A Comprehensive Guide to Pilot Lights and How to Fix Them

Most modern gas water heaters and furnaces utilize electronic ignition to start the main burner. However, some still employ a pilot light system. In a standing pilot ignition setup, a small flame remains continuously lit. When heat is required, this pilot light ignites the gas.

However, pilot lights can often go out as well, thereby hindering the proper functioning of your appliance.

In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of pilot lights and explore ways to fix such unwanted glitches.

What is a Pilot Light?

For those wondering what is a pilot light, it is a tiny gas flame for lighting burners on appliances. It is also commonly known as a gas flame or a pilot flame.

First things first, you must know how to turn on the pilot light. You need to simply rotate the knob located at the stove front clockwise and then press it in. The knob remains in this position and allows you to regulate flame brightness.

You can also remove the glass covering of the burner and light the flame using a lighter or a match.

The Main Parts of A Pilot Light

The essential parts of a pilot light are—

1. Pilot Tube or Gas Line: This is a small pipe or tube that carries a controlled flow of gas from the main gas supply to the pilot light assembly.

2. Burner: The pilot burner is where the gas from the pilot tube is released.

3. Thermocouple: The thermocouple is a safety device located near the pilot flame. It has two different types of metal wires connected at one end. When heated by the pilot flame, the thermocouple generates a small electric voltage as a signal to keep the gas valve open. If the pilot light goes out, the voltage drops, causing the gas valve to shut off.

4. Gas Control Valve: This valve controls the flow of gas to the pilot burner. It is often controlled by a knob or button that allows you to turn the pilot light on and off.

5. Adjustment Screw or Nut: Some pilot assemblies have an adjustment screw or nut that allows you to fine-tune the size and intensity of the pilot flame.

6. Igniter: In some pilot light systems, there's an igniter or a push-button or trigger mechanism that generates a spark to ignite the pilot flame without the need for matches or a separate ignition source.

When Is the Pilot Light Out?

The next question you should be asking is how to know if your pilot light is out. If, for example, water refuses to heat even after you have turned on the hot water, it indicates that the pilot light of your water heater is out. Another indication of a pilot light glitch is your furnace not turning on even when the indoor temperature falls below your thermostat settings.

To be sure, you need to know how to check a pilot light. Use a flashlight to check for pilot light assembly under the water heater or furnace. You will find a valve named ‘pilot’. There should also be ‘on’ and ‘off’ options and a tiny blue flame should be visible. In case you have located the valve but there is no flame, it means that the pilot light has gone out.

What Makes the Pilot Light Go Out?

Several factors can cause pilot lights to glitch. These include—

1. Damaged or dirty thermocouple.

2. Dirt accumulation at the pilot port opening.

3. Strong draft or wind snuffing off the light.

Relighting a Pilot Light

Once the flame goes out, you need to know how to relight a pilot light. Follow these simple steps:

1. Turn off the gas regulator valve and wait for five minutes for the gas to dissipate.

2. Detect the pilot burner and remove the glass cover, if any.

3. Put the gas valve in the ‘pilot’ position and hold it there.

4. If your appliance has an ‘ignition’ button, push it now.

5. If there is no ignition button, use a match or lighter to relight the pilot.

6. For at least a minute after relighting the flame, continue to hold the gas valve in the ‘pilot’ position.

7. Let go of the gas valve slowly. If the pilot continues to remain lit, turn the valve to the ‘on’ position.

8. Wait for a while to ensure that the appliance continues to function.

You need to contact an expert if these steps fail to reignite the pilot light.

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COMMON PILOT LIGHT PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

A majority of gas appliances include a pilot light. This light is a small flame that ignites the main burner in the appliances. However, this light can encounter numerous issues that hinder its functionality. Therefore, it is crucial to identify these issues timely and opt for the right solution to ensure optimal functionality.

WEAK OR FLICKERING PILOT LIGHT

One of the most common issues in pilot lights is a weak or flickering light. This issue may arise due to dirt accumulation in the assembly of the pilot. It might also occur due to obstructions. These issues hinder the smooth flow of gas. A weak or flickering pilot light can disrupt the optimal combustion process. It will result in the complete inability for ignition or erratic ignition patterns. This problem can be avoided by implementing a cleaning and maintenance routine. Also, this problem can be eliminated effectively by removing obstructions.

DIRTY OR CLOGGED PILOT LIGHT

A dirty or clogged pilot light is another issue that can result in the functionality of the pilot light. Dirt or clogging can disrupt the smooth flow of gas, which is necessary for its optimal functioning. This eventually results in weak ignition or frequent extinguishing due to obstructions caused by debris, dust, and residual substances. To rectify this issue, it is crucial to clean the pilot light thoroughly. You can use compressed air or a soft brush for cleaning. You must eliminate any obstructions to restore the smooth gas flow.

CONSTANTLY EXTINGUISHING PILOT LIGHT

Another issue in a pilot light is its consistent flickering. This signals severe issues like an insufficient gas supply or a malfunctioning thermocouple. A thermocouple is a significant safety mechanism that senses the presence of flame. If this safety mechanism fails, it triggers a gas shut-off. To rectify this problem, a thorough examination and potential replacement of the thermocouple is required. Also, adequate gas supply and pressure must be ensured.

SIGNS OF PILOT LIGHT ISSUES

Issues in a pilot light can be identified by certain signs. These signs include recurrent extinguishing, failure to ignite, and weak or flickering flames. A weak or flickering light indicates dirt accumulation or blockages in the pilot light assembly. This results in hindering gas flow. The consistent extinguishing of a pilot light is another sign that indicates a faulty thermocouple or problems with the gas supply. Failure to ignite the light indicates gas line issues or malfunctioning of the ignition system. Regular inspection, maintenance, and cleaning are essential to ensure optimal functionality of the pilot light.

IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the optimal functionality of the pilot light. Such a routine will also ensure that the pilot light is safe to use for gas appliances. Pilot lights must be cleaned regularly to remove dirt buildup. Regular maintenance is also important to get rid of the malfunctioning of the pilot assembly components. As listed above, you must regularly inspect the lights and identify signs indicating issues in them. Also, regular checks result in early detection of the issues in light. It also helps detect safety hazards like faulty thermocouples or gas leaks. So, you can minimize the risk of accidents with regular maintenance.

Read Also - EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PANEL LIGHTS

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why did my pilot light go out after the furnace installation?

Ans: After a furnace installation, a pilot light could go out due to several factors. For example, it might be due to debris in a gas line or a disrupted flow of gas to the pilot. Also, in cases of improper installation, like a faulty thermocouple connection or incorrect adjustment of the pilot light, extinguishing can be caused. This is why experts must install pilot lights professionally.

Q2. What are some signs that indicate a malfunctioning pilot light?

Ans: Signs of malfunctioning pilot lights include recurrent extinguishing, weak or flickering flames upon ignition, or failure to ignite altogether. A pilot light emitting a yellow or orange flame instead of a blue one. Such flames indicate incomplete combustion, indicating potential issues with gas flow or ventilation.

Q3. Why pilot light won't restart?

Ans: A pilot light may fail to restart for various possible reasons. It may fail to restart when it is dirty or clogged. It might also fail to restart due to a faulty thermocouple, insufficient gas supply, or an issue with the ignition system.