How to Relight Your Pilot Light on Your Gas Water Heater

Pilot Light Gone Out on Your Water Heater? – No Problem

If you woke up to a cold shower, there’s a good chance the pilot light on your water heater has gone out. Learn how to turn it back on and you’ll be known around your house as, “The keeper of the flame.”

You will need a gas-powered water heater, and a lighter or matches.

Optional: a flashlight.

Gas vapors can be dangerous. Check around the gas heater and lines before igniting the pilot. If you smell gas, or suspect a leak, turn off the supply and call the utility company or a professional plumbing company for help..

Step one: Turn the temperature knob on the outside of the unit to the lowest setting. Use a flashlight to see the small parts and lettering on the water heater.

Step two: Find the metal access panel under the knobs near the bottom of the heater and remove it. Also, remove the inner-heat shield panel. Look inside for a flame—if you see one, the pilot is already lit and is probably not the source of the problem.

Step three: Turn the gas control knob to the off position and wait a minute for any leftover gas to clear the line. Blow gently through the access door to disperse any remaining gas vapors.

Step four: Now turn the control to the pilot setting and hold a lit match or lighter in the opening near the end of metal pilot supply tube. Some models require you to press and hold a button that says pilot, instead of a knob.

Step five: Press and hold the reset or pilot button on the control box until the pilot lights and continue to hold it for 60 seconds after the pilot is lit.

Step six: After 60 seconds, turn the control knob to the on position.

Step seven: Repeat the process once if the pilot did not light the first time

Step eight: Replace the access panels to the heater and set the temperature knob to the desired setting. Wait a while for the tank to heat up and you’re back in business.

Did you know, heating the water for one household typically costs $200 to $600 per year? Cut back on your water heating costs by using less hot water or switching to a water heater with an Energy Star logo. For more energy and water saving tips visit sandiegoplumbingtips.com

When Should You Replace Your Water Heater?

Because your water heater is constantly under stress and pressure, you never know when a serious problem is going to arise. Your water heater will need constant attention, maintenance, and repair. And out San Diego water heater specialists recommend you have a tune-up and inspection at least once a year. Then you’ll know exactly what’s going on with your water heater, and it will be as efficient and healthy as possible. But even with frequent repairs, your water heater will eventually need to be replaced. And when it does, you don’t want to be left without hot water for any amount of time. So it’s best if you know beforehand when you need to replace your water heater.

A professional will most likely need to tell you for certain whether or not you need a replacement water heater. But there are some warning sign you can watch out for that point to an upcoming breakdown of your unit:

What Age Should You Replace Your Water Heater

Water heaters have an average lifespan of ten years. Of course, this number will drop to as low as five years without frequent repairs and maintenance. So, first of all, it’s important to make frequent and prompt repairs. And if your heater is more than five years old, you’ll want to start paying more attention to it and considering a replacement. If you haven’t had your water heater worked on recently, you’ll need to have an inspection by a professional San Diego water heater specialist. We’ll let you know if you should be concerned, if you need a replacement, and how much longer your water will last.

Listen for Any Noises

If you hear any loud noises coming from your San Diego water heater, something may be seriously wrong. It can mean that there’s a buildup of sediment that isn’t letting water through the pipes. Sometimes the sediment can be flushed out, but it’s not uncommon for a replacement water heater to be necessary.
Out San Diego water heater specialists can help you determine whether repairs can take care of the problem of if you need to replace your water heater.

Look for Leaks

If you have a leak in your water heater, it could be an indicator of larger problems that could lead to a complete breakdown in the near future. They can often be repaired, but only a professional can let you know what state your water is in.

Not every puddle you find around water heater is the result of a leak, so there’s no need to panic! The best thing you can do if you believe you’ve found a leak is to call a professional San Diego water heater specialist. We’ll determine whether you have a leak, it’s location, and the best way to move forward.

Getting the Most Out of Your Water Heater in San Diego CA

A simple and inexpensive maintenance program can lengthen the life of your water heater in San Diego and practically eliminate the need to replace it.

Below are some tips to help get the most from your water heater

• Regularly clean your water heater. This means cleaning all of the major components of the water heater; the enclosure, the water tank assembly, and the burner and control assembly.
• Inspect the condition of the anode rod in order to prevent leaks from developing. If it is worn down you will need to replace it. You can get a new one from a plumbing supply company.
• The burner assembly should be cleaned at least once a year, but more frequent care is better. Simply brush away cobwebs, dust and remove other debris that builds up.
• Flush the tank regularly to remove built up sediment.
• Frequently check your water heater for leaks. It’s important to check the pipe connections, the valves and underneath the unit.
• Test the temperature/pressure relief valve once a year to make sure it’s working.

Protect the floor under the water heater from water damage by painting the area with a water sealant. Also, you can install a specially designed drip pan under the water heater to catch extra water. These pans are available at most building supply stores for about $10. Keep in mind, the pan you select must have a drain out the bottom.

Use an insulation blanket to make a water heater more energy efficient.

Looking For More Information On Water Heaters?

Not sure how much longer your water heater will last or are you already looking for a new one. Have you considered greener, tankless water heaters? If you have questions call us. We are the water heater experts and we can help find the right one for your needs.