When you turn on the hot water tank and instead of hot water, you get cold water, you understand how aggravating the plumbing problems can be, more so when it fails without prior notice. How to switch on pilot light of a water heater in a safe and correct manner is one of the most widespread problems that homeowners encounter, and misunderstand.
The pilot light is important in maintaining running of hot water by many households especially those whose gas-powered systems. When such a small flame is extinguished, the whole water heater can be turned off. Learning to switch on pilot light of a water heater can save your time, stress, and may even stop the needless calls to the service, as well as help you understand when it is time to resort to professional services.
At Leak Experts USA, there are frequent occasions when we assist homeowners in diagnosing the pilot light issues, recover hot water within seconds and avoiding subsequent failures. This guide will guide you on step by step process of fixing pilot lights, the reason why pilot lights fail and how to know when DIY is the best option, and when a professional water heater repair will be the wiser decision.
Need help right now? Fast, reliable assistance is provided to clients through Call Leak Experts USA, which is (702) 745-5571.
Why Knowing How to Turn On Water Heater Pilot Light Matters
Hot water is not a luxury, it is something needed every day. Your house relies on your functioning water heater in case of showers and laundry, dish washing, and cleaning. And you have to scramble to get a solution when, when the pilot light goes on, your system fails to heat water.
Learning how to switch on water heater pilot light helps a homeowner to be sure that they can warm up hot water without panicking or making expensive errors. Nevertheless, it is also necessary to note that the frequent pilot light breakdowns may signal about more significant problems that cannot be overlooked.
At Leak Experts USA; we have witnessed numerous occasions when homeowners would press the pilot button on the water heater multiple times without correcting the cause which may include water gay valve damages, thermocouple malfunction or a total failure of the whole system.
Being able to know what is happening and what to beware of makes you the master.
Understanding the Basics Before You How to Turn On Water Heater Pilot Light
Prior to using any water heater pilot light instructions it is always useful to know how your system operates.
A gas water heater has a small flame ( gas water heater pilot light ) in which the burner is ignited. The water contained in the tank is heated by that burner. When the pilot light is extinguished, then the burner cannot be lighted and your water heater will no longer be able to heat up any water.
There are various varieties of water heater ignition system used in modern systems that include:
– Standing pilot lights
– Electronic ignition
– Hot surface ignition
The guide concentrates on the conventional standing pilot systems that are still widespread in most houses.
When your water heater is not heating, it is a good place to look where the pilot light has been blown out.
Safety First: What to Check Before You How to Turn On Water Heater Pilot Light
Safety must first be put into consideration before trying to turn on water heater pilot light.
Important Safety Checks
– Smell of gas: In case you odor gas, then stop and vacate the location.
– Ventilation: Be sure the surrounding of the heater is well ventilated.
– Obvious rubbish: Dust and lint may pose an inconvenience to ignition.
– Check the label manufacturer-specific water heater pilot light directions are normally printed on the tank.
Do not ever attempt to make the system be lit in case something seems wrong. In case of uncertainty, our certified technicians are available to assist with emergency plumbing services that are handled by the professional technicians in case of safety issues.
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Turn On Water Heater Pilot Light
Now we will discuss the steps to follow to switch on a pilot light of the water heater.
Step 1: Switch the Gas Control to the off position.
Find the gas control valve and set it to ” OFF ]. Wait a minimum of 5 minutes to purify any gas.
Step 2: Set the Control to “Pilot”
Rotate the control knob to the PILOT. This will only permit gas to pass to the pilot light.
Step 3: Press and Hold the Reset Buttons.
On pressing the pilot button in place, touch the pilot flame with a long lighter or igniter.
Step 4: Keep Holding the Button
Keep pressing the button 30-60 seconds. This warms the thermocouple in a manner that it can give an indication to the gas valve to remain open.
Step 5: Release and Observe
In case the flame is a continuous one, switch the knob to the ON position. In case of going out, restart the procedure again.
This is the conventional way of switching on water heater pilot safely.
Why the Pilot Light Goes Out and Affects How to Turn On Water Heater Pilot Light
When you have to keep on relightening water heater pilot light, it is not something that is happening.
Common Causes Include:
– Dirty thermocouple
– Faulty gas valve
– Drafts or poor ventilation
– Sediment buildup
– Old-fashioned type of water heater ignition system.
The inability of a pilot light to remain lit is sometimes a symptom. The neglect of it can result in a complete system breakdown or unhealthy conditions.
Troubleshooting Problems After You How to Turn On Water Heater Pilot Light
In case you have reviewed and yet the system is not functioning, then think about these troubleshooting guidelines.
Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
When the thermocouple is not able to detect heat correctly it keeps shutting off a pilot light. This is a low-cost element that is essential.
Water Still Isn’t Hot
When your pilot is turned on and you do not have water heating, then it could be a problem with the thermostat or burner.
Inconsistent Flame
Weak or wavering flame may be a sign of dirt or air trouble of the gas water heater pilot light.
These are the cases when professional water heater repair services would save time and avoid damage.
When DIY Stops Working for How to Turn On Water Heater Pilot Light
Although it is useful to learn how to turn on water heater pilot light, one should not be ready to handle every situation independently.
You are to call a professional when:
– The pilot will not be lit upon repeated attempts.
– You smell gas
– The unit is over 10 years old
– Ignition system malfunctions on numerous occasions.
At Leak Experts USA, we are set to offer quick diagnostics and solutions to be long-term and not quick fixes. We are in the business of scheduled water heater repair services and emergency plumbing services in cases where the loss of hot water is disruptive your home.
We take pride in serving the homeowners around Las Vegas offering quality repairs supported by experience and integrity.
Call (702) 745-5571 to reserve expert service now.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Learning How to Turn On Water Heater Pilot Light
We have seen that even when the homeowners know how to turn on the water heater pilot light, they will make some small mistakes which will sometimes not turn on the heater. The most common mistake that the homeowners will make is not being able to wait for a bit after putting the gas on the off positions because gas needs time to cool down and if you rush this process, it will lead to ignition failure or more gas buildup
One more problem that we have seen people make is not releasing the pilot button on time. There should be ample time between the thermocouple warming up and the turning on of the water heater pilot. If you release the button too soon then the fire will be extinguished quickly and will make homeowners think that there was something wrong with their system.
The source that you are using for lighting the ignition can also be wrong as we have seen people use matches and short lighters which are not safe and effective in any way. We have always recommended long reach igniter for this purpose
Last but not least, constantly trying to relight the pilot light without knowing what the main issue was in the first place will test the effector and hide major issues which homeowners are not looking for. The the pilot light keeps going off then it is sure that it needs professional help with repair.
Preventing Future Issues with How to Turn On Water Heater Pilot Light
The secret of avoiding these pilot light problems is making sure that you have preventative maintenance.
Pro Maintenance Tips:
– Do or get your inspections on water heaters yearly.
– Sediment buildup should be flushed
– Pilot assembly should be cleaned
– Ventilation should be checked
– Fading ignition parts should be changed and replaced.
Regular service for the water heater will lower the number of breakdowns as well as prolong the overall life of your system especially in Las Vegas where water quality may increase wear.
Leak Experts USA has preventive maintenance programs which are always aimed at ensuring that your pilot light is correct and working all year round.
FAQs About How to Turn On Water Heater Pilot Light
1. How often should I need to relight my pilot?
Rarely. Relighting should be done many times and there should be something wrong.
2. Is it dangerous to relight a pilot myself?
It’s safe if done correctly. When the odor of the gas is evident then call in emergency plumbing and cease.
3. Why does my pilot light keep going out?
Some of the main common causes for this are a failed thermocouple, airflow issues or bad water heater ignition system.
4. Can an old water heater cause pilot problems?
Yes because units that are old are more likely to be igniting failures and inefficient.
5. Should I replace my water heater instead of repairing it?
In case you see that there are frequent repairs and old age replacement can be cheaper where our professionals are able to assist you in making the choice.
Trust Leak Experts USA for Safe, Reliable Water Heater Solutions
Knowledge on how to switch on water heater pilot light is an empowerment to a homeowner but knowledge on when to call the professionals is a way of safeguarding your house, yourself , your investment and your complete family.
Leak Experts USA is honored to provide:
– Honest and transparent diagnostics
– Fast response times
– Team of certified technicians
– Transparent and best pricing
– Complete Las Vegas trusted service.
Are you having a stubborn pilot light, a system that needs fixing or just need some emergency plumbing then we will be there when you need us the most.
Call Leak Experts USA (702) 745-5571 and get your hot water running again.
