If you happen to’re a house owner, you realize that your water heater is likely one of the most vital home equipment in your house. It gives you with scorching water for showers, baths, dishes, and laundry. Nonetheless, if the pilot mild in your water heater goes out, you will be left with out scorching water till you may get it relit. On this article, we’ll present you how you can flip off the pilot mild in your water heater safely and simply.
Earlier than you begin, you will want to assemble a couple of instruments. You may want a Phillips head screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. You may additionally wish to put on gloves to guard your fingers. After getting your instruments, you’ll be able to observe these steps to show off the pilot mild 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. This may shut off the gasoline provide to the pilot mild. Subsequent, find the pilot mild meeting. That is normally positioned close to the highest of the water heater. As soon as you have discovered the pilot mild 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 mild. Use the pliers to show the pilot mild knob to the “off” place. This may flip off the pilot mild. Lastly, exchange 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 mild is a small flame that burns constantly to ignite the primary burner gasoline provide once you flip in your water heater. It’s usually positioned on the backside of the water heater, both in entrance or on the facet. That can assist you find the pilot mild, observe 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 mild is positioned.
|
Water Heater Kind |
Location of Entry Panel |
|---|---|
|
Gasoline |
Backside entrance or facet |
| Electrical |
N/A (no pilot mild) |
2. Open the entry panel
To open the entry panel, merely elevate it up or pull it in direction of you. Watch out to not drive it, as it could be hooked up with screws or clips.
3. Find the pilot mild meeting
As soon as the entry panel is open, you will note the pilot mild meeting. It is going to resemble a small steel tube with a flame burning at one finish. The flame could also be small and tough to see, so look intently.
Security Precautions
Earlier than trying to show off the pilot mild in your water heater, it’s essential to stick to the next security precautions to forestall any potential hazards:
1. Shut Off the Gasoline Provide
Find the gasoline management valve close to the underside of the water heater and switch it clockwise to the “off” place. This may reduce off the stream of gasoline to the pilot mild and stop any additional combustion.
2. Extinguish the Pilot Gentle
Use a long-handled lighter or match to rigorously mild a chunk of paper or rag and maintain it close to the pilot mild. The paper will ignite and the flame will journey alongside the gasoline line to the pilot mild, extinguishing it. Wait a couple of minutes to make sure that the pilot mild has utterly cooled down.
Alternatively, you should utilize an expert torch to extinguish the pilot mild. Maintain the torch flame close to the bottom of the pilot mild and gently blow out the flame.
Warning: DO NOT use your naked fingers to extinguish the pilot mild, as this may end up in burns.
3. Look ahead to the Water Heater to Cool
After extinguishing the pilot mild, give the water heater ample time to chill down utterly. This may take a number of hours, so it’s best to attend till the subsequent day earlier than trying any additional work.
Shutting Off the Gasoline Provide
Step one in turning off the pilot mild 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 crimson 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, chances are 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.
| Gasoline Kind | Valve Location |
|---|---|
| Pure Gasoline | Facet of the water heater |
| Propane | Exterior 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 mild.
Extinguishing the Flame
As soon as you have positioned the pilot mild meeting, you will have to observe these steps to extinguish the flame:
- Flip off the gasoline provide. That is usually performed by turning a valve positioned close to the water heater.
- Wait a couple of minutes. This may enable the gasoline to dissipate from the road.
- Find the pilot mild. The pilot mild 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 instantly on the flame or through the use of a chunk of paper or cardboard to softly fan it out.
Extra Ideas for Extinguishing the Flame
- If you happen to’re unable to extinguish the flame by blowing on it, you’ll be able to attempt utilizing a can of compressed air. Simply you’ll want to maintain the can upright and spray the air instantly on the base of the flame.
- **If you happen to’re nonetheless unable to extinguish the flame, you need to name a professional plumber.
| Attainable 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 mild | Exchange the pilot mild. |
Ready for the Pilot Gentle to Cool
Earlier than relighting the pilot mild, it is essential to permit it to chill down utterly. 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. Nonetheless, as a common guideline, it is really useful to attend for at the least 5 minutes, and ideally longer, to provide the pilot mild ample time to chill down.
Throughout this cooling interval, it is important to maintain the gasoline valve closed to forestall any gasoline from getting into the combustion chamber.
Listed here are some extra ideas for ready for the pilot mild to chill:
| Tip | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hold youngsters and pets away from the realm | To stop unintentional 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 observe the producer’s directions and native codes on your particular water heater mannequin.
Find the Pilot Gentle Meeting
Establish the pilot mild meeting on the water heater. It is normally positioned close to the underside and incorporates a small, adjustable valve.
Flip Off the Gasoline Provide
Shut the gasoline provide valve to the water heater. This valve is usually positioned on the gasoline line close to the heater.
Extinguish the Pilot Gentle
Find the pilot mild management knob and switch it to the “Off” or “Pilot Off” place. This may extinguish the flame.
Look ahead to the Gasoline to Dissipate
Enable a number of minutes for any remaining gasoline to dissipate from the pilot mild meeting earlier than continuing additional.
Take away the Pilot Gentle Meeting (if Crucial)
If essential, take away the pilot mild meeting by unscrewing the retaining screws or nuts. Be cautious to not harm the meeting or surrounding elements.
Relighting the Pilot Gentle (Optionally available)
Comply with these steps in the event you want to relight the pilot mild after turning it off:
Reconnect the Pilot Gentle Meeting
If you happen to eliminated the pilot mild meeting, reconnect it securely to the water heater utilizing the screws or nuts.
Open the Gasoline Provide Valve
Slowly open the gasoline provide valve to permit gasoline to stream into the pilot mild meeting.
Ignite the Pilot Gentle
Use a protracted lighter or match to ignite the pilot mild. Maintain the flame close to the pilot mild burner and press the ignition button if accessible.
Alter the Pilot Flame
As soon as the pilot mild is ignited, modify the management valve to acquire a small, secure flame. Usually, a flame peak of 1/2 to 1 inch is really useful.
Troubleshooting Frequent Points
Pilot Gentle Will Not Keep Lit
Attainable Trigger:
– Broken thermocouple
– Defective gasoline valve
– Obstruction within the gasoline line
Answer:
– Exchange thermocouple
– Exchange gasoline valve
– Clear obstruction from gasoline line
Pilot Gentle Lights however Goes Out After a Few Seconds
Attainable Trigger:
– Inadequate gasoline strain
– Soiled gasoline line
– Malfunctioning igniter
Answer:
– Verify gasoline strain and modify if essential
– Clear gasoline line
– Exchange igniter
Pilot Gentle Lights however Water Heater Does Not Warmth
Attainable Trigger:
– Defective heating component
– Broken thermostat
– Clogged burner
Answer:
– Exchange heating component
– Exchange thermostat
– Clear burner
Water Heater Overheats
Attainable Trigger:
– Defective thermostat
– Broken heating component
– Clogged burner
Answer:
– Exchange thermostat
– Exchange heating component
– Clear burner
Water Heater Produces Yellow Flame
Attainable Trigger:
– Air within the gasoline line
– Soiled burner
– Incorrect gasoline combination
Answer:
– Bleed air from gasoline line
– Clear burner
– Alter gasoline combination
Pilot Gentle Blows Out When Water Heater is Turned On
Attainable Trigger:
– Draft within the water heater room
– Defective draft hood
– Soiled flame sensor
Answer:
– Eradicate draft
– Exchange draft hood
– Clear flame sensor
Water Heater Smells Like Gasoline
Attainable Trigger:
– Gasoline leak within the gasoline line
– Broken thermocouple
– Defective gasoline valve
Answer:
– Flip off gasoline provide and name a licensed plumber instantly
Sustaining Your Water Heater
Fundamental Upkeep
Make sure the water heater’s temperature is about to 120 to 140 levels Fahrenheit to forestall scalding and power loss. Flush the water heater yearly to take away sediment buildup and permit for environment friendly efficiency.
Inspecting the Pilot Gentle
Recurrently test the pilot mild to make sure it is burning steadily. A flickering or yellow flame signifies the necessity for changes or an expert inspection.
Cleansing the Burner Meeting
Periodically clear the burner meeting to take away collected particles. Use a tender brush to softly take away mud and grime with out damaging the elements.
Checking the Anode Rod
The anode rod protects the water heater tank from corrosion. Examine it each three to 5 years and exchange it when essential 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 utterly.
Turning Off the Pilot Gentle
When servicing the water heater or throughout prolonged intervals of non-use, flip off the pilot mild. Use the knowledge supplied within the following part for step-by-step directions.
Troubleshooting Frequent Issues
If you happen to encounter issues with the water heater, test the pilot mild, 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 mild 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 mild ought to stay lit. |
Shutting Off the Pilot Gentle
To show off the pilot mild, observe 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 mild to exit.
- As soon as the pilot mild 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 mild, 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 Crucial)
In case you are not snug working in your water heater, it’s best to name a professional plumber for help.
Indicators that you could be want skilled help
It is best to name a plumber in the event you expertise any of the next issues:
| Signal | Attainable Trigger |
|---|---|
| The pilot mild won’t 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 Gasoline Valve
The gasoline valve is usually positioned close to the underside of the water heater. It is going to have a knob or lever you can flip to show off the gasoline.
2. Flip Off the Gasoline Valve
Flip the knob or lever on the gasoline valve clockwise to show off the gasoline. You might hear a click on when the valve is totally closed.
3. Look ahead to the Pilot Gentle to Go Out
After you flip off the gasoline valve, wait a couple of minutes for the pilot mild to exit. You may even see the pilot mild flicker after which exit utterly.
4. Relight the Pilot Gentle
As soon as the pilot mild has gone out, you’ll be able to relight it by following the producer’s directions. This usually entails urgent a button or pushing a lever.
5. Troubleshooting
In case you are having bother turning off the pilot mild, there are some things you’ll be able to attempt:
- Verify to guarantee that the gasoline valve is totally closed.
- Wait a couple of minutes for the pilot mild to exit earlier than making an attempt to relight it.
- If the pilot mild nonetheless doesn’t exit, chances are you’ll have to name an expert.
6. Security Precautions
When engaged on a water heater, it is very important 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 the explanation why you would possibly want to show off the pilot mild in your water heater, together with:
- In case you are happening 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 don’t want to show off the pilot mild in your water heater fairly often. Nonetheless, it’s a good suggestion to show it off in case you are happening 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’t flip off the pilot mild on an electrical water heater. Electrical water heaters wouldn’t have a pilot mild.
10. Troubleshooting Frequent Issues with the Pilot Gentle
| Drawback | Answer |
|---|---|
| The pilot mild won’t keep lit. | There could also be an issue with the thermocouple or the gasoline valve. Name an expert to troubleshoot the issue. |
| The pilot mild 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 an expert to troubleshoot the issue. |
| The pilot mild is flickering. | There could also be an issue with the gasoline strain. Name an expert to troubleshoot the issue. |
Learn how to Flip Off Pilot Gentle on Water Heater
Turning off the pilot mild on a water heater is a straightforward and simple course of. Nonetheless, it is very important observe 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 you can flip off the pilot mild on a water heater:
- Flip off the gasoline provide to the water heater. That is usually performed 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 mild meeting. That is usually positioned on the backside of the water heater close to the gasoline valve.
- Depress the pilot mild knob and maintain it down. It is best to hear a clicking sound because the gasoline flows by means of the pilot mild meeting.
- Maintain the pilot mild knob down for about 30 seconds or till the pilot mild goes out.
- Launch the pilot mild knob.
As soon as the pilot mild is off, you’ll be able to safely mild it once more by following the producer’s directions. Nonetheless, in case you are not snug turning off the pilot mild your self, you need to contact a professional technician for help.
Individuals Additionally Ask
How do I do know if the pilot mild on my water heater is off?
If the pilot mild is off, you’ll not see a flame burning within the pilot mild meeting. It’s also possible to test by feeling the pilot mild meeting. Whether it is chilly to the contact, the pilot mild is off.
What ought to I do if the pilot mild on my water heater retains going out?
If the pilot mild in your water heater retains going out, there could also be a problem with the pilot mild meeting or the gasoline provide. It is best to contact a professional technician to diagnose and restore the problem.
How a lot does it price to interchange a pilot mild on a water heater?
The associated fee to interchange a pilot mild on a water heater will differ relying on the kind of water heater and the price of labor in your space. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to count on to pay between $50 and $150 for the substitute.