Ohio’s winters are cold and relentless! So, having warm running water is a must. However, Ohio’s winter months can be brutal! Don’t let a lack of warm running water in your home add to the misery. The likely culprit could very well be an extinguished pilot light on your water heater, and if you have never attempted to relight it before, Lebanon Plumbing & Drain is here for you. Read below for our step-by-step instructions that will help get the warmth back flowing through again quickly!
WHAT TOOLS DO YOU NEED TO RELIGHT YOUR WATER HEATER’S PILOT LIGHT?
- A long-reaching lighter or matchstick
- A flashlight
WHAT ARE THE EIGHT STEPS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO RELIGHT YOUR WATER HEATER’S PILOT LIGHT?
- Before you proceed, make sure to power the gas off by turning off the gas supply to your water heater – a crucial step when dealing with gas. To exercise optimal safety, wait at least five minutes before moving on to the next steps in the process. This confirms that all of the built-up gas has had sufficient time to fully disperse.
- Now, it’s time to locate the position of the pilot light opening. This is typically situated near the bottom of your water heater and hidden behind a small metal door or panel. This panel is known as the burner cover and may not be present on some models. If your specific water heater model has one, carefully remove the burner cover and set it aside, so you continue your task of relighting your pilot light.
- If you think that your water heater’s pilot light keeps getting snuffed out, it is probably due to a buildup of dirt or debris around the burner. Just be sure to carefully clean this area gently using a brush, toothbrush, or even a cotton swab to fix this issue. This helps to ensure your pilot light will remain lit.
- To proceed with the relighting process, rotate the knob on your pilot light assembly to the “pilot” setting. This will temporarily provide enough gas to your pilot light so that it can be reignited.
- Next, press and hold down the “reset” button with one hand while simultaneously bringing a lighter or matchstick close to the burner. When you see the pilot flame spark on, let go of the “reset” switch — and voila, you are done!
- It would be a good idea to take a moment to ensure it is burning steadily with a bluish tint.
- Don’t forget to turn the gas supply on once again.
- Be sure to firmly place the burner cover back in its rightful location.
Congratulations – you have successfully achieved relighting your water heater’s pilot light! However, if you have any concerns or are still dealing with pilot light issues, give Lebanon Plumbing & Drain today at (513) 427- 2443, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!