How to Light Your Water Heater

If you have a tank type gas unit, then a pilot light is used to light the gas burner to heat the water in the tank. If you experience only cold water running when you are trying to use hot water, then chances are that the pilot light of your unit has gone out and will need to be re-lit.

There are a variety of reasons why your pilot light on your unit may have gone out, so even if you are able to re-light the unit on your own, you may want to call an Evansville licensed water heater repair technician to examine your unit and make sure that it is running safely. This is a small investment in making sure that there is not some sort of leak or other dangerous malfunction with your unit.

Because all models vary, it is important to read the instructions that accompany your particular unit to make sure you are following all safety precautions. The age of your unit may also be a factor in whether these instructions apply or whether you will need to enlist the help of a licensed water heater repair technician to make sure that your unit is lit and working properly.

Find the Gas Regulator Valve.

The gas regulator valve is likely found on the outside of the heater around where the gas pipe connects with the unit. It is extremely important to make sure that the valve knob is turned off because this will prevent gas from flowing to the burner below the tank. If gas continues to flow while you are attempting to ignite the flame, this could result in an explosive and dangerous situation.

You will want to wait five to ten minutes after you turn the valve knob to "off" before trying to light the unit to be sure that no residual gas remains. The burner will be located under the unit and may be covered with a flap or lid. You will have to remove any covering over the burner before you attempt to light it.

Turn the Gas Valve to Pilot to Allow Gas to Flow and Light the Unit.

Find the pilot setting on the gas valve and turn it to that mark. This allows the gas to start flowing to the burner again in a regulated fashion. Depending on the age of your unit, the pilot button could be a separate red button that must be pressed down to initiate the gas flowing to the burner. On the other hand, your unit may have a button marked as "ignition," which must be pressed down until a click sounds and a spark ignites on its own. Older model units may require you to actually light the burner yourself by using a match. For safety reasons, it is best to use a long lighter or long stem match to light the burner.

Hold the Valve Knob so that the Flame Properly Ignites.

After you have successfully lit the pilot, make sure you hold the regulator valve on the unit down for approximately 60 seconds so that any sensors on the unit can detect that the pilot flame is lit. After one minute has passed and you begin to slowly release the regulator valve knob, make sure that the pilot light stays lit. Then, turn the knob on the unit to the "on" setting. This will allow the main burner of the unit to ignite. After the burner ignites, you can replace whatever cover was originally covering the main burner of the unit.

Do Not Attempt to Light Your Water Heater If You Smell Any Gas Near the Unit.

As a matter of first importance, you will want to check to make sure you do not smell gas in the house. You will want to smell the area around your water heater and also smell down by the bottom of your water heater for any signs of gas. If you do smell any gas, exit the home immediately. Call 9-1-1 right away, even before you contact a licensed repair technician. You will then also want to follow up with your Evansville gas supplier.

Also keep in mind that just because you cannot smell any gas, does not necessarily mean that there is not a gas leak. One of the most important advantages of using a licensed repair technician to help light your unit is that he should be able to check for the presence of gas safely and prevent any unexpected mishaps.

Consider Retaining Professional Repair Services to Make Sure Your Unit is Working Properly.

Water heater repair can be a complicated ordeal, and if you find yourself in over your head when dealing with your unit, it is best to enlist the services of a licensed professional repair technician. Having your unit regularly serviced, especially if you experience the pilot light going out with any frequency, is a proactive way to avoid expensive and untimely repairs down the line. The saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure certainly applies to dealing with major appliances, especially ones you rely on working everyday.

For quality services in your Evansville, IN home, call Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service at (812) 618-9638.