When the Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
The ever popular Gas instantaneous hot water unit; offering on-demand hot water and energy efficiency for households all over Brisbane. However, like any appliance, they can sometimes encounter issues that require troubleshooting. The pilot light going out is a frustrating but surprisingly regular occurrence, and stops the production of hot water instantly. In this guide, we will explain why this happens and how to safely relight it, along with other handy troubleshooting tips.
Understanding the Pilot Light
The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner in your hot water unit, which in turn heats water as it flows through the system. When the pilot light goes out, your unit won’t be able to heat water, leaving you with cold showers and discomfort.
Why Does the Pilot Light Go Out?
The below factors can cause your pilot light to go out.
Wind:
If your unit is in an unsheltered location, gusts of wind can blow out your pilot light. A sheltered location should be determined by your gas-fitter upon installation to prevent on-going issues.
Dirty Pilot Tube:
Dirt and debris can accumulate in the pilot tube over time, blocking the gas flow and causing the pilot light to go out.
Faulty Thermocouple:
The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas supply if the pilot light goes out. If your thermocouple is faulty, it might shut off the gas supply in error, even when the pilot light is on.
Low Gas Pressure:
Uneven gas supply or low pressure can prevent the pilot light from staying lit, a pressure test is one of the measures gas-fitters undertake when assessing gas problems.
Age of the Unit:
Older units may experience more frequent pilot light issues due to worn-out components. Over time the maintenance expenses will outweigh new installation costs and this is when its time to install a new unit.
How to Relight the Pilot Light
Before attempting to relight the pilot light, follow these safety precautions:
Turn Off the Gas:
Locate the gas shut off valve on your unit and turn it to the “off” position. Wait about five minutes to allow any residual gas to dissipate.
Read the Manual:
Refer to your unit’s manual for specific instructions on relighting the pilot light. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable, it’s best to call a professional. We are happy to take phone calls or facetime video calls to talk you through this process.
Here’s a general step-by-step guide to relighting the pilot light:
Turn the gas back on to the unit.
Locate the Pilot Light Assembly:
This is usually near the bottom of the unit. You’ll see a gas valve, a knob, and the pilot light itself.
Turn the Gas Valve to “Pilot”:
Rotate the gas valve to the “pilot” setting. This allows gas to flow to the pilot light but not the main burner.
Press and Hold the Reset Button:
You should see a button labeled “reset” or “pilot.” Press and hold this button while you proceed to the next step.
Light the Pilot:
While holding the reset button, press in the piezo ignitor, If this does not function correctly carefully use a long lighter to ignite the pilot light. Continue holding the button for about 30 seconds after the pilot is lit to ensure it stays on.
Turn the Gas Valve Back to “On”:
Once the pilot light is burning steadily, release the reset button and turn the gas valve to the “on” position.
Check the Burner:
Turn on a hot water tap to check if the burner ignites and the water heats up. If everything works as expected, your unit should be back in operation.
When to Call a Professional
While relighting the pilot light is a task some homeowners can handle, other issues with gas instantaneous hot water units might require professional assistance. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to call Adept Plumbing and Gas on 3520 7195:
Frequent Pilot Light Outages:
If your pilot light failing is a recurring problem, there might be a deeper issue with your unit that needs attention from a professional.
Gas Smell:
If you smell gas at any point, turn off the unit immediately and contact a professional. Gas leaks are hazardous and require urgent attention.
For any concerns or to schedule a service, trust Adept Plumbing and Gas to handle your queries with professionalism and reliability.
