If you happen to’re a home-owner, that your water heater is among the most necessary home equipment in your house. It gives you with scorching water for showers, baths, dishes, and laundry. Nevertheless, if the pilot gentle in your water heater goes out, you may be left with out scorching water till you will get it relit. On this article, we’ll present you the right way to flip off the pilot gentle in your water heater safely and simply.
Earlier than you begin, you may want to collect a number of instruments. You will 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 palms. Upon getting your instruments, you may observe these steps to show off the pilot gentle in your water heater:
First, find the fuel management valve in your water heater. That is normally situated close to the underside of the water heater. As soon as you have discovered the fuel management valve, flip it to the “off” place. It will shut off the fuel provide to the pilot gentle. Subsequent, find the pilot gentle meeting. That is normally situated 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 may 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, substitute the entry panel and the fuel management valve to the “on” place. Your water heater is now turned off.
Figuring out the Pilot Mild
The pilot gentle is a small flame that burns constantly to ignite the primary burner fuel provide if you flip in your water heater. It’s sometimes situated on the backside of the water heater, both in entrance or on the aspect. That will help you find the pilot gentle, observe these steps:
1. Find the entry panel
Search for a small door or panel on the entrance or aspect of the water heater. This panel will present entry to the management space, the place the pilot gentle is situated.
|
Water Heater Kind |
Location of Entry Panel |
|---|---|
|
Fuel |
Backside entrance or aspect |
| Electrical |
N/A (no pilot gentle) |
2. Open the entry panel
To open the entry panel, merely carry it up or pull it in direction of you. Watch out to not power it, as it could 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 would resemble a small steel tube with a flame burning at one finish. The flame could also be small and troublesome 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 forestall any potential hazards:
1. Shut Off the Fuel Provide
Find the fuel management valve close to the underside of the water heater and switch it clockwise to the “off” place. It will lower off the move of fuel to the pilot gentle and stop any additional combustion.
2. Extinguish the Pilot Mild
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 fuel 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 an expert 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 palms to extinguish the pilot gentle, as this may end up in burns.
3. Look ahead to the Water Heater to Cool
After extinguishing the pilot gentle, give the water heater ample time to chill down fully. This may 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 fuel provide. To do that, find the fuel valve on the aspect of the water heater. This valve is normally a pink or blue lever. Flip the lever perpendicular to the fuel line to close off the fuel.
In case your water heater is related to a pure fuel line, you might want to make use of a wrench to show off the fuel valve. To do that, place the wrench on the nut that secures the lever. Flip the nut clockwise to close off the fuel.
| Fuel Kind | Valve Location |
|---|---|
| Pure Fuel | Facet of the water heater |
| Propane | Outdoors the home, close to the propane tank |
As soon as the fuel provide is shut off, you may proceed to the subsequent step of turning off the pilot gentle.
Extinguishing the Flame
As soon as you have situated the pilot gentle meeting, you may have to observe these steps to extinguish the flame:
- Flip off the fuel provide. That is sometimes completed by turning a valve situated close to the water heater.
- Wait a couple of minutes. It will enable the fuel to dissipate from the road.
- Find the pilot gentle. The pilot gentle is normally a small flame situated 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 by utilizing a bit of paper or cardboard to softly fan it out.
Extra Suggestions for Extinguishing the Flame
- If you happen to’re unable to extinguish the flame by blowing on it, you may attempt utilizing a can of compressed air. Simply make sure 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, it’s best to 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 Mild 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 kind and age of the water heater. Nevertheless, as a basic guideline, it is advisable to attend for a minimum of 5 minutes, and ideally longer, to present the pilot gentle ample time to chill down.
Throughout this cooling interval, it is important to maintain the fuel valve closed to forestall any fuel from coming into the combustion chamber.
Listed here are some extra suggestions for ready for the pilot gentle to chill:
| Tip | Cause |
|---|---|
| Maintain kids and pets away from the world | To stop unintended burns |
| Ventilate the room | To dissipate any residual fuel fumes |
| Use a flashlight or headlamp | To supply higher illumination for inspection |
Security Precautions
Earlier than continuing, guarantee you’ve the required instruments and security gear. All the time observe the producer’s directions and native codes in your particular water heater mannequin.
Find the Pilot Mild Meeting
Determine the pilot gentle meeting on the water heater. It is normally situated close to the underside and incorporates a small, adjustable valve.
Flip Off the Fuel Provide
Shut the fuel provide valve to the water heater. This valve is usually situated on the fuel line close to the heater.
Extinguish the Pilot Mild
Find the pilot gentle management knob and switch it to the “Off” or “Pilot Off” place. It will extinguish the flame.
Look ahead to the Fuel to Dissipate
Enable a number of minutes for any remaining fuel to dissipate from the pilot gentle meeting earlier than continuing additional.
Take away the Pilot Mild Meeting (if Obligatory)
If obligatory, take away the pilot gentle meeting by unscrewing the retaining screws or nuts. Be cautious to not harm the meeting or surrounding elements.
Relighting the Pilot Mild (Elective)
Comply with these steps if you happen to want to relight the pilot gentle after turning it off:
Reconnect the Pilot Mild Meeting
If you happen to 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 fuel provide valve to permit fuel to move into the pilot gentle meeting.
Ignite the Pilot Mild
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 out there.
Modify the Pilot Flame
As soon as the pilot gentle is ignited, alter the management valve to acquire a small, steady flame. Usually, a flame top of 1/2 to 1 inch is advisable.
Troubleshooting Frequent Points
Pilot Mild Will Not Keep Lit
Potential Trigger:
– Broken thermocouple
– Defective fuel valve
– Obstruction within the fuel line
Answer:
– Exchange thermocouple
– Exchange fuel valve
– Clear obstruction from fuel line
Pilot Mild Lights however Goes Out After a Few Seconds
Potential Trigger:
– Inadequate fuel stress
– Soiled fuel line
– Malfunctioning igniter
Answer:
– Test fuel stress and alter if obligatory
– Clear fuel line
– Exchange igniter
Pilot Mild Lights however Water Heater Does Not Warmth
Potential Trigger:
– Defective heating ingredient
– Broken thermostat
– Clogged burner
Answer:
– Exchange heating ingredient
– Exchange thermostat
– Clear burner
Water Heater Overheats
Potential Trigger:
– Defective thermostat
– Broken heating ingredient
– Clogged burner
Answer:
– Exchange thermostat
– Exchange heating ingredient
– Clear burner
Water Heater Produces Yellow Flame
Potential Trigger:
– Air within the fuel line
– Soiled burner
– Incorrect fuel combination
Answer:
– Bleed air from fuel line
– Clear burner
– Modify fuel combination
Pilot Mild Blows Out When Water Heater is Turned On
Potential 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 Fuel
Potential Trigger:
– Fuel leak within the fuel line
– Broken thermocouple
– Defective fuel valve
Answer:
– Flip off fuel provide and name a licensed plumber instantly
Sustaining Your Water Heater
Primary 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 Mild
Recurrently test the pilot gentle 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 amassed particles. Use a mushy brush to softly take away mud and filth 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 substitute it when obligatory 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 Mild
When servicing the water heater or throughout prolonged intervals of non-use, flip off the pilot gentle. 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 gentle, thermostat, and ignition supply. Contact a licensed plumber for skilled help if the issue persists.
Turning Off the Pilot Mild on a Water Heater
Supplies:
| Screwdriver | |
| Directions: | |
| 1. Security first: Flip off the fuel provide to the water heater. | |
| 2. Find the pilot gentle meeting on the water heater’s backside. | |
| 3. Flip the fuel 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 fuel management knob to the “Pilot” place. | |
| 7. The pilot gentle ought to stay lit. |
Shutting Off the Pilot Mild
To show off the pilot gentle, observe these steps:
- Find the water heater’s fuel 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 may flip off the fuel 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 fuel management valve or the thermocouple.
- The fuel management valve could also be defective and have to be changed.
- The thermocouple could also be broken and have to be changed.
Skilled Help (When Obligatory)
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
You need to name a plumber if you happen to expertise any of the next issues:
| Signal | Potential Trigger |
|---|---|
| The pilot gentle won’t keep lit. | Defective fuel management valve or thermocouple. |
| The water heater is leaking fuel. | Broken fuel line or fuel management valve. |
| The water heater shouldn’t be heating the water correctly. | Defective thermostat or heating ingredient. |
1. Find the Fuel Valve
The fuel valve is usually situated close to the underside of the water heater. It would have a knob or lever you could flip to show off the fuel.
2. Flip Off the Fuel Valve
Flip the knob or lever on the fuel valve clockwise to show off the fuel. Chances are you’ll hear a click on when the valve is totally closed.
3. Look ahead to the Pilot Mild to Go Out
After you flip off the fuel 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 Mild
As soon as the pilot gentle has gone out, you may 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 hassle turning off the pilot gentle, there are some things you may attempt:
- Test to ensure that the fuel 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, you might 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 fuel 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 Must Flip Off the Pilot Mild?
There are a number of the reason why you would possibly want to show off the pilot gentle 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 Usually Ought to I Flip Off the Pilot Mild?
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 happening trip or if the water heater shouldn’t be working correctly.
9. Can I Flip Off the Pilot Mild on an Electrical Water Heater?
No, you can not flip off the pilot gentle on an electrical water heater. Electrical water heaters would not have a pilot gentle.
10. Troubleshooting Frequent Issues with the Pilot Mild
| Drawback | Answer |
|---|---|
| The pilot gentle won’t keep lit. | There could also be an issue with the thermocouple or the fuel valve. Name an expert 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 ingredient or the thermostat. Name an expert to troubleshoot the issue. |
| The pilot gentle is flickering. | There could also be an issue with the fuel stress. Name an expert to troubleshoot the issue. |
How one can Flip Off Pilot Mild on Water Heater
Turning off the pilot gentle on a water heater is a straightforward and easy course of. Nevertheless, 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 the right way to flip off the pilot gentle on a water heater:
- Flip off the fuel provide to the water heater. That is sometimes completed by turning a valve situated close to the underside of the water heater.
- Wait a couple of minutes for the fuel to dissipate from the fuel line.
- Find the pilot gentle meeting. That is sometimes situated on the backside of the water heater close to the fuel valve.
- Depress the pilot gentle knob and maintain it down. You need to hear a clicking sound because the fuel flows by way of 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 may safely gentle it once more by following the producer’s directions. Nevertheless, in case you are not snug turning off the pilot gentle your self, it’s best to 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. You may also test 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 difficulty with the pilot gentle meeting or the fuel provide. You need to contact a professional technician to diagnose and restore the problem.
How a lot does it value to interchange a pilot gentle on a water heater?
The associated fee to interchange 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 may anticipate to pay between $50 and $150 for the substitute.
