How to Light or Relight Your Water Heater Pilot

Summary

This video tutorial demonstrates how to relight a water heater pilot light. It explains the significance of the thermocouple and how to identify if your water heater has a standing pilot or an automatic ignition system. The presenter guides viewers through the relighting process, including adjusting the gas valve, using a spark igniter or lighter, and the necessary steps to ensure the pilot stays lit. Common issues that may prevent the pilot from staying on are also addressed, along with the importance of consulting the manufacturer's lighting instructions. Viewers are encouraged to follow along and engage with the content.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always check if the pilot light is out due to drafts or serious issues like a faulty thermocouple or a blocked intake screen.
• 🔥 Newer water heaters may have automatic ignition and do not feature a standing pilot.
• 🔍 To identify a standing pilot, look for a copper wire (thermocouple) coming from the gas valve.
• 🚫 If the pilot light is out, turn the gas valve knob to the 'Off' position and wait a few minutes.
• 🔄 Turn the gas valve to 'Pilot' and press down to allow gas to flow.
• ✨ If equipped with a spark igniter, press it while holding the pilot valve; otherwise, use a lighter at the pilot hood.
• ⏳ Hold the pilot valve for 20-30 seconds after igniting to let the thermocouple heat up and confirm the flame.
• ⚠️ If the pilot light goes out immediately after releasing the button, check for a faulty thermocouple or blocked intake screen.
• 🛠️ Most water heaters have lighting instructions on a sticker; refer to this for guidance.
• 👍 Successfully relighting the pilot allows you to switch the gas valve back to 'On' and resume normal operation.

Q & A

What is the first step to take if the pilot light on a water heater is out?

The first step is to check the sight glass of the water heater to see if the standing pilot is off. You may also need to remove any cover on the water heater.

How can you identify if your water heater has a standing pilot?

A water heater with a standing pilot will have a thermocouple connected to the gas valve, which appears as a copper wire. If there is no copper wire, the heater likely has a flame sensor instead.

What does turning the gas valve knob to the pilot position do?

Turning the gas valve knob to the pilot position opens the pilot valve, allowing a small amount of gas to flow to the pilot hood for ignition.

What should you do while holding the gas valve in the pilot position?

While holding the gas valve in the pilot position, you need to either use a spark igniter or a lighter to ignite the gas at the pilot hood.

What is the purpose of holding down the pilot button after the pilot is lit?

Holding down the pilot button for 20 to 30 seconds allows the thermocouple to warm up and send a signal to the gas valve that there is a pilot flame, enabling the burner to turn on.

What indicates a problem if the pilot light goes out immediately after releasing the pilot button?

If the pilot light goes out immediately after releasing the button, it could indicate a faulty thermocouple or a blocked intake screen.

What steps should you take if the pilot light stays lit after relighting?

If the pilot light stays lit, you can switch the gas valve back to the 'on' position, and your water heater will be back to normal operation.

Where can you find the relighting instructions for your water heater?

Most water heaters have a sticker with relighting instructions. If not available, a visual reference may be provided in the video.

What are some common reasons for a pilot light going out?

Common reasons for a pilot light going out include drafts, a faulty thermocouple, or a blocked intake screen.

What should you do if the problem persists after relighting the pilot?

If the problem persists after relighting, you may need to check for a blocked intake screen or consider that the gas valve might be faulty, although this is less common.