Relight Your Gas Water Heater’s Pilot Light

Introduction to Relighting a Gas Water Heater Pilot Light

In Australia, having a reliable source of hot water is crucial, and gas water heaters are commonly used. The functionality of these units relies on a pilot light – a small flame that ignites the burner to heat the water when needed.

If the pilot light extinguishes, homeowners need to know how to reignite it.

If you live in Wetherill Park or the greater Sydney area and have noticed your water heater not getting hot or the pilot light is out, this guide covers the necessary troubleshooting steps to get it working again.

This article provides a safety-focused method to relight the pilot light and restore your hot water using common gas control valves.

Equipped with the right information, relighting your water heater’s pilot is a straightforward DIY task. However, if issues persist, never hesitate to call the licenced gas plumbers at Wetherill Park Plumbing on 1300 349 338 for prompt support.

Safety Precautions Before Attempting to Relight

Safety is paramount when relighting gas appliance pilot lights. Before attempting to relight your water heater’s pilot light, follow these crucial precautions:

1. Turn the gas control valve to the 'Off’ position and wait 5-10 minutes for any built-up gas fumes to dissipate. Check around the unit using a combustible gas detector before proceeding.
2. Wear safety glasses to shield your eyes from potential flare-ups and sparks during gas ignition.
3. Check the appliance base and gas connections for potential leaks by smelling for gas. If you detect gas or the combustible gas detector alarms, immediately call our Wetherill Park plumbers on 1300 349 338.
4. Identify the location of the access panel for reaching the gas control valve and ignition mechanism.
5. Check that the gas supply line valve is turned on and supplying gas to the water heater. Most units will have clear indicator lights showing supply status.

After ensuring all safety measures are in place, proceed to relight your pilot. But again, if any issues arise, don’t hesitate to call our licenced team for assistance restoring your hot water supply.

Signs Your Pilot Light Has Gone Out

There are a few key signs indicating your pilot light has gone out on your gas water heater:

1. Lack of hot water – If you notice the hot water runs cold shortly after using it, this likely means the burner isn’t firing up due to an extinguished pilot light.
2. Pilot light indicator – Most gas water heaters have a view window allowing you to visually confirm whether the pilot is still lit. If it’s gone out, you’ll need to relight it.
3. Gas smell – A faint gas odour may arise from gas continuing to flow to the burner without being ignited. This necessitates immediate troubleshooting.
4. No ignition sound – You normally hear the burner ignite with a “pop” after hot water usage. If this sound is absent, the pilot has probably gone out.

There are a number of reasons that can cause a water heater’s pilot light to be extinguished. We’ll explore why this happens and the necessary steps to get your appliance heating water once again.

Steps to Relight the Pilot

Follow these key steps to safely relight your gas water heater’s pilot:

1. Locate the gas control valve on the base of the unit, typically behind a removable access panel. Turn the knob to the 'Off’ position.
2. After removing the access panel, wait 5 to 10 minutes for any lingering gas odour to clear before continuing.
3. Turn the control knob to 'Pilot’. This will allow gas flow to the pilot assembly.
4. While pressing the igniter button to create a spark, hold a lit match or lighter at the pilot opening until it ignites, which might take about 60 seconds.
5. Hold the igniter button for an additional 30 seconds post-ignition to heat the thermocouple sufficiently.
6. Release the igniter button and turn the gas control knob to 'On’. If the pilot remains lit, your water heater is ready for use.
7. Replace the access panel and monitor your appliance over the next few hours to ensure the pilot stays ignited. If it goes out again, contact Wetherill Park Plumbing on 1300 349 338.

With the proper precautions taken, following these troubleshooting steps will have your water heater heating water again quickly. But don’t hesitate to call our licenced team if any issues emerge when attempting to relight the pilot.

Using a Manual Igniter

If your gas water heater has a manual igniter, follow these steps to light the pilot:

1. Ensure the gas control is turned to "Pilot" to allow gas flow.
2. Remove the access panel and locate the manual igniter button.
3. Employ a long lighter or match to carefully ignite the pilot assembly.
4. Press and hold down the manual igniter button to create a spark.
5. Hold the lighter flame close to the pilot opening and maintain igniter sparks for about 60 seconds or until ignition.
6. Keep holding the igniter for 30 seconds after the pilot light ignites to heat the thermocouple.
7. Release the manual igniter button and turn the gas control knob to "On."
8. Replace the access panel once the pilot remains lit. Monitor for consistency.

Following these precise steps will have you safely relighting your water heater’s pilot using the built-in manual igniter. Call our Wetherill Park plumbers on 1300 349 338 if any issues emerge.

Using an Electronic Ignition System

Many modern gas water heaters feature an electronic ignition system instead of a manual igniter. This uses an igniter button powered by a battery or electricity rather than a mechanical push button.

Follow these steps to relight the pilot if you have an electronic ignition:

1. Turn the gas control valve to "Off" and remove the access panel.
2. After waiting 5-10 minutes, turn the control valve to "Pilot" to allow gas flow.
3. Press the igniter button. You should hear it make a distinctive sparking sound.
4. Bring a long lighter or lit match to the pilot light assembly while holding the igniter button.
5. Keep the igniter button pressed for 30 seconds after the pilot light ignites to heat the thermocouple.
6. Release the button and turn the gas control valve to "On" once the pilot stays lit.
7. Replace the access panel and monitor the pilot light over the next few hours.

An electronic igniter streamlines lighting the pilot on a gas water heater. But don’t hesitate to call our team if any issues emerge with relighting it.

Verifying the Pilot Stays Lit

It’s crucial to ensure the pilot light remains stable after relighting it on your gas water heater. Monitor the indicator light on the appliance over the next few hours to ensure the flame stays ignited. Listen for the distinctive sound of the burner igniting, which occurs after using hot water.

If the pilot goes out repeatedly, there may be an underlying issue preventing it from staying lit. Potential causes include a weak thermocouple, faulty gas control valve, or draftiness around the water heater. For repairs beyond simple troubleshooting, seek professional diagnosis and servicing from our licensed Wetherill Park plumbers.

Once the pilot remains on after monitoring, you can rest assured your hot water supply has been restored. But whether it’s immediately or weeks later, never hesitate to call our team at 1300 349 338 if you encounter any further problems with your gas water heater in Wetherill Park or surrounding suburbs.

Troubleshooting Issues Relighting the Pilot

Even with meticulous safety measures, you might face challenges when trying to relight your gas water heater’s pilot light. Here is some advice for troubleshooting problems:

Pilot Won’t Stay Lit

If the pilot flame ignites but doesn’t remain stable, the thermocouple likely isn’t getting hot enough. Hold the igniter for 60 seconds during and after lighting for thorough heating. A faulty thermocouple may need replacement by a licenced technician.

Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

If the pilot frequently goes out, this suggests issues with ventilation, gas pressure, or component malfunctions. Ensure flue tubes aren’t blocked and there is adequate air circulation. Refer to your appliance’s manual regarding error codes or automatic relighting features.

No Gas Flow

If you smell no gas or hear no hissing during the relighting process, there may be issues with gas lines, valves or insufficient supply. Ensure propane tanks are filled and the main gas supply is activated. Bleed gas lines of trapped air if needed.

Igniter Not Sparking

For manual igniters, ensure the push button is functioning and not stuck. For electronic types, Replace batteries or inspect electrical connections as necessary. Regardless of system, never strike igniters directly next to a flame.

For additional troubleshooting tips, contact our Wetherill Park plumbers on 1300 349 338. Leveraging our comprehensive gasfitting experience, we can identify and solve many issues affecting your hot water supply.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While relighting your gas water heater’s pilot light is typically a simple DIY task, sometimes the expertise of a professional plumber is advisable.

If you smell gas, see leaks, or the pilot won’t stay lit after multiple relighting attempts, immediately dial our team at Wetherill Park Plumbing on 1300 349 338 or email jobs@wetherillparkplumbingservices.com.au. Our licensed technicians can swiftly identify issues and reinstate your hot water supply.

Replacing worn parts like the thermocouple or gas control valve requires technical skill and specialty tools. Our experts can supply and fit the right replacement parts to get your water heater working properly again.

For ongoing pilot light problems, we also offer full water heater servicing and can advise if a new unit is required. Boasting over 25 years of experience in Sydney, our Wetherill Park plumbers can tackle any job, regardless of size.

Don’t hesitate to call, email, or book an appointment with our knowledgeable team if you require any assistance relighting your gas water heater’s pilot.