How To Light The Pilot Light on Your Hot Water Heater
The pilot light on your home’s water heater is a small flame that is used to ignite the main burners, which will then heat the water in your tank. While it might be a relatively rare occurrence, pilot lights can go out. In those cases, you will need to relight it. This is a minor fix that you can likely handle on your own as long as you closely follow the instructions included with your unit.
If you are not confident in your ability to do this safely, you can always consult with a professional plumber, like those available at Obermanns in Jackson, Missouri. The following is a quick overview of how to get your pilot light back on.
Signs Your Pilot Light Is Out
It is fairly easy to determine when the pilot light extinguishes in your water heater. For starters, you will not have any warm water, and you can peek inside the unit to see if it is lit or not. Pilot lights often go out in older water heaters. This problem can be attributed to a draft of air that blows it out or a faulty thermocouple.
Pay Close Attention to the Flow of Gas
When it comes to lighting your pilot light, it is important to pay close attention to gas flow. If the pilot light is out, turn the gas completely off and wait for roughly 10 minutes before relighting. When it comes to lighting the pilot, you will need gas to keep it lit. The “On/Off” switch will have a “Pilot’ mode on it. Make sure the switch stays in that position as you light it.
Automatic Ignition or Manual?
Older water heaters will require you to light the pilot with a flame, while newer models have an ignition button or switch that makes it simple and quick. If you have to light your pilot with a flame, use long-stemmed matches, like those you would use to light a grill. Once lit, whether manually or automatically, let the flame burn for a minute before returning the switch to the “On” position.
Looking for a Trusted Plumber?
Obermanns provides extensive heating, cooling, and plumbing services for our clients. From installing a new air conditioner to providing AC or heating repairs in a pinch, you can rely on our qualified team to provide quality work. Call us today to schedule an appointment in the Jackson area.
