In the event you’re a home-owner, you recognize that your water heater is without doubt one of the most essential home equipment in your house. It offers you with sizzling water for showers, baths, dishes, and laundry. Nevertheless, if the pilot gentle in your water heater goes out, you will be left with out sizzling water till you may get it relit. On this article, we’ll present you how one can flip off the pilot gentle in your water heater safely and simply.
Earlier than you begin, you will want to collect a couple of instruments. You may want a Phillips head screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. You might also wish to put on gloves to guard your arms. Upon getting your instruments, you’ll be able to comply with these steps to show off the pilot gentle in your water heater:
First, find the gasoline management valve in your water heater. That is normally positioned close to the underside of the water heater. As soon as you have discovered the gasoline management valve, flip it to the “off” place. It will shut off the gasoline provide to the pilot gentle. Subsequent, find the pilot gentle meeting. That is normally positioned close to the highest of the water heater. As soon as you have discovered the pilot gentle meeting, use the flat head screwdriver to take away the entry panel. As soon as you have eliminated the entry panel, you will see the pilot gentle. Use the pliers to show the pilot gentle knob to the “off” place. It will flip off the pilot gentle. Lastly, change the entry panel and the gasoline management valve to the “on” place. Your water heater is now turned off.
Figuring out the Pilot Gentle
The pilot gentle is a small flame that burns constantly to ignite the primary burner gasoline provide while you flip in your water heater. It’s sometimes positioned on the backside of the water heater, both in entrance or on the facet. That will help you find the pilot gentle, comply with these steps:
1. Find the entry panel
Search for a small door or panel on the entrance or facet of the water heater. This panel will present entry to the management space, the place the pilot gentle is positioned.
|
Water Heater Sort |
Location of Entry Panel |
|---|---|
|
Fuel |
Backside entrance or facet |
| Electrical |
N/A (no pilot gentle) |
2. Open the entry panel
To open the entry panel, merely raise it up or pull it in direction of you. Watch out to not pressure it, as it might be connected with screws or clips.
3. Find the pilot gentle meeting
As soon as the entry panel is open, you will notice the pilot gentle meeting. It should resemble a small steel tube with a flame burning at one finish. The flame could also be small and tough to see, so look carefully.
Security Precautions
Earlier than making an attempt to show off the pilot gentle in your water heater, it’s essential to stick to the next security precautions to stop any potential hazards:
1. Shut Off the Fuel Provide
Find the gasoline management valve close to the underside of the water heater and switch it clockwise to the “off” place. It will minimize off the stream of gasoline to the pilot gentle and stop any additional combustion.
2. Extinguish the Pilot Gentle
Use a long-handled lighter or match to rigorously gentle a bit of paper or rag and maintain it close to the pilot gentle. The paper will ignite and the flame will journey alongside the gasoline line to the pilot gentle, extinguishing it. Wait a couple of minutes to make sure that the pilot gentle has fully cooled down.
Alternatively, you should utilize knowledgeable torch to extinguish the pilot gentle. Maintain the torch flame close to the bottom of the pilot gentle and gently blow out the flame.
Warning: DO NOT use your naked arms to extinguish the pilot gentle, as this may end up in burns.
3. Watch for the Water Heater to Cool
After extinguishing the pilot gentle, give the water heater ample time to chill down fully. This will take a number of hours, so it’s best to attend till the subsequent day earlier than making an attempt any additional work.
Shutting Off the Fuel Provide
Step one in turning off the pilot gentle in your water heater is to close off the gasoline provide. To do that, find the gasoline valve on the facet of the water heater. This valve is normally a pink or blue lever. Flip the lever perpendicular to the gasoline line to close off the gasoline.
In case your water heater is related to a pure gasoline line, it’s possible you’ll want to make use of a wrench to show off the gasoline valve. To do that, place the wrench on the nut that secures the lever. Flip the nut clockwise to close off the gasoline.
| Fuel Sort | Valve Location |
|---|---|
| Pure Fuel | Facet of the water heater |
| Propane | Outdoors the home, close to the propane tank |
As soon as the gasoline provide is shut off, you’ll be able to proceed to the subsequent step of turning off the pilot gentle.
Extinguishing the Flame
As soon as you have positioned the pilot gentle meeting, you will must comply with these steps to extinguish the flame:
- Flip off the gasoline provide. That is sometimes achieved by turning a valve positioned close to the water heater.
- Wait a couple of minutes. It will permit the gasoline to dissipate from the road.
- Find the pilot gentle. The pilot gentle is normally a small flame positioned close to the underside of the water heater.
- Gently blow out the flame. You are able to do this by blowing straight on the flame or through the use of a bit of paper or cardboard to softly fan it out.
Extra Ideas for Extinguishing the Flame
- In the event you’re unable to extinguish the flame by blowing on it, you’ll be able to attempt utilizing a can of compressed air. Simply remember to maintain the can upright and spray the air straight on the base of the flame.
- **In the event you’re nonetheless unable to extinguish the flame, you must name a professional plumber.
| Potential Causes for Flame Extinguishment | Troubleshooting Steps |
|---|---|
| Blocked pilot tube | Clear the pilot tube with a small brush or wire. |
| Defective thermocouple | Exchange the thermocouple. |
| Broken pilot gentle | Exchange the pilot gentle. |
Ready for the Pilot Gentle to Cool
Earlier than relighting the pilot gentle, it is essential to permit it to chill down fully. This ensures the protection of the method and prevents any potential hazards.
The cooling time normally varies relying on the sort and age of the water heater. Nevertheless, as a common guideline, it is beneficial to attend for not less than 5 minutes, and ideally longer, to offer the pilot gentle ample time to chill down.
Throughout this cooling interval, it is important to maintain the gasoline valve closed to stop any gasoline from coming into the combustion chamber.
Listed here are some extra suggestions for ready for the pilot gentle to chill:
| Tip | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Maintain youngsters and pets away from the realm | To stop unintended burns |
| Ventilate the room | To dissipate any residual gasoline fumes |
| Use a flashlight or headlamp | To offer higher illumination for inspection |
Security Precautions
Earlier than continuing, guarantee you may have the required instruments and security gear. All the time comply with the producer’s directions and native codes on your particular water heater mannequin.
Find the Pilot Gentle Meeting
Establish the pilot gentle meeting on the water heater. It is normally positioned close to the underside and incorporates a small, adjustable valve.
Flip Off the Fuel Provide
Shut the gasoline provide valve to the water heater. This valve is often positioned on the gasoline line close to the heater.
Extinguish the Pilot Gentle
Find the pilot gentle management knob and switch it to the “Off” or “Pilot Off” place. It will extinguish the flame.
Watch for the Fuel to Dissipate
Enable a number of minutes for any remaining gasoline to dissipate from the pilot gentle meeting earlier than continuing additional.
Take away the Pilot Gentle Meeting (if Vital)
If needed, take away the pilot gentle meeting by unscrewing the retaining screws or nuts. Be cautious to not harm the meeting or surrounding parts.
Relighting the Pilot Gentle (Elective)
Comply with these steps in the event you want to relight the pilot gentle after turning it off:
Reconnect the Pilot Gentle Meeting
In the event you eliminated the pilot gentle meeting, reconnect it securely to the water heater utilizing the screws or nuts.
Open the Fuel Provide Valve
Slowly open the gasoline provide valve to permit gasoline to stream into the pilot gentle meeting.
Ignite the Pilot Gentle
Use a protracted lighter or match to ignite the pilot gentle. Maintain the flame close to the pilot gentle burner and press the ignition button if accessible.
Regulate the Pilot Flame
As soon as the pilot gentle is ignited, alter the management valve to acquire a small, steady flame. Sometimes, a flame peak of 1/2 to 1 inch is beneficial.
Troubleshooting Widespread Points
Pilot Gentle Will Not Keep Lit
Potential Trigger:
– Broken thermocouple
– Defective gasoline valve
– Obstruction within the gasoline line
Resolution:
– Exchange thermocouple
– Exchange gasoline valve
– Clear obstruction from gasoline line
Pilot Gentle Lights however Goes Out After a Few Seconds
Potential Trigger:
– Inadequate gasoline stress
– Soiled gasoline line
– Malfunctioning igniter
Resolution:
– Test gasoline stress and alter if needed
– Clear gasoline line
– Exchange igniter
Pilot Gentle Lights however Water Heater Does Not Warmth
Potential Trigger:
– Defective heating component
– Broken thermostat
– Clogged burner
Resolution:
– Exchange heating component
– Exchange thermostat
– Clear burner
Water Heater Overheats
Potential Trigger:
– Defective thermostat
– Broken heating component
– Clogged burner
Resolution:
– Exchange thermostat
– Exchange heating component
– Clear burner
Water Heater Produces Yellow Flame
Potential Trigger:
– Air within the gasoline line
– Soiled burner
– Incorrect gasoline combination
Resolution:
– Bleed air from gasoline line
– Clear burner
– Regulate gasoline combination
Pilot Gentle Blows Out When Water Heater is Turned On
Potential Trigger:
– Draft within the water heater room
– Defective draft hood
– Soiled flame sensor
Resolution:
– Remove draft
– Exchange draft hood
– Clear flame sensor
Water Heater Smells Like Fuel
Potential Trigger:
– Fuel leak within the gasoline line
– Broken thermocouple
– Defective gasoline valve
Resolution:
– Flip off gasoline provide and name a licensed plumber instantly
Sustaining Your Water Heater
Primary Upkeep
Make sure the water heater’s temperature is ready to 120 to 140 levels Fahrenheit to stop scalding and power loss. Flush the water heater yearly to take away sediment buildup and permit for environment friendly efficiency.
Inspecting the Pilot Gentle
Commonly verify the pilot gentle to make sure it is burning steadily. A flickering or yellow flame signifies the necessity for changes or knowledgeable inspection.
Cleansing the Burner Meeting
Periodically clear the burner meeting to take away amassed particles. Use a smooth brush to softly take away mud and dust with out damaging the parts.
Checking the Anode Rod
The anode rod protects the water heater tank from corrosion. Examine it each three to 5 years and change it when needed to increase the lifetime of the heater.
Draining the Water Heater
Drain the water heater yearly to take away sediment and stop mineral buildup. Shut off the water provide, open the drain valve, and permit the water to empty fully.
Turning Off the Pilot Gentle
When servicing the water heater or throughout prolonged intervals of non-use, flip off the pilot gentle. Use the knowledge offered within the following part for step-by-step directions.
Troubleshooting Widespread Issues
In the event you encounter issues with the water heater, verify the pilot gentle, thermostat, and ignition supply. Contact a licensed plumber for skilled help if the issue persists.
Turning Off the Pilot Gentle on a Water Heater
Supplies:
| Screwdriver | |
| Directions: | |
| 1. Security first: Flip off the gasoline provide to the water heater. | |
| 2. Find the pilot gentle meeting on the water heater’s backside. | |
| 3. Flip the gasoline management knob to the “Off” place. | |
| 4. Press and maintain the pilot button whereas concurrently lighting the pilot with a protracted match or lighter. | |
| 5. Proceed holding the pilot button for 30 to 60 seconds. | |
| 6. Launch the pilot button and switch the gasoline management knob to the “Pilot” place. | |
| 7. The pilot gentle ought to stay lit. |
Shutting Off the Pilot Gentle
To show off the pilot gentle, comply with these steps:
- Find the water heater’s gasoline management valve.
- Flip the valve to the “Off” place.
- Wait a couple of minutes for the pilot gentle to exit.
- As soon as the pilot gentle is out, you’ll be able to flip off the gasoline provide to the water heater.
Troubleshooting
In case you are unable to show off the pilot gentle, there could also be an issue with the gasoline management valve or the thermocouple.
- The gasoline management valve could also be defective and must be changed.
- The thermocouple could also be broken and must be changed.
Skilled Help (When Vital)
In case you are not comfy working in your water heater, it’s best to name a professional plumber for help.
Indicators that you could be want skilled help
You must name a plumber in the event you expertise any of the next issues:
| Signal | Potential Trigger |
|---|---|
| The pilot gentle is not going to keep lit. | Defective gasoline management valve or thermocouple. |
| The water heater is leaking gasoline. | Broken gasoline line or gasoline management valve. |
| The water heater shouldn’t be heating the water correctly. | Defective thermostat or heating component. |
1. Find the Fuel Valve
The gasoline valve is often positioned close to the underside of the water heater. It should have a knob or lever you could flip to show off the gasoline.
2. Flip Off the Fuel Valve
Flip the knob or lever on the gasoline valve clockwise to show off the gasoline. You could hear a click on when the valve is totally closed.
3. Watch for the Pilot Gentle to Go Out
After you flip off the gasoline valve, wait a couple of minutes for the pilot gentle to exit. You may even see the pilot gentle flicker after which exit fully.
4. Relight the Pilot Gentle
As soon as the pilot gentle has gone out, you’ll be able to relight it by following the producer’s directions. This sometimes entails urgent a button or pushing a lever.
5. Troubleshooting
In case you are having bother turning off the pilot gentle, there are some things you’ll be able to attempt:
- Test to guarantee that the gasoline valve is totally closed.
- Wait a couple of minutes for the pilot gentle to exit earlier than making an attempt to relight it.
- If the pilot gentle nonetheless doesn’t exit, it’s possible you’ll must name knowledgeable.
6. Security Precautions
When engaged on a water heater, you will need to take the next security precautions:
- Flip off the gasoline valve earlier than performing any work on the water heater.
- Enable the water heater to chill down earlier than touching it.
- Don’t use open flames or sparks close to the water heater.
7. Why Would I Have to Flip Off the Pilot Gentle?
There are a couple of explanation why you would possibly want to show off the pilot gentle in your water heater, together with:
- In case you are occurring trip and won’t be utilizing the water heater.
- If the water heater shouldn’t be working correctly.
- In case you are changing the water heater.
8. How Typically Ought to I Flip Off the Pilot Gentle?
You do not want to show off the pilot gentle in your water heater fairly often. Nevertheless, it’s a good suggestion to show it off in case you are occurring trip or if the water heater shouldn’t be working correctly.
9. Can I Flip Off the Pilot Gentle on an Electrical Water Heater?
No, you can not flip off the pilot gentle on an electrical water heater. Electrical water heaters do not need a pilot gentle.
10. Troubleshooting Widespread Issues with the Pilot Gentle
| Drawback | Resolution |
|---|---|
| The pilot gentle is not going to keep lit. | There could also be an issue with the thermocouple or the gasoline valve. Name knowledgeable to troubleshoot the issue. |
| The pilot gentle is lit, however the water heater shouldn’t be heating the water. | There could also be an issue with the heating component or the thermostat. Name knowledgeable to troubleshoot the issue. |
| The pilot gentle is flickering. | There could also be an issue with the gasoline stress. Name knowledgeable to troubleshoot the issue. |
The best way to Flip Off Pilot Gentle on Water Heater
Turning off the pilot gentle on a water heater is an easy and simple course of. Nevertheless, you will need to comply with the steps rigorously to make sure security and keep away from inflicting any harm to the water heater. Listed here are the steps on how one can flip off the pilot gentle on a water heater:
- Flip off the gasoline provide to the water heater. That is sometimes achieved by turning a valve positioned close to the underside of the water heater.
- Wait a couple of minutes for the gasoline to dissipate from the gasoline line.
- Find the pilot gentle meeting. That is sometimes positioned on the backside of the water heater close to the gasoline valve.
- Depress the pilot gentle knob and maintain it down. You must hear a clicking sound because the gasoline flows by the pilot gentle meeting.
- Maintain the pilot gentle knob down for about 30 seconds or till the pilot gentle goes out.
- Launch the pilot gentle knob.
As soon as the pilot gentle is off, you’ll be able to safely gentle it once more by following the producer’s directions. Nevertheless, in case you are not comfy turning off the pilot gentle your self, you must contact a professional technician for help.
Individuals Additionally Ask
How do I do know if the pilot gentle on my water heater is off?
If the pilot gentle is off, you’ll not see a flame burning within the pilot gentle meeting. It’s also possible to verify by feeling the pilot gentle meeting. Whether it is chilly to the contact, the pilot gentle is off.
What ought to I do if the pilot gentle on my water heater retains going out?
If the pilot gentle in your water heater retains going out, there could also be a problem with the pilot gentle meeting or the gasoline provide. You must contact a professional technician to diagnose and restore the problem.
How a lot does it price to switch a pilot gentle on a water heater?
The price to switch a pilot gentle on a water heater will fluctuate relying on the kind of water heater and the price of labor in your space. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to count on to pay between $50 and $150 for the alternative.
