How to Light a Water Heater with Electronic Pilot

Every home needs a water heater since it keeps our rooms warm and allows us to shower in the morning or unwind in a hot bath at the end of a long workday. But, of course, without this gadget, we couldn’t even make a little toast!

Nevertheless, it is conceivable that occasionally our electric water heater will stop being able to ignite. The water heater pilot could not burn at all, or it might flash briefly before going out. But why is this even taking place? Why is your gadget acting in this manner? And how to light a water heater with electronic pilot?

how to light a water heater with electronic pilot

To give you the most comprehensive knowledge on the minute aspects that can be useful for igniting water heaters, we tried our best to investigate the topic before writing this article.

How To Light A Water Heater With Electronic Pilot In 7 Steps

If you are sure your water heater is fueled by gas, start by reading the user manual’s directions for relighting the pilot light. Additionally, instructions are typically placed on the tank’s exterior on gas water heaters. If there are no instructions on the tank, and you don’t have access to the owner’s handbook, follow these steps:

  1. Open the door or cover covering the access to the pilot light. It is beneath the gas line valve. However, some types may have an open gap where you can see the pilot light burning. Your water heater is a sealed burner assembly if it lacks an empty hole. Do not try to take the lid off. A sealed burner assembly or a Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant (FVIR) device prevents the ignition of flammable vapors outside the water heater.
  2. To find the burner, use a flashlight or headlamp. Two little gas tubes run to the burner.
  3. Turn the gas knob to the “Pilot” position slowly and keep it there. This action starts a gas flow that allows you to create the flame. Press and hold down the pilot mode button if your model has one.
  4. Light the pilot while keeping the gas knob or button down. Your water heater can have a red or black ignition button, or you might have to manually ignite it with a long lighter, depending on the type.
  5. Hold the knob or button down until the flame starts to burn, then gradually let go of it to ensure the pilot light stays lit.
  6. When you hear a whooshing or “whump” sound from the burner, lighting up can be heard when the gas knob is turned to the “On” position.
  7. Once the pilot light is lit, replace the access cover.

How To Check Pilot Light On Water Heater

Your water heater pilot is probably out if you turn on a faucet, and the water is always cold, no matter how long you let it run. So you must get access to the water heater to check.

Most water heaters include a pilot light underneath the gas control valve at the bottom of the heater.

Examine the burner chamber by opening the door or access panel. A steady blue flame should be coming from the pilot light tube. The pilot light is out since there isn’t any flame.

What Do You Do When the Pilot Light Goes Out?

If at all feasible, relight the pilot light per the directions provided by your appliance manufacturer. Nevertheless, the procedure is the same for all gas water heater models.

Then, how to light a water heater with an electronic pilot? Identify if your water heater has a manual or automated igniter first. You ought to be able to know by glancing at the control dial, claims Mullen Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling of West Virginia. You have an automatic igniter if there is an ignition button. No ignition key? You will need to relight your water heater pilot manually.

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Heater Technician is a skilled author and water heater expert with years of experience in the field. He has authored several articles and books on various aspects of water heater installation, maintenance, and repair.