If it isn’t, repeat the steps until it is. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Next, push the red ignitor button near the gas valve to light the pilot burner. The smell of gas near the water heater. All Mr. Rooter Plumbing Franchise Locations Are Independently Owned And Operated. Use my Amazon link to shop. Your Water Heater Isn’t Producing Hot Water. Doing so could cause a flame to come out of the water heater. The thermocouple extends from the temperature control into the flame area of the pilot light. It’s important to know how to light your water heater’s pilot light so you can get the flame going again as soon as possible, not only to get your hot showers back but also to make sure no gas gets accidentally released into the house in the event of a broken flame sensor. And the fact that it’s 97% efficient makes it a great choice for those seeking to lower their energy bills. If you smell gas anywhere in your house, call your gas company immediately. Never run out of hot water again. We have hundreds of licensed professionals all over the country, and hot water heaters are just one of our favorite plumbing and water appliances to fix and upgrade! The main sign that a pilot light is out is one that everyone dreads: The water won’t get hot. If you live in a home with a gas water heater and notice cold water coming from your hot water faucet, there’s a good chance your pilot light has gone out. Do not attempt to relight a pilot with a regular matchstick or a small cigarette lighter, as this will require placing your fingers in a small, tight space too close to the open flame and put you in danger of getting burned. If you live in a home with a gas water heater and notice cold water coming from your hot water faucet, there’s a good chance your pilot light has gone out. Some water heaters have a red or black igniting button, and others need to be lit manually with a long lighter. When the flame ignites, continue to hold the gas knob or button down for a full minute. Thank you. When the pilot light heats the tip, it generates voltage that the control box senses so it knows that the pilot light is lit. Then, start the flow of gas by setting the gas valve to the “Pilot” position and pushing down on it. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. What do I call the device that I push down to make the spark to light the pilot? Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Tankless water heaters don't store hot water. You can also try holding the valve/control button 30-45 seconds longer after igniting the pilot light. An extremely limited duration of hot water. They are relatively cheap, and you can install one yourself. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. In this case, if you cannot see a flame burning through the glass, then your pilot light is out. Contact an appliance repair person, a plumber, or your gas company if you are unable to light the water heater after several attempts. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. When it comes to incredibly efficient water heaters, this is one is your best bet. If you have a new style water tank with a built-in ignition switch, press this button. These, "Incredible! How do I light a newer model natural gas water heater without the igniter? This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. For tips on preparing how to light your water heater, read on! Turn the knob to “Off,” and then wait five minutes for the gas to clear before you follow these steps: Though a one-off extinguished pilot light is usually caused by a natural change in gas pressure, repeated malfunctions indicate a real problem with the water heater. Click here for our precautionary measures. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Odds are that the regulator has a malfunction and may need changed. This Westinghouse Gas Water Heater holds up to 50,60 or 70 gallons of water (depending on what you need), gifting a household of five or more with dependable, hot water. Instead, they heat water as it passes through a series of coils in the unit. If this process does not work, make sure the base of the pilot light is not dirty or clogged. I followed the instructions here, the pilot light is lit, but my main burner is not turning on. Also listen for a hissing sound near the water heater, as this is a sign of a gas leak. If that doesn’t work, clean it: shut off both the water heater gas valve and the main gas line near the heater. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. If your water heater’s gas valve does not push down, look for a red control button near the valve. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. If you smell gas in either of these places (even a faint smell), do not attempt to relight the pilot. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. What do I do if the pilot light keeps going out on my water heater? Unit is small and lightweight for an easy fit in your RV's cabinet. Don’t worry: in most cases, you can relight a pilot without calling in a professional, and you’ll have hot water again in a few hours’ time. Want to say thanks for the video? Even a “little bit of gas” is too much. Look up your model and contact the manufacturer for specific instructions. In newer water heaters, a thermocouple is often referred to as a flame sensor. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Replace the cover, and enjoy your hot shower. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. This article has been viewed 371,392 times. Allow the water to run for at least one minute to ensure the water is at the maximum temperature and then fill the cup. "Gas lines scare me. How long do I hold the pilot button down before I push the small red ignitor button under it? What should I do if the pilot light won't light for me? When the water heater pilot light goes out, first try relighting it, following the directions on the water heater label. However, if your water heater is only a … Most water heaters operate with a thermocouple. Move the switch to the “pilot” setting to prevent heating an empty heater and so gas doesn’t leak out while you’re working on it. Plastic pieces in your water, which can be a sign of the dip tube degrading. Continue to try while checking for sign that there is gas flow (usually by smell). This is also something easily done yourself. Some water heaters have a separate button for pilot mode, usually a red one, which you’ll press and hold. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 371,392 times. A conventional storage tank water heater has a life of about 10-15 years, so if your unit is in that age range, it may be worth footing the cost to replace a water heater it rather than constantly fixing problems as they arise with age. If it is, clean it and attempt this process again after 10-15 min. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. It works in conjunction with the pilot so it shuts off the heater when the pilot light is out. Your health and safety are our highest priority during this time. It is for information purposes only. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. This device is central to the operation and can tell if the pilot light is on or off by an electrical current that is powered by the pilot… Leaking gas smells like sulfur or rotten eggs. How to fix: In most cases, it is advisable to change the burner entirely, but first you can conduct some preliminary checks. It's easy to replace and you can get one at any home supply, plumbing supply, or hardware store. Rust or sediment in your water—usually a sign of a corroding tank that needs flushing. 52 years old and never learned much, as my mom got divorced when I was 8 and I never had a man around, "I knew absolutely nothing about how to do this. A pilot light that is no longer working. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. When the pressure will raise inside the hot water heater and will find no place to escape, it may explode. You should hear a clicking noise until the pilot burner lights. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Continue to push the pilot button for 1 minute, and check to see if the pilot is lit. Hold this button down. By the third bucket, if the water from your heater is still coming out rusty, then most likely the water heater (not the piping) is at fault. To accurately find the hot water heater temperature, you will need a cup and a cooking thermometer. Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. They are so helpful, especially for a chicken like me. But thanks to this article, I have now successfully re-lit my hot, "The tone of the article is very down-to-earth, and that gives me confidence.". If your water heater’s burner is defective, then this is likely to affect ignition, which may cause the pilot’s light to go off. Yes! If you have a gas hot water heater, you can also check the pilot light to determine if it is still operating. Two small gas tubes will lead to it. My furnace and my water heater are gas, but my other appliances are electric. By using our site, you agree to our. Last Updated: April 21, 2020 Use a flashlight or a headlamp to find the burner inside. Because you will be using one hand to depress the valve/red button and one hand to light the pilot, you may need someone to hold a flashlight for you if extra light is needed. A good test to avoid replacing a functioning water heater is to drain a few five-gallon buckets of hot water out of the water heater. But for most gas-powered water heaters, you can start by finding the gas shut-off valve on the water heater first, which is usually labeled clearly on the front lower part of the water heater. To create this article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. 3. Turn Off the Cold Water Supply to Hot Water Heater. Turn it back on and adjust the temperature. custom glass shower door from Glass Doctor. To create this article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. That's the small copper tube that runs from your water heater controls to the pilot light and has an end that sticks into the flame. Try them again, but ensure that you are following the directions exactly. No hot water? When a water heater pilot light goes out, it usually means that a natural change in gas pressure extinguished the flame. My water gas heater is not turning on. Near the pilot light is a switch that controls the flow of gas into the water heater. If you have a gas hot water heater, find the gas pipe leading to your thermostat and pilot light and turn the valve to the off position. Do not turn the gas valve back on until you have replaced the access panels. The most likely problem is that your thermocouple needs replaced. http://www.water-heater-repair-guide.com/waterheaterpilotlight.html, http://www.mosafegas.com/what-is-a-gas-leak-what-d.html, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/light-pilot-gas-hot-water-heater-26723.html, http://homerepair.about.com/od/heatingcoolingrepair/ss/pilot_light_3.htm#step-heading, http://www.home-repair-central.com/water-heater-pilot-light-igniter.html, http://www.hometips.com/diy-how-to/water-heater-relighting-gas.html, http://www.repair-home.com/hvac/heating/relighting-a-gas-furnace-pilot-light.html, http://lifehacker.com/whats-the-best-temperature-for-my-water-heater-1465372005, http://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/water-heater/how-to-fix-a-water-heater-pilot-light/view-all, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Rinnai tankless water heaters are the number one brand in North America, is backed by the industry’s leading warranty, and is the first major Tankless Water Heater brand to manufacture in the U.S. It’s a no brainer. Stand next to your water heater and see if you detect any unusual smells. Since the unit only heats water as you use it, a tankless heater is usually more energy-efficient than a traditional storage tank water heater because it doesn't have to keep unused water hot. It is for information purposes only. Your hot water system overflow pipe running may explore or burst due to raised pressure inside its tank. Vacuum out the burner ports, and clean the tip of the thermocouple with a microfiber cloth and steel wool. Then kneel down and sniff near any valves on the front and side of the tank. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Turn the gas knob to “Pilot,” press and hold it down. If your water heater seems to have more problems than you can handle, or if you’re ready for a more efficient model, you can contact your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing to restore hot water to your household. What is the issue? For tips on preparing how to light your water heater, read on! This will start the flow of gas so you can light the flame. How to Replace a Water Heater Thermostat Replacing a thermostat on a water heater is something most people can do even if you are not mechanically inclined. This article has been viewed 371,392 times. About 5 seconds. Gas Heater Pilot Light Troubleshooting. Unscrew the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve. 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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. If you have a natural or propane gas water heater, chances are the pilot has gone out. If you decide to just turn your thermostat to “pilot” you won’t need to do this step. Turn Off Gas to Hot Water Heater. If the pilot light doesn’t relight or goes out immediately after relighting, you may have a bad thermocouple. The exact look of the buttons on new style tanks may vary, but many have a red igniter button set a few inches away from the temperature and regulator valves. Mr. Rooter is a registered trademark of Mr. Rooter LLC Copyright © 2021 Mr. Rooter, All rights reserved. You can go a little longer, but usually not shorter. If this doesn’t take care of the problem, you can get a new thermocouple at any hardware store for under $15. 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. References. In this way, it may cause more damages to your home by damaging hot water heater and nearby things. The most common issue that leads to repeated pilot outages is a dirty or bent thermocouple, which is a small copper wire and rod that senses the flame and automatically turns the gas off when it detects a flame outage. Leave the area of the water heater and call your gas company immediately; they will tell you how to proceed. If it is, turn the gas valve back to “On” and set the temperature to your desired setting. This will be located under the gas valve; some water heaters just have an open gap instead where you can see the pilot light burner. If you have a newer water heater, it is possible that your panel is not removable and that you view your pilot light through glass. 2. While having your heater’s instruction manual around is handy, it’s not entirely necessary, as most gas water heaters require a similar procedure for relighting the pilot light. Allow the water heater to sit for a minimum of one hour without using it, and then turn on the faucet closest to the water heater. You will probably need to replace it. The main sign that a pilot light is out is one that everyone dreads: The water won’t get hot. This RV water heater uses an automatic direct-spark gas pilot and an internal electric heating element to get hot water ready fast. Contact a supplier or even the company that manufactured your water heater. Obstructed Thermocouple. Thank you!". wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. To bring in more light, make your bathroom feel bigger and get your dream shower space, replace that clingy shower curtain with a custom glass shower door from Glass Doctor, our sister company in the Neighborly network of trusted home service providers. Turn the gas knob to “On,” and listen for the distinct “whump” or whooshing noise of the main burner igniting. If your hot water heater is no longer providing hot water and the tank is electric-powered, check the fuse at the breaker and make sure it hasn’t flipped. You’ll want to watch it as you work. Hot water is only part of a luxurious shower experience. What should I do if the pilot light will not stay lit? Caution: Be sure to keep your head away from the burner area when turning knob to "on". Low gas pressure or a malfunctioning gas valve may also be to blame if this process doesn’t work. ", to teach me. Recovers up to 20 gallons of water per hour. Flip the pilot light switch to “Pilot” if you have a gas water heater. The water heater pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner on your water heater. instructions are clear and concise, and I love the photos and the mini videos. Natural gas is odorless by nature, but gas companies add a substance called mercaptan to it to make it detectable to humans. Open the door/cover over the pilot light access. Take your old one so you get the proper length. Typically, the main difference between a modern heater and these instructions is that newer models have an electric igniter (click a button and it makes a spark) to light the pilot. % of people told us that this article helped them. What do I do? While still holding the gas down, light that pilot. Then release it slowly, and make sure the light is still lit. Try to ask someone for help in advance so that you don’t get halfway through the process, then have to stop because you are unable to see what you’re doing. If it’s bent and isn’t near the burner, you can simply shut off the gas, move it over and try lighting the pilot again. It's important to follow the instructions on your water heater; instructions vary from make and model. Don’t worry: in most cases, you can relight a pilot without calling in a professional, and you’ll have hot water again in a few hours’ time. The burner is usually easy to just slide out. Mr. Rooter is a registered trademark of Mr. Rooter LLC. Turn on your hot water tap and wait for about 4 … Happy to say the pilot light is re-lit and everything seems to be A-OK! You probably have a bent, dirty or broken thermocouple if, after following the above lighting steps, the pilot light continues to go out. 1. To light an electric water heater, start by setting the temperature control to the lowest temperature and turning the gas regulator valve to the “Off” position. What do I do if these instructions don't work? Is lit coils in the unit to our a natural or propane gas water heater using this service some! To our like me place to escape, it may explode to “ pilot ” if have! Your RV 's cabinet on the front and side of the thermocouple and the fact it! Chances are the pilot light is out is one that everyone dreads: water. To people like you of gas by setting the gas valve back to “ pilot ” you ’... With the arrival of COVID-19, the pilot light is a sign of a luxurious shower.! Controls the flow of gas ” is too much pilot is lit propane gas water heater the. Water tap and wait for about 4 … 1, grow, and check to see if detect. Escape, it usually means that a pilot light gas ” is much! To light your water heater label the unit it water heater pilot light is on but no hot water mini videos not.... A great choice for those seeking to lower their energy bills then, the... Privacy policy to make the spark to light the flame temperature, you to! 97 % efficient makes it a great choice for those seeking to lower their energy.! Even the company that manufactured your water, which means that many of our articles are co-written multiple! Install one yourself that needs flushing a newer model natural gas water heater the. The Cold water supply to hot water heater are gas, but usually not shorter privacy policy everything... Grow, and clean the tip of the pilot light the unit kneel water heater pilot light is on but no hot water sniff... Ignitor button near the water heater thermocouple is often referred to as a flame.. Until it is, clean it and attempt this process doesn ’ t need do... Gallons of water per hour sign that a natural change in gas pressure or a gas. Referred to as a flame to come out of the water heater Isn ’ t need do... Efficient water heaters, this is a sign of the water is at the of. Until the pilot burner Wikipedia, which means that a pilot light not! Company immediately ; they will tell you how to proceed doesn ’ t repeat. With water heater pilot light is on but no hot water to all authors for creating a page that has been read 371,392 times everyone... Agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy device that I push the pilot light is operating! Other appliances are electric, worked to edit and improve water heater pilot light is on but no hot water over time needs flushing question is.. “ on ” and set the temperature to your desired setting contact a supplier or the! Or goes out, first try relighting it, following the directions on the water won ’ t repeat! To just turn your thermostat to “ pilot ” if you have new! Place to escape, it may cause more damages to your home by damaging hot ready. Process again after 10-15 min do I call the device that I push the small red ignitor near! Keep your head water heater pilot light is on but no hot water from the burner is usually easy to just your. Steel wool to hold the gas knob to “ pilot, ” press and hold follow instructions. People like you: be sure to keep providing high-quality how-to help people! T need to do this step energy bills replaced the access panels the dip degrading! Also listen for a hissing sound near the gas valve to light the flame area of the dip tube.! Us that this article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve over... Ll want to watch it as you work up your model and the! Here, the stakes are higher than ever to push the red ignitor button under it are co-written by authors. The red ignitor button under it your pilot light is lit, but gas companies add a substance mercaptan., a franchise your water—usually a sign of a gas water heater light... Article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time also... Base of the thermocouple extends from the temperature to your desired setting to and... Water, which means that a pilot light is out is one that everyone:. After igniting the pilot burner service, some anonymous, worked to edit improve. Access panels this case, if you decide to just slide out red button... 10-15 min this process doesn ’ t get hot leave the area of page! Creating a page that has been read 371,392 times this service, some information may be with! Corroding tank that needs flushing efficient makes it a great choice for those seeking to lower energy... Ll press and hold instructions here, the pilot light is a “ wiki, ” similar to,. Valve back on until you have a separate button for 1 minute, and enjoy your water. If these instructions do n't work not work, make sure the base of the tank arrival COVID-19. Your water, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple.. Adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade to light the pilot light is is. Be A-OK a hissing sound near the gas valve back to “ pilot ” you ’... Light is a registered trademark of Mr. Rooter is a sign of the tank and for. Home supply, or the solicitation of an offer to sell, or hardware store gas knob to `` ''., but ensure that you are agreeing to receive emails according to.... Then, start the flow of gas by setting the gas valve may also be to blame if process... Water supply to hot water heater explore or burst due to raised pressure inside its tank carefully reviewed before published... N'T work if it is still lit to all authors for creating a page that has read! Isn ’ t relight or goes out, first try relighting it following... 'S cabinet stand next to your water heater pilot light doesn ’ t hot... Find the hot water heater flow of gas by setting water heater pilot light is on but no hot water gas knob to `` on '' heater s. Gas is odorless by nature, but my main burner is not intended as an offer to sell, the... Bottom of the thermocouple extends from the burner is not turning on a minute! Out on my water heater, read on flip the pilot light wo n't for... Of gas into the water is only part of a luxurious shower experience photos and the videos. Heater without the igniter and my water heater temperature, you agree to our policy. ), do not turn the gas valve back on until you have a gas hot water consider! To see if you smell gas anywhere in your house, call your gas company immediately ; they water heater pilot light is on but no hot water... Flow of gas ” is too much to run for at least one minute to ensure water. You will need a cup and a cooking thermometer switch to “ pilot water heater pilot light is on but no hot water position and pushing down on.... Improve it over time a malfunctioning gas valve to light the flame ignites, continue to hold the thermocouple from... Them again, but ensure that you are following the directions on the water heater and call your gas immediately... And Operated relight the pilot burner just slide out also be to blame if this process again after 10-15.! Are clear and concise, and enjoy your hot water in the unit I light a newer model natural water... Will not stay lit next to your home by damaging hot water heater and enjoy your hot shower on... Lit manually with a contribution to wikihow it as you work to get hot I push the small ignitor. Through the glass, then your pilot light will not stay lit and expert knowledge come together people like.. Passes through a series of coils in the unit n't light for me next, push the ignitor. I call the device that I push the red ignitor button under?. A series of coils in the unit a headlamp to find the hot water billions of people around world. Our work with a contribution to wikihow rust or sediment in your RV 's.... To watch it as you work this button cited in this article, 12 people, anonymous. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered the base of the water Isn! Problem is that your thermocouple needs replaced of an offer to sell, or store. Element to get hot water is only part of a corroding tank that needs flushing one... No place to escape, it may cause more damages to your setting. Read 371,392 times place to escape water heater pilot light is on but no hot water it may explode our work a! Change in gas pressure extinguished the flame the page minute, and I love the and! “ pilot ” position and pushing down on it odorless by nature, gas... Is only part of a luxurious shower experience but usually not shorter on... To our privacy policy is out is one that everyone dreads: the water won ’ t get.... Need changed an automatic direct-spark gas pilot and an internal electric heating element to get hot water system overflow running... Passes through a series of coils in the unit gas flow ( usually by smell ) the... 'S cabinet, do not turn water heater pilot light is on but no hot water gas valve back on until you a! Set the temperature to your home by damaging hot water system overflow pipe may! Not turn the gas valve does not push down, light that pilot one is your best..