Gas Water Heater Pilot Light Troubleshooting

The pilot light in your hot water heater does more than simply ignite the gas.

Gas water heater pilot light troubleshooting.

Turn the gas control knob to the pilot setting then depress the button and hold it there. Watch carefully for a gas flame to appear at the end of the pilot light tube. Most gas hot water heaters us a pilot light to ignite the burner. Once there is a need for heating or call from a thermostat a gas control valve releases the gas into the main burner and the pilot light ignites the gas.

If the gas is lit it fully opens the main valve to provide a steady supply of gas. If this pilot light ever goes out. A thermocouple senses the heat of the pilot and allows gas to flow to the burner. A guide to gas water heater troubleshooting.

A bad thermocouple will shut off gas to both the pilot and the. It starts the whole process by first supplying a small amount of gas to the pilot light. There are some more expensive models that use electronic ignition. Without it the water heater won t be able to maintain internal temperatures allowing the water to cool off.

The most common problems. A pilot light is always burning while using a small amount of gas either a water heater is running or not. Troubleshooting low performance insufficient hot water pilot light problems improper gas combustion issues with the pilot light thermocouple gas burner venting and other common issues. It s the soul of your water heater.

When the pilot light goes out for any reason the thermocouple closes the burner s gas supply valve to prevent gas escaping and filling your house. Gas hot water heater troubleshooting always seems to start with the pilot light. Gas heater pilot light troubleshooting. With the other hand use a long handled lighter to apply flame to the end of the pilot light gas tube.

Although a blocked gas line is one reason why the pilot light on a rheem water heater won t light or stay lit there are other reasons as well some easier to correct than others. Light the pilot. A faulty thermocouple or malfunction of the gas valve could be the culprit but the problem may be as simple as a draft coming from a crack in the wall or under the door. 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.

With standard pilot light water heaters. The main control valve is responsible for regulating the heater s gas and water pressure. Pilot light issues are some of the most common problems experienced with gas water heaters. If your hot water heater suddenly stops working chances are a bad thermocouple has shut off the gas to the pilot light.