Water Heater Pilot Light Won T Work

When the water heater pilot light goes out first try relighting it following the directions on the water heater label.

Water heater pilot light won t work. Otherwise if the pilot light is not functioning correctly the unit won t turn on and you won t have hot water. It is located near the bottom of the tank. If the pilot doesn t relight if it goes out right after lighting or if the pilot light keeps going out by far the most common cause is a bad thermocouple. A bad thermocouple will shut off gas to both the pilot and the burner which is when people notice that the water heater pilot light is out.

If the pilot light on a unit ever goes out gas may be released into the environment around the water heater which creates a dangerous explosion risk and health hazard. Thermocouple problems can be fairly common and this component is often the culprit when the water heater pilot keeps going out. Note that most of the older and economy gas water heaters are equipped with the pilot while newer advanced models utilize piezoelectric sparks or a hot surface igniter which is more durable and reliable. 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.

The control valve is the box located by the access cover. Remove the pilot light access cover. If the thermocouple is bent too far away from the pilot the entire water heater will not function properly. If your water heater s burner is defective then this is likely to affect ignition which may cause the pilot s light to go off.

You ll get your hot water going without waiting for a pro to show up and save the cost of a service call for a gas. If the smell does not dissipate replace the heater s control valve before proceeding. This device is designed to pick up an electrical signal from the pilot light s heat to determine whether or not the pilot is on. You can usually replace a thermocouple for minimal cost and in less than an hour.

If the pilot light does not relight or if it goes out again right after lighting the most common cause is a bad thermocouple. Turn on your hot water tap and wait for about 4 5 minutes for the burner to ignite. How to light the pilot light on a john wood pro series flame guard water heater. When working properly the pilot light will hit the thermocouple rod which generates a small electrical current to keep the gas valve open.

Thermocouples are an essential part of gas powered heating appliances. Your water heater pilot light works in concert with other parts. When your thermocouple detects an unlit pilot it automatically shuts off the gas to your water heater as a safety precaution. If you do not have any hot water and you have one of these water heaters ch.

Here are some of the reasons your water heater will not light and some troubleshooting methods. 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.