How to Light Your Water Heater
Lighting your hot water heater is possible by yourself, but there are some basic safety measures you must take to ensure that you do so safely. If your pilot light is going off by itself, it indicates that there is something wrong with your system. You should hire a professional to check your system to ensure you’re not living with an unsafe condition.
There are two different styles of water heaters. Older models have an access panel at the bottom of the tank, and you can light these water heaters with a match. Modern style water heaters have a sealed burner. The light can be started with a push-button spark system.
Safety Precautions
When lighting a heater, it’s important to take the right safety precautions. If you smell gas, it’s important to call a technician immediately since that can cause a hazardous condition. Call your gas supplier immediately if you do smell gas, and keep the area well-ventilated.
A professional plumber can test the entire unit for leaks as well. Special tools are available to help professionals detect when a system is not safe for use. This is something you shouldn’t attempt to complete on your own. If you don’t smell gas while standing near the heater, the next step is to kneel down and sniff around the control valve.
Utility companies put an agent in natural gas so that you know when there is a leak. Gas in its natural state is odorless, which can make it dangerous for use in residential and commercial applications. The agent added to natural gas gives it a sulfur smell.
Understanding Why Pilot Lights Go Out
There are several possible reasons for a pilot light to go out. The most common reason is the thermocouple. This is a sensor that is used to measure the temperature. It consists of two wire legs that are made of two different metals. They are welded together at one end to create a connection. These wires measure the temperature at the point where they connect. This works to determine the heat level of your unit. If it goes out, then you need to replace it.
Only a plumbing professional who is certified to complete your water heater repair can be of assistance. Don’t attempt to complete this repair on your own.
The heater pilot orifice controls the flow of gas to the pilot light. They are engineered to strict tolerances, and even the smallest amount of debris will interact with its ability to function properly. If the thermocouple is in good working order, you may have a restriction in the orifice that is causing the issue with your pilot light. If this is the case, the orifice needs to be removed and cleaned. You’ll have to shut the gas off and remove the burner to clean the orifice.
The orifice looks like a tiny brass cap, and it has a small hole in the center of it. You can see if it’s clogged by holding it up to the light and blowing through the hole. A professional technician will clean and replace the cap if necessary.
There is also a burner orifice that needs to be cleaned in most cases. If the pilot orifice is dirty, then chances are good that the burner orifice is dirty as well. Pressure from the gas can push small debris up through the line and out the other end of the port. While it’s uncommon for these orifices to clog, it can happen and it will affect the ability of your water heater to function well.
If the gas valve goes out, the best way to check if it’s working properly is with a meter. A water heater repair professional can check the gas valve to make sure everything is working correctly and that your heater is safe to light. If there is an issue, the valve can be repaired safely by an experienced technician. These valves go by many names, including control valves, gas thermostats and gas control valves.
The gas valve works to control both the pilot light and the temperature of the water. When you light the pilot, a button on the valve is depressed and gas gets sent through the system to the pilot head. Then, the thermocouple is heated. There are several different styles of gas valves. Some have an integrated pilot button and others have a separate knob for the pilot. Your technician will know which type you have, and can help you replace any faulty parts.
It’s important to note that a water gas valve can’t be repaired. The valve must be replaced. If you have an older unit, it can be difficult to find the right part for your system. It’s very important to call a professional if you can’t turn the control knob. Never attempt to force it to turn. There is a safety mechanism known as a high limit. It will shut down the gas valve in serious cases. The system will need to be replaced at this point and it will not reset itself.
Lighting a Water Heater System
Before lighting the system, determine if you have an older or newer system. An older system will require you to use a match. A newer system will have a simple push-button start to get the pilot light started.
Begin by setting the temperature control knob to the lowest possible setting. This is important since you don’t want too much gas flowing through the system. Once you’ve set the temperature, set the on-off control to the setting designed for lighting the pilot. You’ll then want to push the hot water pilot button down and hold it down. Press down the spark generator button. When you hear it click, you should see a spark and the pilot light should light. Keep holding the pilot button down for about 30 seconds after the pilot light is lit.
Troubleshooting Pilot Lighting Issues
There may be air in the line if the pilot light doesn’t light. To correct this, you should press the spark generator every 10 seconds until the pilot lights up. This will clear the air from the line, but you should consult with a professional to make sure there aren’t any other issues at play.
If you don’t hold down the pilot button after you light the pilot, the flame will likely go out. The thermocouple has to heat up before the button is released. Make sure you also set the on/off knob to the on position. Turn the temperature control knob to the desired setting, and you should be able to hear the burner light. It will make a whooshing sound when lit, and you should see the flame through the glass.
Keeping the air vents clean is essential to maintain proper operation. If they aren’t maintained, the heater could shut down because of a lack of oxygen. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace the gas control knob and the safety shut-off switch. For this reason, it’s important to get regular maintenance to avoid costly water heater repair. This way, you’ll keep it in peak operating condition and avoid issues later on.
For the best water heater maintenance services in Mason, OH and the surrounding cities, call NixCo Plumbing by dialing (513) 445-5142.