Fixing Water Heater Pilot Light

If your pilot light on your water heater is not staying lit, it can be an annoying and time-consuming problem to solve. Fortunately, there are a few common causes and easy fixes to get your water heater working again.

The first step in fixing your water heater’s pilot light is to locate the pilot light assembly. This will be found at the bottom of your water heater and will contain the pilot light and the gas control knob.

Once you’ve located the pilot light assembly, check the gas control knob to make sure it’s in the “On” position. If it’s not, turn it to the “On” position and attempt to light the pilot light. If it does not stay lit, it could be due to a few different things.

The first potential cause is a faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device designed to shut off the gas if the pilot light goes out. If the thermocouple is faulty, it will not be able to sense when the pilot light is lit and will not be able to keep the gas on. To fix this, you’ll need to replace the thermocouple.

The second potential cause is a clogged pilot light orifice. This orifice is the tiny hole where the pilot light flame is supposed to come out. If the orifice is clogged, the pilot light will not be able to stay lit. To fix this, you’ll need to clean the orifice with a wire brush.

The third potential cause is a draft. If the pilot light is located near a drafty window or door, the draft can blow out the pilot light flame. To fix this, you’ll need to move the water heater to a different location.

Troubleshooting Water Heater Pilot Light

If you’ve tried the steps above and your pilot light still won’t stay lit, you’ll need to do some troubleshooting. The first step is to check the gas line for any leaks. To do this, you’ll need a gas leak detector. If you detect a leak, you’ll need to have it repaired before attempting to light the pilot light again.

The next step is to check the vent pipe for any blockages or obstructions. The vent pipe helps to ensure that the gas from the pilot light is vented outside your home. If the vent pipe is blocked or obstructed, it will not be able to do its job properly and the pilot light will not stay lit. To check the vent pipe, you’ll need to remove the vent cap and check inside for any blockages or obstructions.

Finally, if all else fails, you may need to call a professional. A local plumber or HVAC technician will be able to diagnose the problem and provide you with a solution.

Water Heater Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

If your water heater’s pilot light keeps going out, it can be a frustrating problem to deal with. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to determine the cause and fix it.

The first step is to make sure the gas control knob is in the “On” position. If it’s not, turn it to the “On” position and attempt to light the pilot light. If the pilot light still won’t stay lit, it could be due to a faulty thermocouple, a clogged pilot light orifice, or a draft.

If you’ve tried the steps above and your pilot light still won’t stay lit, you’ll need to do some troubleshooting. The first step is to check the gas line for any leaks and the vent pipe for any blockages or obstructions. If all else fails, you may need to call a plumber for a water heater repair.

Fixing a water heater’s pilot light can be an annoying problem to solve, but with the right knowledge and tools, it can be done easily and quickly. With a few simple steps and a bit of patience, you can have your water heater’s pilot light working again in no time.