When there is no hot water for a shower and you cannot wash your hands, it is critical to contact a plumber about your non-working hot water tank. At Plumbing by Jake, we can be out there to help you in no time, no matter what the concern is. For some, it may be possible to learn how to find and relight your water heater’s pilot light, which could be a fast and easy solution to getting the hot water flowing again, so be sure to call our 24-hour emergency plumber in Bullhead City, AZ.
Why the Pilot Light on Your Hot Water Heater Matters
The pilot light on a hot water heater typically has a small blue flame burning at the base of the heater. It ignites the gas coming from your system to heat the water in your hot water tank. If that little light goes out, the natural gas cannot be ignited, and, therefore, it cannot heat the water in the tank.
If you have a traditional hot water heater, the pilot light is always on, running 24/7. It is a misconception that the light should come on in these systems when the hot water heater turns on. Instead, that sound you hear when the water heater does kick on is the valve releasing the gas to the burner, which is then warmed by the flame to heat the tank.
In situations where you do not have hot water coming from your faucet, chances are good the pilot light is not lit. That is even more likely if you look around the exterior of your tank, including the base, and do not see the small blue light glowing. If that is the case, you can learn how to light it, or you can give our plumbing team a call so we can do it for you.
It Is Possible to Relight Your Hot Water Heater Pilot Light
Most of the time, it is possible for a handy homeowner to light their pilot light if it goes out, but it is essential to know how to do so properly. You will need to be able to move around the system and follow a few tips to ensure you light it safely so that there is no risk of natural gas leaking or a fire occurring. Your first step is to make sure there is no debris or anything obstructing your view before you do this and make sure you do not smell gas (if you do, do not move forward and instead contact our team).
- Read the safety instructions printed on your hot water tank as the next step. This is important because each tank, especially newer models, is a bit different from each other.
- Next, local the hot water tank gas control valve knob. This is generally located at the bottom of the water heater. Turn off the gas and then wait at least 10 minutes before doing anything else.
- Move the control knob to the “pilot” position as the next step. Be sure the knob is fully pushed in when you do this. The knob should move just slightly when doing so.
- If your system has an electronic lighting and direct spark design, to light the pilot light, you will need to hold the gas control knob in place and then press the ignite button until you see a flame light and stay lit. Click the ignitor button about one time every second until you hear the click, and the light comes on.
- If you get a flashing light, that means it is lit and working properly. If there is no flashing, and you have tried it three times, that could mean that you need repairs from a plumbing team.
- Once the light is flashing, that means that your hot water heater pilot light is lit and working. You can then turn the gas control knob back to the previous position.
- Wait a few minutes and make sure the light stays on. If it goes back off for any reason, that may mean it is time to give our team a call for an inspection.
Locating your pilot light and relighting it is generally easy to do for most homeowners. However, when there are repeated needs to do this, that could indicate a bigger problem that requires professional inspection and possible repair. Our professionals can help you in these cases, so be sure to read our reviews.
Why Your Pilot Light Is Turning Off
It is not uncommon for a pilot light to fail once in a while, but if it happens more often, that means something is causing the pilot light to turn off that needs repair. There are various causes of pilot lights failing to remain lit. Some of the most common causes include:
- Changes in the gas pressure in your system. If there is any change in the amount of gas pressure due to a leak, that could lead to instability. Make sure there is no damage to any of your gas lines.
- Drafts can be a big problem in some areas as they can blow the light out. This may occur, for example, when you open a door or window nearby, and a rush of air occurs.
- Combustible air limitations are another factor. For the pilot light to function, a steady flow of air is necessary, but if there are any reasons why there is not enough air present, such as a blockage occurring, that could cause the problem.
Most of the time, these concerns should be inspected by a licensed professional. Any type of ongoing problem with a water heater warrants giving your plumbing team a call. Let us make sure no safety hazards exist in your home and be sure to read our FAQs to learn more.
Set Up a Repair Appointment with Our Team for Your Hot Water Heater
Plumbing by Jake offers comprehensive plumbing repair, installation, and maintenance services, including those for your hot water heater. If you are struggling to find and relight the pilot on your hot water tank, give us a call, and we will take care of the process for you. We are available 24 hours a day for help.