If the pilot light on your gas hot water system has gone out, follow these 6 simple steps to get it relit. Locate the pilot, turn off the gas, wait 5 minutes, then depress the red button and click the igniter repeatedly until the flame ignites. Hold for 30 secs. Get hot water in 40 mins.
For Lalor Park households and businesses, knowing how to maintain your hot water heater is crucial. These systems utilise gas, electricity, or heat pump technologies to heat water, ensuring a consistent supply of hot and cold water.
Gas hot water systems depend on a gas pilot light - a small flame that keeps burning - to ignite the main burner when the light goes out. Electric water heater systems do not require pilot lights to operate.
The pilot light gas allows instant heating when water flows through the water heater, The frequent extinguishing of the pilot light is a common issue that results in a loss of hot water. If the pilot light extinguishes, which suggests it may occur repeatedly, the hot water supply ceases until it is reignited. It is fuelled by the main gas line and indicates if light gas is still connected to the hot water system.
Knowing how to relight your pilot light is beneficial, especially when faced with unexpected outages in your water heater. Persistent pilot light problems, particularly with stellar gas water heaters, may indicate complex issues requiring professional intervention to prevent safety hazards.
When attempting to relight the hot water system’s pilot light, safety must be the foremost consideration. Before doing anything else, check carefully for natural gas leaks by smelling around the pilot area of your gas water heater for that distinctive gas odour.
Do contact your gas company if in doubt.
Ensure no gas leaks are present, then turn the control knob to 'Off’ and wait 5 minutes to clear any residual gas. Do not attempt to ignite the pilot flame if there is no gas smell but you suspect gas could be present.
Have an ignition source like a barbecue lighter ready before you turn control knob on the gas valve and attempting to find out how to light pilot. Refer to the manufacturer’s guide for your specific water heater model if unsure of how to reignite gas system’s lighting procedure. Once the gas is flowing, press the igniter button repeatedly, while holding the gas knob, until the pilot light’s flame ignites steadily, restoring hot water.
If the gas pilot light goes out and the flame does not stay lit, repeat the process from the start.
Meticulously following gas safety precautions when relighting pilot reduces the major risks of fire, explosion and carbon monoxide poisoning. Never take shortcuts - it’s always better to err on the side of safety or call a professional if you have any uncertainty.
To find the pilot light and access panel on your Rheem stellar gas water heater, consult the manufacturer’s manual specific to your model. The pilot light is usually located under an access cover on the tank’s lower portion.
Check for a viewing window to visually confirm the pilot light’s status when the control valve is active. Next to this you should find the gas control unit or panel, ensuring the light lit indicator is functional. Identify the on/off/pilot dial marked with positions such as 'On’, 'Off’, and 'Pilot’. There may also be an igniter button.
The control panel features a water temperature dial among other dials, buttons and switches to adjust to your desired functions and how reignite your pilot light. Indicator lights display operational status; confirm whether the pilot light is lit or out using the pilot lit indicator.
If you’re unable to locate the pilot or controls, seek assistance from a local Lalor Park plumbing professional. Attempting to relight the unit without properly identifying these components first risks gas leaks or explosions.
Follow these steps to safely relight the pilot on your Lalor Park hot water system when the pilot light gone out:
Always adhere to the previously outlined safety precautions during any attempt to relight the pilot light, irrespective of frequent outages. Refer to your user manual if unsure of specifics for your hot water system model, especially if the pilot light out issue persists.
Several common issues may arise when trying to relight your Lalor Park hot water system pilot light. A faulty thermocouple cannot hold the gas valve open to allow gas to continue flowing to the pilot.
If the pilot flame ignites but does not light the gas steadily after releasing the gas control knob or pressing the ignition button, this typically indicates a problem with the thermocouple.
Begin troubleshooting by inspecting all connections at the gas control valve and verifying the tightness of thermocouple fittings. Locate the thermocouple and gently clean the tip with steel wool to remove any residue preventing heat transfer. If the thermocouple is cracked or broken, you will need to source replacement parts.
Additionally, examine the electrode and clean it if it is soiled.
Debris, dirt, or spider webs obstructing the pilot burner assembly can also prevent the pilot from staying lit. Shine a flashlight down the pilot tube and use compressed air to clear any blockages, or clean the pilot orifice holes if they are clogged.
If the pilot light won’t ignite, listen for the sound of the gas valve opening when you turn the gas on.
If there is no sound, the valve solenoids may need replacing. Defective safety switches can also prevent pilot ignition. Both issues require professional diagnosis and repair.
For persistent pilot light problems that you cannot resolve using basic troubleshooting, contact a licenced Lalor Park plumber to determine and repair the cause that affects turn your water. Some pilot issues risk safety and must only be addressed by a qualified gas fitter.
There are a few key times when it is crucial to call a professional Lalor Park plumber for assistance with your hot water system pilot light.
If you smell gas anywhere near the unit before or during the relighting process, immediately turn water and gas off and contact 1300 349 338. Gas leaks are extremely hazardous and necessitate immediate professional intervention.
If you follow all safety precautions and attempted procedures but need reignite the pilot to stay lit after several tries, stop trying to relight it yourself. Persistent difficulties indicate a bigger underlying issue needing expert diagnosis and solution.
It is also advisable for homeowners unfamiliar with their specific hot water system make and model to call 1300 349 338 rather than attempting to relight the pilot. Our licensed professionals are well-versed in all major brands and will offer proper guidance.
More broadly, any major changes in your pilot light behaviour requiring frequent relighting signify it’s time for a professional assessment. Our team promptly answers requests for maintenance checks and repairs before minor issues become more disruptive.
For reliable, affordable assistance specifically tailored to your home’s hot water system, trust Lalor Park’s top-rated plumbing experts and email us or call 1300 349 338 to book an appointment.
Routine preventative maintenance is essential for the safe, efficient operation of your water heaters and minimising outages.
We advise homeowners to book annual servicing of their Rheem hot water systems with our licensed technicians. This comprehensive inspection, cleaning and tune-up of components can identify issues before they escalate or cause the pilot to go out unexpectedly.
During maintenance, we check all gas fittings and valves for leaks to ensure the safety of your gas supply. Our team also clears debris around the pilot assembly to prevent blockages. The thermocouple, electrode and orifice holes are all cleaned and tested as well.
We advise keeping the area around your hot water unit clear for ventilation, monitoring the system for any strange sounds, smells or errors, and following manufacturer instructions for care.
Preventative maintenance decreases the risk of minor pilot problems and serious gas-related hazards. For affordable Lalor Park hot water servicing, call our team on 1300 349 338.
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Read MoreIf the pilot light on your gas hot water system has gone out, follow these 6 simple steps to get it relit. Locate the pilot, turn off the gas, wait 5 minutes, then depress the red button and click the igniter repeatedly until the flame ignites. Hold for 30 secs. Get hot water in 40 mins.
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Read MoreLalor Park, 2147 NSW
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