Gas Water Heater Pilot Light Troubleshooting

Your heater s pilot light allows the burner to cycle on and off while maintaining the water in the tank at a constant temperature.

Gas water heater pilot light troubleshooting.

The pilot light in your hot water heater does more than simply ignite the gas. There are some more expensive models that use electronic ignition. A faulty thermocouple or malfunction of the gas valve could be the culprit but the problem may be as simple as a draft coming from a crack in the wall or under the door. It s the soul of your water heater.

If this pilot light ever goes out. Most gas hot water heaters us a pilot light to ignite the burner. With the other hand use a long handled lighter to apply flame to the end of the pilot light gas tube. Replacement is an easy diy repair.

The main control valve is responsible for regulating the heater s gas and water pressure. Gas hot water heater troubleshooting article topics gas hot water heater pilot light. When the pilot light goes out for any reason the thermocouple closes the burner s gas supply valve to prevent gas escaping and filling your house. Gas heaters whether they warm up air or water in a home rely on a pilot light to trigger the flame of the actual heater.

Light the pilot. A pilot light is always burning while using a small amount of gas either a water heater is running or not. Although a blocked gas line is one reason why the pilot light on a rheem water heater won t light or stay lit there are other reasons as well some easier to correct than others. Gas hot water heater troubleshooting always seems to start with the pilot light.

The most common problems. Troubleshooting low performance insufficient hot water pilot light problems improper gas combustion issues with the pilot light thermocouple gas burner venting and other common issues. With standard pilot light water heaters. If your hot water heater suddenly stops working chances are a bad thermocouple has shut off the gas to the pilot light.

Turn the gas control knob to the pilot setting then depress the button and hold it there. Once there is a need for heating or call from a thermostat a gas control valve releases the gas into the main burner and the pilot light ignites the gas. If the gas is lit it fully opens the main valve to provide a steady supply of gas. Watch carefully for a gas flame to appear at the end of the pilot light tube.

Pilot light issues are some of the most common problems experienced with gas water heaters. A guide to gas water heater troubleshooting. Gas heater pilot light troubleshooting. A thermocouple senses the heat of the pilot and allows gas to flow to the burner.