If your beloved shower time has suddenly turned on you and is only producing freezing cold water, then your water heater is the first thing you should check. Unfortunately, if your home has a gas water heater, the pilot light has likely gone out, so you may need to relight your water heater’s pilot light. However, if you have a more modern water heater, this may not be necessary, as most modern water heaters have electronic ignition systems. Nonetheless, if you are stuck with a water heater that has an extinguished pilot light, keep reading the following steps pieced together by your Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain service professionals. With our help, you will get your warm water back in no time!
WHAT TOOLS WILL YOU NEED TO RELIGHT YOUR WATER HEATER’S PILOT LIGHT?
- Flashlight
- Lighter (long-reaching lighters work best)
WHERE IS THE PILOT LIGHT ON THE WATER HEATER?
Typically, the pilot light is positioned underneath the gas valve. In some models, however, a small panel or faceplate may cover the pilot light opening. If your water heater has one, carefully remove it and set it to the side for the time being. This step may require the use of a flashlight so that you can better see and have access to the area.
SHOULD YOU TURN OFF THE GAS BEFORE RELIGHTING YOUR WATER HEATER?
The short answer is – absolutely! Whenever you are handling equipment that utilizes gas, you should, first and foremost, always turn the gas valve off. This, of course, is for safety reasons. Furthermore, after you turn off the gas supply, it’s important that you wait for a minimum of five minutes before continuing with relighting your water heater. This gives the previously built-up gas time to disperse, so it is safe to reignite your pilot light once again. Don’t skip this step! Otherwise, it could result in greatly damaging your home and causing harm to you and your family.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO RELIGHTING MY GAS WATER HEATER?
- After the gas has been shut off and a minimum of five minutes have passed by, turn the gas valve to “pilot.” This enables the gas valve to temporarily provide enough gas so the pilot can be relit.
- Then press the turn the knob to “reset” and press it inward (like a button), keeping holding this setting down.
- Keep holding the “reset” button down while simultaneously using your other hand to ignite the lighter and using it to reignite the pilot light, bringing it slowly close to the burner. As always, be sure to proceed with caution. The pilot flame should spark on and remain aglow. You can now let go of the “reset” switch.
- Now that the pilot flame has been relit, take a minute to observe the flame so to ensure it remains lit. The flame should burn steadily with a blue hue.
- Once the pilot light has ignited, you will want to remember to turn the gas back on.
- If you did have to remove this off of your water heater, make sure to put it back on after all is said and done.
If you are still experiencing issues with your water heater’s pilot light after going through these steps, please don’t hesitate to call us. There may be a problem with a component. We’d be more than happy to assist you and figure out what is going on with your water heater. Call Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 404-6575, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!