How to Clean a Hot Water Heater's Pilot Light

A well-maintained water heater will keep the warm water flowing when you want it.

The water heater is often a forgotten appliance. When you turn on the hot-water faucet in the shower or at the kitchen sink, the hot water that comes out of the spigot comes from the water heater. The only time people tend to remember their water heater is if it is malfunctioning and not producing that hot water, It's a good idea, though, to keep the water heater's burner assembly in good working order to prevent it from becoming clogged or needing replacement. Additionally, a water heater that does not produce hot water may have a clogged pilot light. A quick cleaning may get it working again.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench or pliers
• Wire brush
• Toothpick
• File
• Washcloth
• Air compressor or can of compressed air

Instructions

1. Turn the gas control knob on the water heater to the "Off" position. Turn off the gas to the water heater by turning the gas valve to be perpendicular to the gas line. Allow any gas fumes to dissipate for 10 to 15 minutes before working on the water heater.

2. Look in your owner's manual to find out how the access panel on the front of the water heater detaches. Open the access panel by pulling or sliding it off.

3. Remove the pilot assembly from the water heater by using an adjustable wrench or pliers to loosen and remove the two nuts that attach the silver pilot line and copper thermocouple to the water heater's thermostat.

4. Pull the detached thermocouple, pilot and bracket out of the water heater. Place it on a table or other flat working surface on a sheet of newspaper or an old towel.

5. Use a toothpick to unclog and scrape any debris from inside the pilot light port. Poke the toothpick into the port and rotate it. Gently tap the pilot upside-down on the table to knock out any loose dust and soot.

6. Scrub the opening of the pilot with a stiff-wire brush to remove any surface debris. Wipe away any loose debris with a dry washcloth.

7. Use a burst of air from a can of compressed air or an air compressor to completely remove loose soot from the pilot assembly. Gently blow the compressed air into the front of the access panel and around the burner of the water heater to remove any loose dust and soot.

8. Replace the pilot and thermocouple assembly by reattaching the two nuts that hold them to the thermostat. Place the pilot light under the burner in such a way that it is centered and upright under the burner to the water heater.

9. Turn the gas back on to the water heater. Turn the gas control knob to "Pilot." Press the gas control button for 2 to 3 seconds, then light the pilot either by pressing the red ignition button until the pilot lights or by lighting it with a long fireplace match.

10. Continue pressing the gas control knob for 20 to 30 seconds before releasing. Turn the gas control knob to "On."

Tips & Warnings

• Electronic ignition water heaters do not require a lit match but instead rely on an electric switch on the water heater to spark the pilot light. Standing pilot water heaters require a match to light their pilot lights. Refer to your owners manual to identify which type of ignition system your water heater uses.

• Use the wire brush to clean the tip of the thermocouple while it is out of the water heater to keep it in working condition.

References

• Water Heater Rescue: Gas Water Heater Issues
• Home Tips: How to Relight a Gas Water Heater