Water Heater Pilot Light Keeps Going Out & What Is the Pilot Light?

August 19, 2023

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The pilot light is a small flame that burns continuously in gas-powered appliances, including gas water heaters, furnaces, and stoves. It is used to ignite the main burner when the thermostat calls for heat. The pilot light is typically located at the bottom of the water heater tank or near the burner assembly.

If the pilot light is not lit, the main burner will not ignite, and there will be no hot water. In this case, you will need to relight the pilot light to restore hot water. The process of relighting the
pilot light varies depending on the make and model of your water heater, so be sure to consult the owner's manual or call a professional plumber for guidance. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure your safety and avoid damaging the water heater.

How To Tell If The Pilot Light Is Out

If the pilot light is out, you may notice one or more of the following signs:

No hot water: The most obvious sign that the pilot light is out is that your water heater will not produce hot water.
Cold water coming from the hot water faucet: If the pilot light is out, you may still get cold water coming from the hot water faucet.‍
The smell of gas: If you smell gas near the water heater, it could be a sign that the pilot light is out. In this case, you should turn off the gas supply to the water heater and call a professional plumber for assistance.‍
Pilot light won't stay lit: If you try to relight the pilot light and it won't stay lit, it could be a sign of a more serious problem with the water heater, such as a faulty thermocouple or gas valve.

If you suspect that the pilot light is out, you can visually inspect the water heater to see if the flame is on. Look for a small blue flame burning near the bottom of the water heater tank or
near the burner assembly. If the flame is out, follow the instructions in your owner's manual to relight the pilot light. If you are uncomfortable doing this, or if the pilot light won't stay lit, call a professional plumber at Red One Plumbing for assistance.

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