Is It Safe To Light The Pilot Light On A Water Heater?

Don’t worry, you won’t blow yourself up. If you’re water won’t heat up, the pilot light on your water heater may have blown out. Lighting a water heater is simple, no matter what type you have.In just a few steps the water heater is lit, no problem.

Is it safe to relight a pilot light on water heater?

Safety First
You should always proceed with care when relighting a pilot light, since the gas used to power your hot water heater is flammable and potentially dangerous. If at any time you smell gas, you should shut off the gas valve right away, open windows, and avoid turning on any lights.

Is relighting water heater dangerous?

Any gas that may have been in the room should be dispersed, and then it’s okay to come back and finish relighting the pilot.Those that have an old heater in their West Covina home will need to get something to light the pilot with, and it shouldn’t be a match or any type of lighter because this can be dangerous.

Can I turn on my own pilot light?

If your pilot light goes out, your furnace will not be able to produce heat because its burners will not ignite. Often, homeowners can relight the pilot themselves.

Is it safe to light a pilot light?

Pilot light safety is important to prevent fire or poisoning from natural gas the pilot burns.If the pilot light is extinguished, allow at least 5 minutes for accumulated gas to disperse after turning off the gas valve before attempting to relight the pilot.

Can a pilot light cause carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is only produced when fuel of any type; oil, gas, wood or coal is burned.And a pilot light out of adjustment can produce carbon monoxide gas. The amount produced by even a badly maladjusted pilot is small because the flame size is also small.

How do you reset the pilot light on a water heater?

If your heater’s pilot goes out, you can relight it yourself.

1. Locate the gas regulator valve on the water heater.
2. Turn the gas regulator valve’s knob to “Pilot,” press down on it and hold it down.
3. Hold down the regulator valve knob for at least one minute after the pilot has been lit.

Can a water heater explode?

If the heating element and/or thermostat were to malfunction, the temperature of the water inside the tank could increase to the point where it is producing steam. If the situation progresses, and there is no outlet for the steam, the increased pressure could cause the hot water tank to explode.

Should the pilot light always be on in a gas water heater?

The thermocouple’s job is to shut a gas safety valve if the pilot light goes out. That’s important because gas is always being supplied to the pilot to keep the flame lit. But if the pilot flame goes out, then the gas would still be released. After a while, the gas could collect in your home and become a health hazard.

Why would a hot water heater pilot light go out?

Some of the most common reasons that water heater pilot lights go out include: A faulty thermocouple.Over time, thermocouples can begin to malfunction and shut off the gas supply to the pilot light even if it’s burning properly. A bent or dirty thermocouple.

Should the pilot light always be on in a gas heater?

Most furnaces with electronic ignition have a device called a hot surface igniter.The difference is that the flame is only lit (by an electronic spark) when your furnace is ready for a heating cycle. When the pilot light is not needed, it is completely off, saving you money on gas.

Can a pilot light cause a fire?

When the appliance is turned on, a valve releases more gas, which is ignited by the pilot light.If this leak continues, its concentration may reach a point where a spark – such as that from a cigarette lighter, static electricity, or even the pilot light itself as it is re-lit – will cause a fire or even an explosion.

Will gas leak if pilot light is off?

If the pilot light goes out on a storage or instantaneous hot water heater, space heater or a ducted heater, you will not have a gas leak. This is because all modern gas appliances with pilot lights have a fail-safe device that closes off the gas to the appliance in the case when the pilot may go out.

Is my pilot light too high?

Next to the “Pilot” indicator on the furnace’s control switch, there is a small screw located near the pilot light-thermocouple assembly.If it extends well above the thermocouple, it’s too strong. If the flame covers the top of the thermocouple and burns steadily with a yellow tip, that’s just about right.

Can you smell gas if your pilot light goes out?

If the pilot light is out, the gas must be shut off at the appliance isolation valve, normally located in close proximity to the appliance. Then you can follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight the pilot.If you notice an odor of gas, contact Peoples’ emergency number at 1-800-400-4271.

Should the water heater be on pilot or on?

You should set the water heater to “pilot”. If, however, your water heater is also the boiler for your central heating, then you’ll want to leave the heating running as normal so that your house doesn’t get damp as a result of cold and condensation.

How do I know if my pilot light is out on my water heater?

It’s usually right on the panel. Turn and hold the knob to “Pilot” and push the ignitor. You should hear it click, and probably also a “whooshing” sound. Check in that gap, and you should see the light on.

How much does it cost to replace pilot light on water heater?

Pilot light replacement or lighting cost
Water heater pilot light replacement costs $50 to $200. The pilot light produces a flame to ignite the gas burner. Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour to reignite the pilot light, and the task typically takes 1 hour or less.

How do you know if your water heater is going to explode?

Water Heater Explosion Warning Signs

1. Leaking Pressure Valve. Your pressure valve’s job is to make sure that, when your heater is treating water, too much pressure doesn’t build up inside the tank.
2. Rotten Egg Smell.
3. Popping Noises.
4. Bad Installation.
5. Brown Water.

How likely is it for a water heater to explode?

While rare, residential water heater explosions do occur and can be deadly. Explosions are possible with both gas and electric tank water heaters, primarily those that are poorly maintained.

What are the signs of a hot water heater going bad?

Signs Your Hot Water Heater Is Going to Fail

• Water leaking from the heating tank.
• Age of the water heater.
• Running out of hot water quickly.
• Inconsistent water temperature in the shower.
• Discolored water coming from faucets.
• Unusual noises coming from the water heater.
• Lower water pressure.