How to Light Your Water Heater
If you have noticed that your hot water heater is no longer producing heated water for you, the pilot light in your water heating appliance may be to blame.
The pilot light can go out for a number of reasons, including a sudden drop in gas pressure that may have already corrected itself to problems with the unit that require professional water heater repair from a plumber.
You can attempt to re-light the pilot light on your own to determine if professional repair service is needed, and these are the steps that you can follow to ensure that the process is completed safely.
However, if you feel uncomfortable lighting the unit on your own, keep in mind that a plumber can help you to complete the process.
Preparing to Light the Unit
There are a few steps that you should take to prepare to re-light the pilot light. First, get out a long-handled lighter, such as what you may use when barbecuing or lighting a fire in the fireplace. Second, turn the knob for the gas regulator valve to the “Off” position. This valve is located at the base of most water heating units, near where the main gas line enters the unit.
Open the lid or flap to the pilot light area, which is also typically located at the base of the unit. Allow several minutes for the gas to clear away for safety purposes.
Keep in mind if you smell a significant amount of gas at this point, you may have a gas leak, and you should contact a plumber immediately and get out of the house while you wait for help to arrive.
Re-Lighting the Pilot Light
Now, you are ready to re-light the pilot light. Look at the pilot light area to ensure that the area is clean and free of debris. Remove any particles that are blocking the gas line feed area.
Then, turn the gas regulator valve to the “Ignite” position. Some units have an ignition button. When the valve is in the “Ignite position or when you press the ignition button, you should hear a clicking sound.
This indicates that the unit is ready to be re-lit. Use the long-handled lighter to light the unit. In most cases, the unit will light without hassle or concern.
However, if it does not light while you hear the clicking sound or if you do not hear the clicking sound, these are signs that your unit requires repair work from a professional plumber. If the unit lights perfectly, watch it for several minutes to ensure that the flame does not go out.
Finalizing the Process
If the pilot light goes out, you can repeat the process. If it goes out again, repair work may be needed. When the light has remained lit for several minutes or longer, you can return the cover or flap over the light into a protective position. Turn the valve knob to the “On” position. This should finalize the process.
However, bear in mind that the hot water heating unit will require several minutes or longer to fully heat up all of the water in the tank again. If the pilot light is lit and the water in the tank does not heat up, you may have a problem that requires professional repair work.
When to Call a Professional to Your Home
Most people will be able to re-light their pilot light on their water heating unit without a problem, but there are some instances when professional water heater repair work is needed on the unit. Some people are not comfortable lighting the pilot light on their own because it involves working with gas, and this can be intimidating.
Others may attempt to follow these steps and may not be able to successfully re-light the pilot light. In either instance, professional help is available through a plumber. A plumber can diagnose any problems that the water heater may have, such as a faulty ignition button or an issue with a thermosensor.
These are issues that require professional repair service, and your plumber can correct these or other issues quickly so that you can soon enjoy the benefit of having heated water in your San Jose home.
Having hot water in your San Jose home may be a creature comfort that you take for granted most days of the year, but when there is a problem with your hot water heater, you may quickly realize that this is a comfort that you do not want to live without. These steps will help you to re-light the pilot light with ease in most cases.
However, if you have trouble re-lighting it on your own, this may be a sign that professional help is needed. Contact a plumber for assistance with your pilot light today so that you can once again enjoy the full function of your heating unit.
Having trouble with your water heater in your San Jose, CA home? Call Genmor Plumbing, Inc. today at 408-215-4612.
