How to Light the Pilot Light on Your Hot Water Heater

If your water heater isn’t working, check the pilot light first. A pilot light is a small flame that helps to ignite the gas that heats your water. If the pilot light is out, you’ll need to relight it. You can always take assistance from a plumber in Brighton, but there are ways to relight the pilot light by yourself. Let’s discuss the steps to lighting the pilot light of your water heater, the safety tips to keep in mind, and some of the troubleshooting tips to ensure the job gets done. 

7-Step Guide To Lighting the Pilot Light 

Here are the steps on how to light the pilot light on your water heater:

Step 1: Turn off the gas supply

It is usually done by turning a valve located near the water heater. Turning off the gas supply is essential for safety reasons. It will prevent gas from flowing to the pilot light, which could cause a fire if not lit properly.

Step 2: Open the access panel

It is usually located on the front of the water heater. The access panel will usually have a door or cover that can be opened by hand. Once the access panel is open, you can see the pilot light and the gas valve.

Step 3: Locate the pilot light. 

It is usually a tiny flame located in a small opening. The pilot light will usually be located near the gas valve. It will be a small flame, usually blue.

Step 4: Use a match or lighter

Once you have located the pilot light, you can use a match or lighter to light it. Hold the match or lighter close to the pilot light, but not so close that you burn yourself.

Step 5: Turn the gas supply back on 

Once the pilot light is lit, you can turn the gas supply back on. Be sure to turn the gas valve on.

Step 6: Ensure the pilot light stays lit 

Once the gas supply is turned back on, wait a few minutes to ensure the pilot light stays lit. 

Step 7: Call a plumber If Necessary

Call a plumber in Brighton if the pilot light does not light or if you smell gas. A plumber in Brighton can light the pilot light or repair your water heater if malfunctioning.

Safety Tips: 

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when lighting the pilot light on your water heater:

Turn off the gas supply before working on your water heater

• It is essential for safety reasons.
• It will prevent gas from flowing to the pilot light, which could cause a fire if it is not lit correctly.
• If you do not turn off the gas supply, the gas will likely leak out, causing a fire or explosion.
• Locate the gas valve near your water heater to turn off the gas supply. The valve will usually be turned to the “off” position. Turn the valve to the “off” position to stop gas flow.

Never use an open flame near a gas leak

An open flame can ignite the gas and cause a fire or explosion.

• If you smell gas, immediately leave the area and call an emergency plumber in Brighton. Do not use any open flames, including matches, lighters, or candles.
• If you are using a gas stove or oven, turn it off and do not use it until the gas leak is repaired.
• If you smell gas, immediately leave the area and call an emergency plumber in Brighton.
• It is essential for safety reasons.

Gas leaks can cause fires or explosions

• Do not try to light a match or lighter if you smell gas. It could ignite the gas and cause a fire or explosion.
• Leave the area immediately and call a plumber. The plumber can repair the gas leak and make your home safe.

Troubleshooting Techniques

1. Try Cleaning The Pilot Orifice

The pilot orifice is a small opening in the water heater that allows gas to flow to the pilot light. If the pilot orifice is clogged, gas will not flow to the pilot light, and it will not light. You will need a small brush or needle to clean the pilot orifice.

• Turn off the gas supply to your water heater.
• Open the access panel to your water heater.
• Locate the pilot orifice. It is usually a small hole located near the gas valve.
• Use the brush or needle to clean the pilot orifice. Be careful not to damage the orifice.
• Relight the pilot light.

1. Try Adjusting the Gas Pressure

The gas pressure can be adjusted using a screw near the gas valve. The pilot light will turn off with low gas pressure. Use a small screwdriver to adjust the gas pressure.

• Turn off the gas supply to your water heater.
• Open the access panel to your water heater.
• Locate the gas pressure screw. It is usually located near the gas valve.
• Use the screwdriver to adjust the gas pressure. Turn the screw clockwise to increase the gas pressure and counterclockwise to decrease the gas pressure.
• Relight the pilot light.

1. Check the Thermocouple 

The thermocouple is a small device that generates electricity when it is heated. This electricity is used to keep the pilot light lit. If the thermocouple is not working, the pilot light will not stay lit. To check the thermocouple, you will need a multimeter.

• Turn off the gas supply to your water heater.
• Open the access panel to your water heater.
• Locate the thermocouple. It is usually a small metal rod located near the pilot light.
• Use the multimeter to test the thermocouple. Set the multimeter to the continuity setting. Touch one probe of the multimeter to the hot wire of the thermocouple and the other probe to the ground wire. If the multimeter beeps, the thermocouple is working. If the multimeter does not beep, the thermocouple needs to be replaced.

1. Replace the Pilot Assembly 

The pilot assembly is a small metal device that contains the pilot light and the thermocouple. If the pilot assembly is not working, it must be replaced. You will need a new pilot assembly and a small screwdriver to replace the pilot assembly.

Call a plumber in Brighton if you have tried all the troubleshooting tips and the pilot light is still not working. Professional plumbers at Doyle Plumbing Group will assist you in troubleshooting these plumbing problems and provide you with lasting solutions!