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The water heater pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner on your water heater. 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.
What is the pilot setting on a water heater?
When a water heater pilot light goes out, it usually means that a natural change in gas pressure extinguished the flame. Two small gas tubes will lead to it. You’ll want to watch it as you work. Turn the gas knob to “Pilot,” press and hold it down. This will start the flow of gas so you can light the flame.
Should pilot light on water heater always be on?
The thermocouple’s job is to shut a gas safety valve if the pilot light goes out. That’s important because gas is always being supplied to the pilot to keep the flame lit. But if the pilot flame goes out, then the gas would still be released. After a while, the gas could collect in your home and become a health hazard.
What causes the pilot to go out on a water heater?
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 reset the pilot light on a water heater?
Once the pilot lights, keep holding the knob/button down for around one minute. After that time, slowly release the knob/button and check that there’s still a flame coming from the pilot. Go back to the gas valve and turn the knob to “On.” Usually you’ll hear a noise indicating the main burner is igniting.
Should I turn off the pilot light on my water heater?
Whenever you’re going out away for an extended period of time, it’s always a good idea to turn off your gas water heater. Shutting off your gas water heater when you won’t be using it for a while saves on gas and helps prevent overheating problems that might arise when you aren’t there to take care of them.
How do I know if my 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.
Will gas leak if pilot light is off?
If the pilot light goes out on a storage or instantaneous hot water heater, space heater or a ducted heater, you will not have a gas leak. This is because all modern gas appliances with pilot lights have a fail-safe device that closes off the gas to the appliance in the case when the pilot may go out.
Can a water heater explode?
Water heater explosions are terrifying, and they can happen. Anything that causes excess pressure on your water heating system, such as a poor anode rod, or a lot of sediment buildup, can all cause your water heater to explode. A gas leak can also cause your water heater to explode because it is a tremendous fire risk.
Does gas still flow when pilot light goes out?
If your pilot light repeatedly goes out, this is a likely culprit. If this flame sensor should fail, gas will continue to flow even after the pilot light has been extinguished, causing a safety hazard, and requiring immediate repair.
Can I relight the pilot light by myself?
If your pilot light goes out, your furnace will not be able to produce heat because its burners will not ignite. Often, homeowners can relight the pilot themselves.
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.
How much does it cost to relight a pilot?
Most service providers will charge a standard fee per visit that typically covers the cost to relight a gas water heater. This service call price can range from $80 to $100.
How do I know if my pilot light is out?
How to Tell If the Pilot Light Is Out Locate the front cover panel on your furnace. It should be a little door that’s easily visible. If your pilot light is on, it should be easy to see – your eyes will be drawn to the little flame. If you don’t see a flame, your pilot light is out. If there is a flame, check the color.
Why is my hot water heater not lighting?
If you have a natural or propane gas water heater, chances are the pilot has gone out. 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.
