gas supply to the water heater; this is usually done by rotating the gas control valve to the “off” position. Ensure you have adequate ventilation by opening windows and doors in the area to dissipate any accumulated gas.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to have a functional carbon monoxide detector in your home, as improper lighting can lead to dangerous levels of this odorless, colorless gas. Never attempt to light the pilot if you smell gas; instead, evacuate the area and contact your local gas company or a qualified technician immediately. Use a long lighter or butane lighter to avoid getting your hand too close to the pilot light assembly.
How do I identify the different components of my hot water heater before attempting to light it?
Identifying the key components of your hot water heater is essential for a successful manual lighting attempt. Locate the gas control valve, which typically has settings for “off,” “pilot,” and “on.” Next, find the pilot light access panel, usually located near the bottom of the water heater; this may require removing a small cover.
Inside the pilot light access area, you’ll see the thermocouple (a small metal rod near the pilot light) and the pilot light assembly itself. The pilot light assembly houses the pilot light orifice, where the gas is released for ignition. Understanding the function of each part will allow you to follow the lighting procedure accurately and safely.
What is the purpose of the thermocouple, and how does it affect the pilot light?
The thermocouple is a crucial safety device in your hot water heater, responsible for ensuring the pilot light stays lit. It works by generating a small electrical current when heated by the pilot flame. This current signals the gas control valve to remain open, allowing gas to flow to the main burner when the thermostat calls for heat.
If the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple cools down and stops generating the electrical current. This causes the gas control valve to shut off the gas supply, preventing unburned gas from accumulating and creating a potential explosion hazard. A malfunctioning thermocouple is a common reason for a pilot light that won’t stay lit.
What should I do if I smell gas while attempting to light my hot water heater?
If you smell gas at any point while attempting to light your hot water heater, immediately cease all activity and prioritize safety. Do not attempt to ignite the pilot light or any other flame source, as this could ignite the gas and cause a dangerous explosion or fire.
Evacuate the area immediately and ensure that everyone in the building is safely outside. Once you are a safe distance away, contact your local gas company or a qualified HVAC technician. They have the expertise and equipment to safely locate and repair the gas leak, preventing further risk.
How long should I hold the pilot light button down after lighting it?
After igniting the pilot light, it’s crucial to hold the pilot light button or knob down for a sufficient amount of time to allow the thermocouple to heat up. Typically, this requires holding the button down for approximately 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple enough time to generate a stable electrical current.
Releasing the button too soon will cause the pilot light to go out, as the thermocouple won’t have generated enough current to keep the gas valve open. If the pilot light goes out immediately after releasing the button, repeat the lighting process and hold the button down for a longer duration. If the problem persists, there may be an issue with the thermocouple itself.
What are some common reasons why the pilot light might not stay lit?
Several factors can contribute to a pilot light that refuses to stay lit. A common culprit is a faulty thermocouple, which, as mentioned previously, is responsible for maintaining the gas flow to the pilot light. Over time, thermocouples can degrade and fail to generate sufficient electrical current.
Another potential issue is a dirty pilot light orifice. Dust, debris, or corrosion can clog the orifice, restricting the gas flow to the pilot light and causing it to extinguish. Additionally, a weak or fluctuating gas supply pressure can also lead to pilot light instability. Finally, a drafty environment could blow out the pilot light if it’s not adequately shielded.
When should I call a professional instead of attempting to light the hot water heater myself?
While manually lighting a hot water heater can sometimes be a straightforward process, there are situations where it’s best left to a professional. If you are uncomfortable working with gas appliances, or if you lack the necessary tools and experience, it’s always safer to call a qualified HVAC technician.
Furthermore, if you smell gas and cannot identify the source of the leak, or if you have repeatedly attempted to light the pilot light without success, it’s time to seek professional assistance. A technician can diagnose the problem accurately, repair any underlying issues, and ensure that your hot water heater is operating safely and efficiently.