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If the pilot doesn’t relight, if it goes out right after lighting or if it goes out repeatedly, by far the most common cause is a bad thermocouple. The good news: You can usually replace a thermocouple for minimal cost and in less than an hour.
What do you do if your pilot light won’t light?
You need to turn the valve to the off position for at least three minutes. Once you have had the valve at off for a few minutes, switch it over to pilot setting. You will need a match that is lit. Hold it to the pilot opening and push the reset button on your pilot control.
Can I manually light my gas water heater?
Lighting the Pilot Light on a Manual Hot Water Heater If your hot water heater is a manual, grab a long lighter. Now, hold the pilot dial down while you light the burner. You’re going to hold the pilot button down for at least 30 seconds before you release it.
Why would a water heater pilot light go out?
Your thermocouple senses when your pilot light is burning. 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 light a hot water heater without an igniter?
Lighting with No Igniter Take a long lighter to reach the pilot. Remove the plate attached below the dial box. Switch Pilot to OFF. Wait for a while, – 5-10 minutes until there won’t be any gas. Change the temperature to LOW, and switch to Pilot. Push ON/OFF dial down, and simultaneously use the lighter.
Is it safe to relight a pilot light?
But first, some words of caution: –Don’t relight the pilot light if there is a strong gas odor. Close the main gas shut-off valve for your house or for the appliance with the leak and call the gas company immediately. Get everyone out of the house until the problem is corrected by gas company technicians.
Do all gas water heaters have a pilot light?
* Caution: Most modern water heaters no longer use standing pilots. They use electronic ignition to ignite the gas. Do not attempt to manually light an electronic ignition system.
Should the water heater be on pilot or on?
You should set the water heater to “pilot”. If, however, your water heater is also the boiler for your central heating, then you’ll want to leave the heating running as normal so that your house doesn’t get damp as a result of cold and condensation.
What can cause a pilot light to go out?
What Causes A Pilot Light To Go Out? Age & Condition Of Heating System. If your gas or propane furnace has a standing pilot light, there’s a good chance that it is 20+ years old. Cracked Heat Exchanger. Gas Valve & Gas Supply Issues. Thermocouple Malfunction. Improper Venting & Airflow.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple on a water heater?
Thermocouple – $20 to $150 The thermocouple is an apparatus that senses whether the pilot light is lit and triggers the gas control valve. Repairs typically cost about $150 to have it done professionally, though a new thermocouple itself only costs about $20 on average.
Does gas leak if pilot light goes out?
When the pilot light goes out, it does not leak carbon monoxide gas. Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds.
How do you clean a clogged pilot light?
Use your pliers or wrench to remove the pilot light and thermocouple from the bracket. Using the wire brush, brush away the carbon buildup and soot from both components. For hard to reach areas and stubborn buildup, use the metal file. Wipe away dust with a soft cloth or burst of compressed air.
How do you clear a pilot tube obstruction?
How to Fix a Plugged Pilot Hole on a Water Heater Remove the cover plate at the bottom of the water heater. Turn the gas control to the “Off” position. Locate the pilot tube. Clean the pilot hole by brushing it with a stiff wire brush. Screw the bracket back onto the valve and turn on the gas.
Is there a reset button on a gas water heater?
A water heater reset button, usually red, is located in the center of the limit switch just above the water heater thermostat. The water heater limit switch is a safety device that will shut the power down to the water heater if something malfunctions and the water gets to hot.
What causes the reset button to trip on a gas water heater?
If your water heater reset button keeps tripping, one of your heating elements may be broken or worn out. As this component is used to heat water, your hot water heater won’t work without it. When the reset button on a water heater thermostat keeps tripping, the metal casing of the heating element may have cracks.
How do you reset the pilot light?
How Can I Restart My Pilot Light? Step 1: Turn off your furnace. Step 2: Locate your gas valve. Step 3: Hold down the red button. Step 4: Light the pilot light. Step 5: Let go of the button. Step 6: Turn your gas back on. Step 7: Turn your furnace back on.
How do I know if the pilot light is out on my water heater?
It’s usually right on the panel. Turn and hold the knob to “Pilot” and push the ignitor. You should hear it click, and probably also a “whooshing” sound. Check in that gap, and you should see the light on.
Can you replace the pilot light on a water heater?
If your hot water heater suddenly stops working, chances are a bad thermocouple has shut off the gas to the pilot light. Replacement is an easy DIY repair.
Where is water heater Ignitor?
The spark is small, and the igniter is deep inside the base of the water heater. You may have to dim the room lights to see the spark. If you still can’t see a spark, turn the gas control knob OFF, turn the gas supply valve OFF, and click on “More Help” below.
