Post By Admin
October 3, 2024Experiencing your hot water suddenly goes cold? It might seem alarming at first, but the culprit could simply be the pilot light. Don’t worry, relighting gas water heater pilot light isn’t as daunting as it sounds.
With a few simple steps and expert tips from our hot water plumbing service, you’ll have your hot water back in no time. Read on for everything you need to know how to relight a gas hot water pilot light!
How to Relight a Gas Water Heater?
Low hot water pressure can be frustrating, especially when you’re expecting a strong, steady flow. You might notice water trickling out of your taps or your hot water running out quickly during a shower.
These are clear indicators that something’s not right. In some cases, the problem could be with the pipes or valves, but sometimes the culprit is the pilot light.
Many people hesitate to ignite their gas water heater because it seems dangerous, but when done properly, it’s perfectly safe.
That’s why we’re here to guide you through the safest way on how to ignite a gas water heater . Follow these steps, and you’ll be back to enjoying hot water in no time!
1. Safety First!
Before we get to the good stuff, safety has to come first. Have you noticed any gas smells? If the answer is “yes,” stop right here! Don’t relight anything. Get out of the house and call your gas company ASAP. No need to play hero when it comes to gas leaks, right?
If the coast is clear and there’s no smell, let’s keep going.
2. Remove the Access Panel
Start by locating the access panel at the bottom of your gas water heater. This covers the burner and the pilot light area. Use a screwdriver or simply unclip it, depending on the model. Once it’s removed, you’ll be able to see the gas control knob and the ignition components.
3. Set the Controller to Ignition Mode
Find the gas control knob and turn it to the “Ignition” or “Pilot” setting. Usually, you can set it to the ignition mode by turning the controller clockwise, which prepares the system to light the pilot.
This is usually marked with a spark symbol. Setting the controller to this mode allows gas to flow into the system but not to the burner until it’s ready to ignite.
Tip: If you don’t see an “Ignition” label, refer to your water heater’s manual to confirm the right position for igniting the pilot light hot water system.
4. Depress the System
Once in ignition mode, press and hold down the gas control button while simultaneously pressing the igniter button. Keep both buttons pressed for around 30 seconds to allow gas to flow and ignite the hot water pilot light. You may hear a clicking sound, indicating that the igniter is sparking.
If the pilot doesn’t ignite on the first try, wait a few minutes for the gas to disperse and try again. Don’t keep pressing if you smell gas—always wait to avoid a safety risk.
5. Check the Flame Underneath
Look through the sight glass or down where the pilot flame is located. You should see a small, steady blue flame. If the flame is present, the pilot light is successfully lit, and your water heater is on its way to functioning properly.
A weak or yellow flame could indicate a problem with the gas supply or pilot assembly, and you might need professional help.
6. Release the Button
Once you see the blue flame, carefully release the igniter and gas control button. The flame should remain lit on its own without holding down any controls. If the flame goes out after you release the button, repeat the process. Be patient and ensure you hold the buttons long enough for the pilot to stay lit.
7. Set the Controller Back to Normal
With the pilot light on, turn the gas control knob to the normal setting, usually between 4 or 5, depending on the temperature you prefer. If the flame remains strong and steady, congratulations—you’ve successfully relit your water heater!
For energy savings, keep the setting at a moderate level. Setting it too high not only wastes energy but can also cause unnecessary wear on the system.
8. Test Out Your Water
Now that everything’s set, it’s time to check if your hot water is back. Turn on a tap and let the water run for a few minutes to ensure the heater is working properly.
You should feel the water warming up, and your hot water system should be running smoothly again. Now that you’ve mastered how to relight your gas water heater pilot light, your hot water should be back to normal.
If you run into any issues or aren’t comfortable handling this on your own, don’t hesitate to contact a professional!
Also Read: How Does a Gas Hot Water System Work?
Conclusion
Now you know how to relight a gas water heater—not complicated at all! With these simple steps, you can safely get your hot water back in no time. However, if the issue persists, it could indicate a deeper problem with your system.
In that case, it’s time to call Neighbourhood Plumbing. Our experts will ensure everything is running smoothly and help you avoid any further issues!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
