If you’re a homeowner, you know that your water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home. It provides you with hot water for showers, baths, dishes, and laundry. However, if the pilot light on your water heater goes out, you’ll be left without hot water until you can get it relit. In this article, we’ll show you how to turn off the pilot light on your water heater safely and easily.
Before you start, you’ll need to gather a few tools. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. You may also want to wear gloves to protect your hands. Once you have your tools, you can follow these steps to turn off the pilot light on your water heater:
First, locate the gas control valve on your water heater. This is usually located near the bottom of the water heater. Once you’ve found the gas control valve, turn it to the “off” position. This will shut off the gas supply to the pilot light. Next, locate the pilot light assembly. This is usually located near the top of the water heater. Once you’ve found the pilot light assembly, use the flat head screwdriver to remove the access panel. Once you’ve removed the access panel, you’ll see the pilot light. Use the pliers to turn the pilot light knob to the “off” position. This will turn off the pilot light. Finally, replace the access panel and the gas control valve to the “on” position. Your water heater is now turned off.
Identifying the Pilot Light
The pilot light is a small flame that burns continuously to ignite the main burner gas supply when you turn on your water heater. It is typically located at the bottom of the water heater, either in front or on the side. To help you locate the pilot light, follow these steps:
1. Locate the access panel
Look for a small door or panel on the front or side of the water heater. This panel will provide access to the control area, where the pilot light is located.
|
Water Heater Type |
Location of Access Panel |
|---|---|
|
Gas |
Bottom front or side |
| Electric |
N/A (no pilot light) |
2. Open the access panel
To open the access panel, simply lift it up or pull it towards you. Be careful not to force it, as it may be attached with screws or clips.
3. Locate the pilot light assembly
Once the access panel is open, you will see the pilot light assembly. It will resemble a small metal tube with a flame burning at one end. The flame may be small and difficult to see, so look closely.
Safety Precautions
Before attempting to turn off the pilot light on your water heater, it is crucial to adhere to the following safety precautions to prevent any potential hazards:
1. Shut Off the Gas Supply
Locate the gas control valve near the bottom of the water heater and turn it clockwise to the “off” position. This will cut off the flow of gas to the pilot light and prevent any further combustion.
2. Extinguish the Pilot Light
Use a long-handled lighter or match to carefully light a piece of paper or rag and hold it near the pilot light. The paper will ignite and the flame will travel along the gas line to the pilot light, extinguishing it. Wait a few minutes to ensure that the pilot light has completely cooled down.
Alternatively, you can use a professional torch to extinguish the pilot light. Hold the torch flame near the base of the pilot light and gently blow out the flame.
Caution: DO NOT use your bare hands to extinguish the pilot light, as this can result in burns.
3. Wait for the Water Heater to Cool
After extinguishing the pilot light, give the water heater ample time to cool down completely. This can take several hours, so it is best to wait until the next day before attempting any further work.
Shutting Off the Gas Supply
The first step in turning off the pilot light on your water heater is to shut off the gas supply. To do this, locate the gas valve on the side of the water heater. This valve is usually a red or blue lever. Turn the lever perpendicular to the gas line to shut off the gas.
If your water heater is connected to a natural gas line, you may need to use a wrench to turn off the gas valve. To do this, place the wrench on the nut that secures the lever. Turn the nut clockwise to shut off the gas.
| Gas Type | Valve Location |
|---|---|
| Natural Gas | Side of the water heater |
| Propane | Outside the house, near the propane tank |
Once the gas supply is shut off, you can proceed to the next step of turning off the pilot light.
Extinguishing the Flame
Once you’ve located the pilot light assembly, you’ll need to follow these steps to extinguish the flame:
- Turn off the gas supply. This is typically done by turning a valve located near the water heater.
- Wait a few minutes. This will allow the gas to dissipate from the line.
- Locate the pilot light. The pilot light is usually a small flame located near the bottom of the water heater.
- Gently blow out the flame. You can do this by blowing directly on the flame or by using a piece of paper or cardboard to gently fan it out.
Additional Tips for Extinguishing the Flame
- If you’re unable to extinguish the flame by blowing on it, you can try using a can of compressed air. Just be sure to hold the can upright and spray the air directly at the base of the flame.
- **If you’re still unable to extinguish the flame, you should call a qualified plumber.
| Possible Causes for Flame Extinguishment | Troubleshooting Steps |
|---|---|
| Blocked pilot tube | Clean the pilot tube with a small brush or wire. |
| Faulty thermocouple | Replace the thermocouple. |
| Damaged pilot light | Replace the pilot light. |
Waiting for the Pilot Light to Cool
Before relighting the pilot light, it’s crucial to allow it to cool down completely. This ensures the safety of the process and prevents any potential hazards.
The cooling time usually varies depending on the type and age of the water heater. However, as a general guideline, it’s recommended to wait for at least 5 minutes, and preferably longer, to give the pilot light ample time to cool down.
During this cooling period, it’s essential to keep the gas valve closed to prevent any gas from entering the combustion chamber.
Here are some additional tips for waiting for the pilot light to cool:
| Tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Keep children and pets away from the area | To prevent accidental burns |
| Ventilate the room | To dissipate any residual gas fumes |
| Use a flashlight or headlamp | To provide better illumination for inspection |
Safety Precautions
Before proceeding, ensure you have the necessary tools and safety gear. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local codes for your specific water heater model.
Locate the Pilot Light Assembly
Identify the pilot light assembly on the water heater. It’s usually located near the bottom and features a small, adjustable valve.
Turn Off the Gas Supply
Close the gas supply valve to the water heater. This valve is typically located on the gas line near the heater.
Extinguish the Pilot Light
Locate the pilot light control knob and turn it to the “Off” or “Pilot Off” position. This will extinguish the flame.
Wait for the Gas to Dissipate
Allow several minutes for any remaining gas to dissipate from the pilot light assembly before proceeding further.
Remove the Pilot Light Assembly (if Necessary)
If necessary, remove the pilot light assembly by unscrewing the retaining screws or nuts. Be cautious not to damage the assembly or surrounding components.
Relighting the Pilot Light (Optional)
Follow these steps if you wish to relight the pilot light after turning it off:
Reconnect the Pilot Light Assembly
If you removed the pilot light assembly, reconnect it securely to the water heater using the screws or nuts.
Open the Gas Supply Valve
Slowly open the gas supply valve to allow gas to flow into the pilot light assembly.
Ignite the Pilot Light
Use a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot light. Hold the flame near the pilot light burner and press the ignition button if available.
Adjust the Pilot Flame
Once the pilot light is ignited, adjust the control valve to obtain a small, stable flame. Typically, a flame height of 1/2 to 1 inch is recommended.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Pilot Light Will Not Stay Lit
Possible Cause:
– Damaged thermocouple
– Faulty gas valve
– Obstruction in the gas line
Solution:
– Replace thermocouple
– Replace gas valve
– Clear obstruction from gas line
Pilot Light Lights but Goes Out After a Few Seconds
Possible Cause:
– Insufficient gas pressure
– Dirty gas line
– Malfunctioning igniter
Solution:
– Check gas pressure and adjust if necessary
– Clean gas line
– Replace igniter
Pilot Light Lights but Water Heater Does Not Heat
Possible Cause:
– Faulty heating element
– Damaged thermostat
– Clogged burner
Solution:
– Replace heating element
– Replace thermostat
– Clean burner
Water Heater Overheats
Possible Cause:
– Faulty thermostat
– Damaged heating element
– Clogged burner
Solution:
– Replace thermostat
– Replace heating element
– Clean burner
Water Heater Produces Yellow Flame
Possible Cause:
– Air in the gas line
– Dirty burner
– Incorrect gas mixture
Solution:
– Bleed air from gas line
– Clean burner
– Adjust gas mixture
Pilot Light Blows Out When Water Heater is Turned On
Possible Cause:
– Draft in the water heater room
– Faulty draft hood
– Dirty flame sensor
Solution:
– Eliminate draft
– Replace draft hood
– Clean flame sensor
Water Heater Smells Like Gas
Possible Cause:
– Gas leak in the gas line
– Damaged thermocouple
– Faulty gas valve
Solution:
– Turn off gas supply and call a licensed plumber immediately
Maintaining Your Water Heater
Basic Maintenance
Ensure the water heater’s temperature is set to 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding and energy loss. Flush the water heater annually to remove sediment buildup and allow for efficient performance.
Inspecting the Pilot Light
Regularly check the pilot light to ensure it’s burning steadily. A flickering or yellow flame indicates the need for adjustments or a professional inspection.
Cleaning the Burner Assembly
Periodically clean the burner assembly to remove accumulated debris. Use a soft brush to gently remove dust and dirt without damaging the components.
Checking the Anode Rod
The anode rod protects the water heater tank from corrosion. Inspect it every three to five years and replace it when necessary to extend the life of the heater.
Draining the Water Heater
Drain the water heater annually to remove sediment and prevent mineral buildup. Shut off the water supply, open the drain valve, and allow the water to drain completely.
Turning Off the Pilot Light
When servicing the water heater or during extended periods of non-use, turn off the pilot light. Use the information provided in the following section for step-by-step instructions.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If you encounter problems with the water heater, check the pilot light, thermostat, and ignition source. Contact a licensed plumber for professional assistance if the problem persists.
Turning Off the Pilot Light on a Water Heater
Materials:
| Screwdriver | |
| Instructions: | |
| 1. Safety first: Turn off the gas supply to the water heater. | |
| 2. Locate the pilot light assembly on the water heater’s bottom. | |
| 3. Turn the gas control knob to the “Off” position. | |
| 4. Press and hold the pilot button while simultaneously lighting the pilot with a long match or lighter. | |
| 5. Continue holding the pilot button for 30 to 60 seconds. | |
| 6. Release the pilot button and turn the gas control knob to the “Pilot” position. | |
| 7. The pilot light should remain lit. |
Shutting Off the Pilot Light
To turn off the pilot light, follow these steps:
- Locate the water heater’s gas control valve.
- Turn the valve to the “Off” position.
- Wait a few minutes for the pilot light to go out.
- Once the pilot light is out, you can turn off the gas supply to the water heater.
Troubleshooting
If you are unable to turn off the pilot light, there may be a problem with the gas control valve or the thermocouple.
- The gas control valve may be faulty and need to be replaced.
- The thermocouple may be damaged and need to be replaced.
Professional Assistance (When Necessary)
If you are not comfortable working on your water heater, it is best to call a qualified plumber for assistance.
Signs that you may need professional assistance
You should call a plumber if you experience any of the following problems:
| Sign | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| The pilot light will not stay lit. | Faulty gas control valve or thermocouple. |
| The water heater is leaking gas. | Damaged gas line or gas control valve. |
| The water heater is not heating the water properly. | Faulty thermostat or heating element. |
1. Locate the Gas Valve
The gas valve is typically located near the bottom of the water heater. It will have a knob or lever that you can turn to turn off the gas.
2. Turn Off the Gas Valve
Turn the knob or lever on the gas valve clockwise to turn off the gas. You may hear a click when the valve is fully closed.
3. Wait for the Pilot Light to Go Out
After you turn off the gas valve, wait a few minutes for the pilot light to go out. You may see the pilot light flicker and then go out completely.
4. Relight the Pilot Light
Once the pilot light has gone out, you can relight it by following the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves pressing a button or pushing a lever.
5. Troubleshooting
If you are having trouble turning off the pilot light, there are a few things you can try:
- Check to make sure that the gas valve is fully closed.
- Wait a few minutes for the pilot light to go out before trying to relight it.
- If the pilot light still does not go out, you may need to call a professional.
6. Safety Precautions
When working on a water heater, it is important to take the following safety precautions:
- Turn off the gas valve before performing any work on the water heater.
- Allow the water heater to cool down before touching it.
- Do not use open flames or sparks near the water heater.
7. Why Would I Need to Turn Off the Pilot Light?
There are a few reasons why you might need to turn off the pilot light on your water heater, including:
- If you are going on vacation and will not be using the water heater.
- If the water heater is not working properly.
- If you are replacing the water heater.
8. How Often Should I Turn Off the Pilot Light?
You do not need to turn off the pilot light on your water heater very often. However, it is a good idea to turn it off if you are going on vacation or if the water heater is not working properly.
9. Can I Turn Off the Pilot Light on an Electric Water Heater?
No, you cannot turn off the pilot light on an electric water heater. Electric water heaters do not have a pilot light.
10. Troubleshooting Common Problems with the Pilot Light
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The pilot light will not stay lit. | There may be a problem with the thermocouple or the gas valve. Call a professional to troubleshoot the problem. |
| The pilot light is lit, but the water heater is not heating the water. | There may be a problem with the heating element or the thermostat. Call a professional to troubleshoot the problem. |
| The pilot light is flickering. | There may be a problem with the gas pressure. Call a professional to troubleshoot the problem. |
How to Turn Off Pilot Light on Water Heater
Turning off the pilot light on a water heater is a simple and straightforward process. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure safety and avoid causing any damage to the water heater. Here are the steps on how to turn off the pilot light on a water heater:
- Turn off the gas supply to the water heater. This is typically done by turning a valve located near the bottom of the water heater.
- Wait a few minutes for the gas to dissipate from the gas line.
- Locate the pilot light assembly. This is typically located at the bottom of the water heater near the gas valve.
- Depress the pilot light knob and hold it down. You should hear a clicking sound as the gas flows through the pilot light assembly.
- Hold the pilot light knob down for about 30 seconds or until the pilot light goes out.
- Release the pilot light knob.
Once the pilot light is off, you can safely light it again by following the manufacturer’s instructions. However, if you are not comfortable turning off the pilot light yourself, you should contact a qualified technician for assistance.
People Also Ask
How do I know if the pilot light on my water heater is off?
If the pilot light is off, you will not see a flame burning in the pilot light assembly. You can also check by feeling the pilot light assembly. If it is cold to the touch, the pilot light is off.
What should I do if the pilot light on my water heater keeps going out?
If the pilot light on your water heater keeps going out, there may be an issue with the pilot light assembly or the gas supply. You should contact a qualified technician to diagnose and repair the issue.
How much does it cost to replace a pilot light on a water heater?
The cost to replace a pilot light on a water heater will vary depending on the type of water heater and the cost of labor in your area. However, you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 for the replacement.
