Relight Your Gas Water Heater Pilot

Introduction to Relighting Your Gas Water Heater’s Pilot Light

A reliable hot water supply is essential, and your gas water heater’s pilot light is key for igniting the main burner to deliver this. It’s vital to relight the pilot correctly to restore your system’s functionality.

This guide offers detailed instructions for relighting the pilot on standard residential gas water heaters. Whether you have a standing pilot or an intermittent ignition device (IID), we outline the safe process for getting your hot water flowing again.

With over ten years’ expertise in Baulkham Hills, we understand the disruption caused by sudden hot water loss. Should you face any issues or have safety concerns, contact our team immediately via email or phone for expert help.

Safety Checks Before Attempting to Relight the Pilot Light

Observe these essential safety measures before attempting to relight your water heater’s pilot:

1. Thoroughly ventilate the area by opening all doors and windows.
2. Check for gas leaks around the water heater using a soapy water solution. Look for bubbles which indicate leaks.
3. Ensure there are no ignition sources nearby and do not smoke or use any flame.

Ensure the indicator light for gas odours is inactive after ventilation before proceeding to relight the pilot.

Reasons Why A Gas Water Heater Pilot Light Goes Out

A gas water heater’s pilot light can go out for a variety of reasons. Common reasons include:

1. Strong drafts or gusts of wind blowing out the pilot flame. Vents or chimneys can create drafts inside the home.
2. Dirt, dust or debris clogging the small pilot tube, restricting gas flow to the pilot.
3. A faulty thermocouple not signalling the gas control valve to remain open when heated by the pilot flame.
4. The pilot orifice becoming blocked over time due to contamination.
5. A damaged igniter button failing to create a spark for relighting the pilot.
6. Low gas pressure preventing the pilot from staying lit. This may indicate a leak in the gas line.

If your gas water heater’s pilot goes out repeatedly or you are unable to successfully relight it by following manufacturer guidelines, then professional assistance is recommended. Our licenced technicians can pinpoint the underlying cause and get your hot water flowing again.

Tools Needed for Relighting the Pilot Light

Relighting your gas water heater’s pilot flame requires no specialised tools. The main items you’ll need are:

• Flashlight - To clearly see the pilot assembly and read any labels
• Long match or utility lighter - For igniting the pilot flame
• Screwdriver - For removing the access panel to reach the pilot assembly

You’ll also need to reference the water heater’s manual or printed lighting instructions on the unit itself. These provide diagrams of your specific pilot layout and gas control valve to ensure proper relighting.

Optional helpful items include gloves for protecting your hands inside the unit, a small mirror to see the pilot orbiter, and baking soda with water for leak testing. The essentials needed are a flashlight, ignition source, and screwdriver.

Equipped with these tools, you can confidently and safely navigate the relighting process. As always, exercise caution when working with gas appliances. Seek professional assistance if unable to relight the pilot or if you have any concerns.

Step-by-Step Guide to Relight the Pilot Light

Follow these step-by-step instructions to safely relight your gas water heater’s pilot light:

1. Turn your pilot control or thermostat to the "pilot" position.
2. Remove the access panel so you can reach the pilot assembly area.
3. Push down the gas control knob fully and hold it in while repeatedly pressing the igniter button to generate sparks.
4. Continue holding the knob down for about 60 seconds after seeing the pilot flame ignite to allow the thermocouple to heat up.
5. Release the gas control knob and ensure it remains in the open position when you let go. If it springs back up, repeat steps 3 and 4.
6. Replace the access panel once the pilot flame remains steadily lit.
7. Finally, turn the gas control knob to the "on" position to restore hot water functionality.

If relighting the pilot is unsuccessful, our professionals are available to assist in restoring your hot water.

Manual Lighting Methods

Older models of gas water heaters often lack automatic igniters and require manual lighting of the pilot. This process requires you to manually hold a flame to the pilot nozzle as you manipulate the gas valve.

1. Remove any protective cover over your pilot light assembly.
2. Turn the gas control knob to the "pilot" position.
3. Hold the tip of a lit match or lighter directly against the pilot nozzle for about 60 seconds or until lit.
4. Continue depressing the gas control knob for 30 seconds to allow heating of the thermocouple.
5. Release the gas control knob and ensure the pilot remains lit. If the flame goes out, repeat steps 3 and 4.
6. Turn the gas valve to the "on" position once the pilot flame is steadily burning.

Exercise extreme caution with manual lighting, as it involves holding a flame near a gas source. Always consult your water heater’s instructions, as designs differ. If unable to light after a few attempts or you smell gas, immediately turn off the unit and call our team.

Electronic Ignition Methods

Modern gas water heaters typically come with electronic ignition systems rather than standing pilot lights. These ignite automatically when hot water is called for and shut off when not in use to save energy.

Electronic ignition water heaters employ a flame sensor to monitor the pilot and main burner. The electronic system sparks the pilot assembly to initiate gas lighting when hot water is activated.

To relight an electronic ignition water heater’s pilot, follow these steps:

1. Turn the thermostat or gas control valve to “off” for 5 minutes.
2. Move the control to the “pilot” position.
3. Repeatedly press and release the piezo igniter button to create a spark until the pilot lights.
4. Hold the gas control knob down for 30 seconds once lit before releasing.
5. The pilot should now remain burning. If not, repeat steps 2-4.
6. Turn the gas control knob to the “on” setting to enable water heating again.

Adhere strictly to the specific instructions on your water heater model and maintain safety when dealing with gas appliances. If you have any difficulty getting an electronic pilot relit, our licenced technicians can help diagnose and resolve the issue.

Troubleshooting: When the Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit

If the pilot light continues to go out after repeatedly following the proper relighting steps, there are a few key troubleshooting tips to try:

1. Ensure the thermocouple is tightly screwed into the gas control valve. Finger tighten until snug if loose.
2. Clean the thermocouple tip using steel wool to remove any deposits blocking heat transfer.
3. Check that the gas control knob fully closes and is triggering the thermocouple when released. If not, contact a professional for gas valve replacement.
4. Try manually holding the gas control knob down for 1 full minute to allow additional thermocouple heating time before release.
5. Inspect where the pilot tube connects to the gas supply line for blockages preventing fuel flow.

Consult your water heater’s manual for specific troubleshooting advice. If the pilot still fails to stay lit after multiple relighting attempts and troubleshooting, professional servicing is needed.

If the issue persists, discontinue any DIY attempts to relight the pilot. Call our team anytime for prompt assistance getting your hot water restored.

When to Call a Professional: Recognizing Complex Issues

Some gas water heater issues extend beyond straightforward pilot relighting and are not suitable for DIY fixes. If you experience any of the following, contact a professional plumber for assistance:

• The pilot tube or burner shows heavy corrosion or damage.
• There are problems with the gas line like low pressure or leaks.
• The pilot light fails to remain lit despite several relighting and troubleshooting efforts.
• You experience additional issues with your water heater apart from the pilot light.
• You smell gas at any point or are unable to safely reach the pilot assembly.

Our trained technicians are well-equipped to diagnose complex water heater problems accurately. We will identify whether your water heater needs repair or replacement for reliable operation.

Do not take risks with gas appliances. Call Baulkham Hills Plumbing on 1300 349 338 or email us for expert assessment and servicing when faced with ongoing pilot light or water heating difficulties.

Maintaining Your Water Heater for Ongoing Reliability

Regular maintenance on your gas water heater is crucial to prevent recurring pilot light problems. Such care enhances performance and extends the unit’s lifespan, ensuring continuous hot water.

Use this checklist for optimal water heater maintenance:

• Inspect the pilot assembly and burners annually for any dirt buildup or damage, cleaning as needed.
• Check that gas supply lines and pressure remain optimal.
• Replace the thermocouple every 2-3 years to maintain a strong pilot flame.
• Clear debris from the top of the water heater and ensure proper ventilation.
• Flush the tank once a year to prevent sediment accumulation.
• Test for leaks around valves, fittings and pipes using a soapy solution.

We advise booking yearly maintenance with our seasoned technicians. Scheduled servicing bolsters your water heater’s efficiency and operational lifespan.

Contact Baulkham Hills Plumbing on 1300 349 338 to book your next service. Regular maintenance is key to dependable hot water availability for the long term.