Relight Gas Water Heater Pilot Light

Introduction to Relighting Your Gas Water Heater’s Pilot Light

Having access to hot water is essential for daily activities like showering, washing dishes, and laundry.

Not to worry - this article will provide a clear, step-by-step guide for safely relighting the pilot light on your gas water heater so you can restore hot water as soon as possible. We understand the frustration of waking up to find you have no hot water due to a pilot light on your gas water heater that has gone out, needing to relight pilot.

We’ll outline the tools you need, safety precautions to take, and troubleshooting tips in case the pilot light doesn’t stay lit after several attempts. As your local Sydney plumbing company, Miranda Plumbing is always here to help whether you need advice over the phone or prefer a licenced technician to relight pilot on your heater.

Following your manufacturer’s instructions is paramount for effectiveness and safety.

Safety Precautions Before Attempting to Relight the Pilot Light

When it comes to gas appliances, safety must always be the top priority. There are important precautions to take before attempting to relight your water heater’s pilot light.

First, check the area around the water heater for the smell of gas. If you detect any gas odour, immediately leave the area and call the gas company or emergency services. Do not turn on any lights, appliances, or ignition sources until the leak is fixed.

If there is no gas smell, ensure the area is well-ventilated before proceeding. Open all windows and doors in the vicinity to allow any built-up gas to dissipate. Never strike matches or create sparks near the water heater.

Put on safety glasses to protect your eyes when working near the pilot light. Carefully follow all instructions in your owner’s manual to relight pilot effectively. Many manuals advise waiting 10 minutes after turning off the gas before attempting to relight the pilot to allow gas fumes to clear.

Ensuring safety precautions are taken will allow you to relight the pilot light effectively. However, if the pilot does not stay lit after several attempts, call a professional for assistance to avoid risks from gas leaks or malfunctions.

Locating the Pilot Light Assembly

The pilot light assembly is typically located behind an access panel on the exterior of the water heater. Removing this panel grants you access to the burner assembly and pilot light components.

Inside the access panel, you should see the gas control valve which regulates gas flow to the pilot light and main burner. Attached to this valve is the pilot light igniter button. Further in the assembly sits the pilot light itself - a small nozzle aligned with a thermocouple sensor.

The pilot light may be recessed within the burner chamber. Look for a small opening housing a metal nozzle 1-2 inches long. This is the pilot light which emits a small flame used to ignite the main burner when hot water is needed.

Visually inspect the pilot light area before attempting to relight it. Check for any obstructions blocking gas flow like spider webs, dust or debris. Make sure you have located the correct pilot light for your particular water heater model.

With the assembly now accessible, you can move forward in relighting the pilot. Always refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific guidance on safely lighting your water heater’s pilot.

Tools Needed for Relighting the Pilot Light

Relighting your water heater’s pilot light does not require any specialised tools. Below are the basic items you’ll need to light pilot:

• Flashlight - To illuminate the pilot light assembly
• Long-reach lighter - A long barbecue lighter allows you to reach the pilot light nozzle
• Screwdriver - May be needed to open an access panel
• Safety glasses
• Manufacturer’s instructions

Ensure any tools are approved for use near gas appliances. Using a long-reach lighter provides the safest method to light pilot efficiently and ensure it remains stable. Have your owner’s manual on hand as a reference while relighting the pilot.

With these simple tools gathered, you can proceed to the next step of the relighting process - preparing the pilot light area and igniting the flame according to the detailed instructions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Relighting the Pilot Light

Manual Pilot Light

1. Ensure you have read the safety precautions and have the necessary tools on hand.
2. Locate the pilot light assembly behind the access panel.
3. Check for any obstructions blocking the pilot nozzle and clear any debris.
4. Turn the gas control knob to the "pilot" position.
5. Push down the gas control knob while rapidly clicking the igniter button to create sparks.
6. Continue holding down the control knob for 60 seconds after the pilot light ignites to allow the thermocouple to heat up.
7. Release the gas control knob and ensure the pilot light remains lit. If it goes out, repeat steps 5-7.
8. Once the pilot light stays lit, turn the gas control knob to "on" to enable the main burner.

Electronic Pilot Light

1. Ensure you have read the safety precautions and have the necessary tools on hand.
2. Locate the pilot light assembly behind the access panel.
3. Check for any obstructions near the pilot nozzle and clear any debris.
4. Turn on the power switch/circuit breaker to the electronic gas valve.
5. Press the reset button on the gas valve for 1-2 seconds.
6. A sensor will automatically ignite the pilot light once you release the reset button.
7. Verify that the status light indicates the pilot flame is lit.
8. Enable the main burner by turning the thermostat above room temperature.

Manual Lighting Instructions

1. Ensure you have read all safety precautions and have the necessary tools on hand, including a long-reach lighter.
2. Locate the pilot light assembly behind the access panel and turn the gas control knob to the "pilot" position.
3. If your water heater has a piezo igniter button, push it repeatedly while holding down the gas control knob.
4. If there is no igniter button, use your long lighter to ignite the pilot light nozzle. Hold the knob down for 60 seconds once lit.
5. Carefully release the gas control knob and verify the pilot light remains ignited. If it goes out, repeat steps 2-4.
6. Once the pilot flame holds, turn the gas control knob to "on" to enable gas flow to the main burner.

Electronic Ignition System Instructions

Water heaters with electronic ignition eliminate the need for a standing pilot light. Instead, an electric spark ignites the burner as needed. Here are the steps for relighting the pilot on an electronic ignition system:

1. Ensure you have read all safety precautions and have the necessary tools on hand to relight pilot.
2. Locate the pilot light assembly behind the access panel and turn on the power via the switch or circuit breaker, ready to light pilot when indicated.
3. Press the igniter button or turn the thermostat above room temperature to activate the ignition sequence. You should hear a clicking sound as the electric spark attempts to light.
4. A sensor will detect when the pilot light ignites. A status light will indicate that the flame is lit.
5. If the system fails to ignite after several attempts to relight pilot, follow the manufacturer’s troubleshooting tips before calling a professional.

The main benefit of electronic ignition is enhanced safety and reliability. There is no standing pilot light to leak gas or risk blowing out. There is no standing pilot light to leak gas or risk blowing out.

Consult your manual for specific operating details.

Troubleshooting Tips if the Pilot Light Fails to Stay Lit

It can be frustrating if you follow all the proper steps yet the pilot light continues to go out after lighting. There are a few common issues that may cause the flame to not stay lit.

A faulty thermocouple is often the culprit if the pilot goes out after successfully lighting. The thermocouple is responsible for detecting the pilot flame and signalling to the gas control valve to continue the gas flow. If it malfunctions, the valve shuts off the gas even though the pilot remains lit.

The gas control valve itself may also fail to work properly. Valve components can wear out over time preventing smooth gas flow regulation. If the pilot goes out immediately after ignition, a problem with the gas valve could be preventing gas from reaching the pilot nozzle.

Other potential causes include debris build-up around the pilot light, a weak flame due to low gas line pressure, or defects in the igniter or burner assembly itself.

Start troubleshooting by clearing any noticeable debris around the pilot nozzle as this alone may solve flame outage issues. If problems persist, resist attempting complex repairs yourself and contact Miranda Plumbing to have a licenced technician diagnose the specific issue.

When to Call a Professional for Assistance

While relighting your pilot light may seem like a convenient DIY project, there are certain situations where it’s imperative to call a professional for assistance.

First and foremost, if you still detect a gas smell after attempting to relight the pilot, immediately leave the area and call Miranda Plumbing on 1300 349 338. Persistent gas odours indicate a dangerous leak that must be addressed by a licenced technician.

If you followed all troubleshooting tips yet the pilot light continues going out, refrain from repeated attempts and contact our experts. The issue likely requires repairs beyond routine relighting that a qualified plumber can properly diagnose and fix.

If your water heater is more than 10 years old, the pilot assembly may need replacing. Parts become defective over time, compromising safe functionality. Trust Miranda Plumbing’s certified technicians to determine if a complete pilot assembly replacement is the safest option.

Don’t hesitate to email jobs@mirandaplumbingservices.com.au or call 1300 349 338 to book an appointment if you have concerns about the pilot light staying lit. As your local Sydney plumbers, we’re always happy to provide reliable assistance to restore your access to hot water.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Having access to hot water is essential for daily life. We hope this article has equipped you with the necessary information to safely relight the pilot light on your gas water heater.

The key takeaways are: always put safety first by checking for gas leaks and allowing built-up gas to dissipate before relighting; Follow manufacturer’s instructions closely; ensure you have gathered the required tools and protective equipment ahead of time; and apply the detailed procedures specific to your water heater to light pilot efficiently.

While routine pilot light maintenance can often be a DIY project, don’t hesitate to call in a professional if you have persistent issues getting the flame to hold. Miranda Plumbing’s licenced technicians have extensive experience troubleshooting pilot light problems to get your hot water back up and running.

Prevent pilot outages in the future by keeping the assembly clean and having your water heater serviced annually. As your local Sydney plumbers, Miranda Plumbing is always here to help with all your gas appliance maintenance needs or emergencies.

For additional advice or to book an appointment, contact us at 1300 349 338 or jobs@mirandaplumbingservices.com.au. Restore reliable access to hot water in your home today.