Going without warm water can be frustrating – especially during Ohio’s winters! So, if you are currently dealing with no warm running water in your household, you may very well be dealing with an extinguished pilot light on your water heater. Now, if you have never relit your pilot light before, Kettering Plumbing & Drain has got you covered! With our step-by-step guide below, you should be able to relight your water heater’s pilot light with ease.
WHAT TOOLS ARE NECESSARY FOR RELIGHTING YOUR WATER HEATER’S PILOT LIGHT?
- A flashlight
- A long-reaching lighter or matchstick
WHAT ARE THE EIGHT STEPS NECESSARY FOR RELIGHTING YOUR WATER HEATER’S PILOT LIGHT?
- Before you do anything, it’s important to turn off the water heater’s gas supply by flipping the gas valve to the “off” position. Please note that after you have turned the gas off, it’s vital to allow for at least five minutes to pass by before proceeding to the next steps in the process. We recommend this so that the built-up gas has the right amount of time to disperse – a step that is crucial when dealing with gas.
- Now it’s time to locate where the pilot light area is. The pilot light opening is usually by the base of the water heater and hidden behind a panel or door. This is there to protect the opening of the pilot light. But depending on the type of water heater you have, your unit may or may not have this. If it does, carefully remove the burner cover and place it to the side so you can continue working.
- If you suspect that your pilot light keeps snuffing out, it’s possible the surrounding area has a buildup of dirt or loose debris. If this is the case, we advise gently cleaning the pilot light assembly using a small brush or toothbrush. A cotton swab will suffice as well.
- When a minimum of five minutes have passed, turn the knob on the pilot light assembly to the “pilot” position. Doing this allows the gas valve to temporarily feed enough gas to the pilot burner so that the pilot light may be relit.
- Next, press and hold down the “reset” button while utilizing your other hand simultaneously to ignite the lighter or matchstick. Slowly bring it toward the pilot light exercising caution in the process. When the pilot flame sparks and ignites, you may let go of the “reset” switch.
- With the pilot flame now ablaze, take a moment to observe the flame to confirm it remains lit. You should see the pilot flame burning steadily with a blueish tint.
- Be sure to turn the gas supply on once again.
- If you did have to remove a burner cover off your water heater, make sure it is returned back to its appropriate spot.
Congratulations – you did it! However, if you are somehow still experiencing issues with your water heater, you can call Kettering Plumbing & Drain by clicking here! We will be at your side as soon as possible!