Relight Your Gas Hot Water Pilot Light

Introduction to Relighting Your Gas Water Heater’s Pilot Light

Having a reliable supply of hot water is essential for every Sydney household. However, if you notice your hot water taps running cold, the issue may lie with an extinguished pilot light on your gas water heater.

As experienced Penrith plumbing professionals, we know that relighting your pilot light is often an easy fix to restore hot water functionality. The key is understanding the correct and safe procedure for your system.

In this article, we’ll walk through the necessary steps to get your water heater’spilot light going again. In this article, we’ll walk through the necessary steps to get your water heater’spilot light going again.

We’ll cover precautions to take, tools required, and techniques for both manual and electronic ignition types.

By following our advice, Penrith residents can avoid the hassle and expense of a full hot water heater replacement. Instead, use our instructions to get your existing system working properly again.

Safety Precautions Before Attempting to Relight the Pilot

When dealing with gas appliances, safety should always be the number one priority. Before attempting to relight your water heater’spilot light, follow these vital precautions:

1. If you detect any gas smell, immediately turn off the gas control valve on the water heater and evacuate the area. Call the gas company or Penrith Plumbing for assistance.
2. After turning off the gas, wait at least 5 minutes for any built-up gas to dissipate before relighting. This prevents risk of explosion.
3. Ensure good ventilation by opening doors/windows and using a fan to remove lingering gas odours.
4. Have a working smoke alarm and fire extinguisher on hand.
5. Only relight the pilot light if you are completely sure all gas has dissipated. When in doubt, contact the experts at Penrith Plumbing.

By taking these simple precautions, you can safely relight pilot light of your water heater and restore hot water functionality. If issues persist, our skilled Penrith plumbers are ready to help diagnose and repair your system.

Tools and Materials Needed

Understanding how relight your gas water heater’s pilot light is straightforward if you have the right equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Long-reach barbecue lighter - The extra-long nozzle makes it easier to reach the pilot light assembly located at the base of your water heater.
• Ignition stick or extended matches (optional) - Helpful for lighting hard-to-reach pilot lights.
• Flashlight - Illuminates the inside of the water heater compartment.
• Screwdriver - For opening the water heater’s access panel.
• Replacement igniter (for electronic ignition types) - If troubleshooting steps don’t restore functionality.

Typically a long-barbecue lighter is suitable for manual pilot light relighting. For electronic ignition water heaters, you simply need to push the igniter button and listen for the pilot flame to ignite.

Locating the Pilot Light Assembly

To locate your gas water heater’s pilot light assembly, follow these steps:

1. Turn the control knob on your water heater to the “pilot” position.
2. Remove the access panel, typically found at the base of the tank, using a screwdriver. Shine a flashlight to illuminate the compartment.
3. Look for a small metal tube coming from the gas control valve. This is the pilot light assembly. There will be a tiny opening at the end from which the flame emerges.
4. Familiarise yourself with this location so you can comfortably relight your pilot light in the next steps.

Once you’ve located the pilot light assembly, you’re ready to begin the relighting process. Refer back to this position when instructed to light your pilot.

Step-by-Step Process for Manually Relighting the Pilot

If your gas water heater has a manual pilot light ignition system, follow these steps to get the pilot relit:

1. Turn the gas control knob/valve on the water heater to the "Off" position and wait 5 minutes.
2. Turn the knob to the "Pilot" setting.
3. Hold a long lighter or barbecue lighter near the pilot assembly to light pilot and ignite the gas coming from the small opening.
4. Keep holding the lighter flame at the pilot opening for 30-60 seconds after it ignites to properly heat the thermocouple.
5. Release the lighter then keep the gas control knob depressed for another 30 seconds. This allows any trapped air to clear from the gas line.
6. Release the control knob and check that the pilot remains lit. If it stays on, your water heater’s pilot light is successfully relit.

By carefully following this procedure, you can manually reignite your water heater’s pilot when problems arise. If issues persist, call our Penrith plumbing team for further troubleshooting assistance.

Step-by-Step Process for Electronic Ignition Systems

Modern gas water heaters often feature electronic ignition systems that automate and simplify relighting the pilot. Follow these safe steps to relight the pilot if you have this type of setup:

1. Rotate the gas control knob/valve on the water heater to the "Off" position and wait 5 minutes for any gas buildup to dissipate.
2. Turn knob to "Pilot" setting.
3. Push the red igniter button next to the knob. You should hear the electric spark igniting the pilot gas.
4. Check for the pilot flame through the sight glass window on the tank. Also confirm the pilot indicator light on the gas valve is illuminated.
5. If the pilot doesn’t ignite after a few tries, replace the AA battery that powers the igniter.
6. Once lit, keep the pilot knob depressed for 30 seconds then release. Verify it remains on.
7. Finally, turn the gas knob to "On." The main burner will ignite and reheat your water.

With some simple troubleshooting, an electronic ignition system makes it easy to relight your pilot whenever needed. Call our skilled Penrith plumbers if problems recur after following these instructions.

Verifying the Pilot Stays Lit

After relighting your water heater’s pilot, it’s crucial to verify that the flame remains steadily lit. Here’s how to confirm:

1. Check the pilot light observation window on the tank if your unit is equipped with one. Ensure the pilot flame is still visibly burning.
2. Touch the pilot burner tube gently after a minute. It should be hot to the touch, indicating the pilot is lit.
3. Turn on a hot water tap. If you get hot water, this signifies the pilot flame successfully ignited the main burner.
4. Monitor the pilot periodically over the next hour. Make sure it continues burning and doesn’t go out.
5. Also check that all control knobs/valves are in their correct positions after relighting. For example, the main gas valve should be open again so hot water flows.

You’ll know your water heater’s pilot light is functioning properly if the flame remains steadily lit during this verification process. If it repeatedly goes out, contact our team at Penrith Plumbing for further troubleshooting assistance.

Troubleshooting Tips if the Pilot Won’t Stay Lit

A temperamental pilot light that won’t remain lit can be frustrating. Here are some common reasons the flame goes out and tips to troubleshoot:

• Faulty thermocouple - This safety device shuts off gas flow if the pilot flame extinguishes. Replace it if it fails to sense heat properly.
• Obstructed pilot orifice - Dirt, soot or spider webs can block the tiny nozzle opening. Carefully clean the orifice.
• Incorrect gas valve settings - If control knobs were not returned to the proper positions after relighting, gas flow may be interrupted.
• Moisture buildup - Small water droplets or condensation inside the gas lines or pilot tube can impede gas flow. Gently heat components with a hairdryer.
• Draughty area - Pilots can blow out if exposed to strong air currents inside the heater compartment. Block drafts.

With some simple troubleshooting checks, you can often determine why your newly lit pilot light refuses to stay on. If problems persist after multiple relighting attempts, call our skilled Penrith plumbers for professional assistance getting your hot water flowing reliably again.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While relighting your water heater’s pilot light is often an easy DIY fix, we understand that persistent issues can be frustrating. If your pilot repeatedly goes out after several troubleshooting attempts, it’s best to call in a professional.

As experienced emergency plumbers serving Penrith and surrounding regions, Penrith Plumbing has the expertise to diagnose and properly repair temperamental pilot lights for good. We know that every home relies on consistent hot water supply.

Gas appliances that malfunction can potentially leak deadly carbon monoxide into your household if not addressed promptly and safely. Our technicians are fully licenced and equipped to inspect your entire system and identify risks.

For the safety of both yourself and your family, trust the local Penrith plumbing professionals whenever you experience:

• An exhausted pilot that refuses to stay lit after multiple relighting attempts
• The faint smell of gas coming from your water heater
• Changes in the colour, shape or size of the pilot light flame
• Any other abnormal issues with your hot water system

Don’t play guessing games with household gas systems. One quick call to Penrith Plumbing on 1300 349 338 can give you peace of mind that your water heater is functioning reliably or schedule an urgent repair if needed.

As part of the Penrith community ourselves, we truly care about the safety and satisfaction of local homeowners. Our team is ready 24/7 to answer questions or efficiently restore hot water functionality.

For prompt and dependable emergency plumbing services, trust Penrith Plumbing to keep your home comfortable and safe.