LIGHTING A WATER HEATER FOR THE FIRST TIME

How to Light Your Water Heater

The standing water in your boiler will turn cold if the pilot light goes out. This is a common problem that occurs quite frequently in Los Angeles homes with gas water heaters. Fortunately, this issue is pretty minor, and anyone with the slightest amount of tenacity can reignite the pilot light. You can get through the entire process in just a few minutes, but you need to find out why the gas went out before you begin.

Why Water Heater Pilot Lights Burn Out

Pilot lights will burn out if too much air or water comes into contact with the flame. If your tank is leaking, or if you recently flushed out the unit, water may have extinguished the fire. You may also have a small hole in your tank that is allowing air to reach the burner and put out the flame. This problem may also occur if the tank sits in an area that is too humid or abnormally cold and drafty.

In rare cases, an object or some sort of debris may be blocking the pilot opening. Sediment or fragments from the tank’s interior could smother the flame or obstruct the gas flow. You can also have a broken thermocouple or a gas line issue that could be affecting the operation of your tank. If you do smell fumes, the problem is no longer minor, and you will have to seek assistance from a water heater repair expert.

Checking and Preparing Your Boiler

Before you begin, remove the panel that blocks your access to the pilot light. You may need a screwdriver, but most panels will either slide or snap off. Use a flashlight to check the pilot light and surrounding area for debris, fragments, or some other obstruction. If everything is clear, you can start the process of relighting your pilot and reheating your water.

Is a gaseous odor lingering around your water heater? If so, you will not be able to complete this task because the risk is too great. If the gas comes in contact with a spark, it can combust and possibly harm you or someone in your home. Call the gas company or a boiler expert if you smell gas, even if the scent is faint. You may need to go without hot water for a while, but at least you will keep yourself safe.

To light the pilot, you will need to use a long-nozzle barbecue lighter. This will allow you to perform this task from a safe working distance. Manufacturers are starting to place lighting mechanisms on current boiler models. This is much more convenient and effective for the consumer, and it simplifies troubleshooting for the expert maintaining the unit.

Reigniting the Pilot Light

When you are ready, shut of the gas flow by turning the control dial. This should be a red or black dial with an OFF position and PILOT position. Place the dial on the OFF position and wait 5 – 10 minutes for the fumes to dissipate. Proceed with the next step when the smell of gas is totally absent from the area.

You should have access to the burner since you removed the panel earlier to check for obstructions. Double check the area and place the dial back into the PILOT position. You should see a separate red button on the regulator, or the gas-flow dial should double as a button. Depress this button to send gas through the thermocouple and onto the pilot. Ignite the burner with your barbecue lighter, and let the flame burn so it can warm the thermocouple.

Hold the regulator button down for 60 seconds to heat the tip of the thermocouple. This device must be hot so the safety valve will open and send gas to the pilot. If the thermocouple is too cool, the valve will close and extinguish the pilot light again. After 60 seconds, it should be hot enough to keep the blue flame lit.

Finishing the Task and Making Plans to Check the Unit Regularly

A large dial for controlling heat should be clearly visible on the regulator. Turn this dial to its highest point so the water will warm up faster. It should take about one hour for the water to heat up so you can use it for bathing and cooking. To conserve gas, turn down the heat a bit when the water temperature returns to normal.

Make sure you firmly replace the panel when the task is complete. On the base of the tank, you should have a clear glass opening that will allow you to check your pilot light occasionally. Try to do this often in your Los Angeles home, so you will not live without hot water for lengthy time periods. It will only take a few seconds to a minute, but this simple inspect will prevent you from living uncomfortably.

Your boiler will last much longer if a trained expert checks and maintains it regularly. For professional water heater repair services in Los Angeles, CA, give Fix It Fast Plumbing a call at (805) 623-4417 and speak to one of our reps today!