What does the pilot light on a water heater do?

The water heater pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner on your water heater. When the water heater pilot light goes out, first try relighting it, following the directions on the water heater label.

Where is the reset button on a Bradford water heater?

To reset, depress button on resettable thermal switch located on inner door. Pilot goes out periodically (after heating cycles, once a day, once a week etc.)

What does a pilot light on a water heater do?

Why is my gas water heater pilot light yellow?

Also, some homeowners reported that while they were cleaning the unit, a small orifice cap found on top of the pilot tube fell out making the pilot light unstable, yellow and very high. If the gas pressure is too low, the flame can become too small. Check with the utility company about this problem.

What should the pilot flame be on a propane tank?

Important: Before troubleshooting the pilot light, keep in mind that a pilot flame is always ON and the flame should be blue. If it is yellow, it needs an adjustment. Make sure that the tank is completely filled with water before lighting the pilot light.

Why does my water pilot keep going out?

Therefore, a dirty thermocouple might be the reason why your water pilot keeps going out. A layer of dirt and grime can hinder the electric current from reaching the thermocouple. As a result, the gas supply will be cut off and the pilot light will go out.

The water heater pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner on your water heater. When the water heater pilot light goes out, first try relighting it, following the directions on the water heater label.

Also, some homeowners reported that while they were cleaning the unit, a small orifice cap found on top of the pilot tube fell out making the pilot light unstable, yellow and very high. If the gas pressure is too low, the flame can become too small. Check with the utility company about this problem.

Important: Before troubleshooting the pilot light, keep in mind that a pilot flame is always ON and the flame should be blue. If it is yellow, it needs an adjustment. Make sure that the tank is completely filled with water before lighting the pilot light.

Therefore, a dirty thermocouple might be the reason why your water pilot keeps going out. A layer of dirt and grime can hinder the electric current from reaching the thermocouple. As a result, the gas supply will be cut off and the pilot light will go out.

The Pilot Light is the heart of your water heater. It’s a small blue flame that burns petroleum gas to produce heat. Without this flame, there would be no heat, and thus no warm water. So, What Are The Reasons Your Water Pilot Light Keeps Going Out?

Why does my water heater keep shutting off?

In addition, the thermocouple of your water heater can suffer from the dirt that is being buildup inside it. In this case, it will be harder for the thermocouple to sense the light of your pilot, and it will shut off the flame of the gas supply.

What to do if your pilot light keeps going out?

Pilot light shields protect your pilot light from potential drafts. Because of this, they are not a bad idea to use if your pilot light keeps going out. However, this is not a one-stop solution for all potential heater issues. Regardless of whether you buy one, we still recommend going through the list of potential problems above.

How does a pilot light go out on a water heater?

Some of the most common reasons that water heater pilot lights go out include: A faulty thermocouple. Your thermocouple is responsible for sensing when your pilot light is lit. If it senses that the pilot light has gone out, the thermocouple shuts off the gas supply to the flame in order…

How do I check the pilot light on my water heater?

Open the door/cover over the pilot light access. This will be located under the gas valve; some water heaters just have an open gap instead where you can see the pilot light burner. Use a flashlight or a headlamp to find the burner inside. Two small gas tubes will lead to it.

How do you light the water heater pilot?

Turn the gas knob to “Pilot,” press and hold it down. This will start the flow of gas so you can light the flame. Some water heaters have a separate button for pilot mode, usually a red one, which you’ll press and hold.

Why water heater pilot does not stay on?

When it will not stay lit it is a sign of a defective ‘thermocouple’. The thermocouple senses heat from the pilot light and sends a signal back to the gas valve. When they fail the gas valve will not open. See the discussion on ‘gas water heater thermocouples ‘ for more information.