How to Repair a Pilot Light in a Hot Water Heater
The pilot light of your water heater is responsible for igniting the incoming gas that runs to the burner, which heats the water inside the tank. Without the pilot light, nothing but cold water will come from the heater. If the pilot light will not stay lit after several attempts at a relight, the thermocouple may be broken. The thermocouple senses when the pilot light is lit. If it is malfunctioning, the pilot light will not stay lit. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Turn off the gas supply to the water heater and wait at least 10 minutes for any built-up gas to dissipate. Turn the gas back on and attempt to light the pilot light. Hold a match or lighter by the pilot assembly at the lower-front portion of your water heater and push the ignite button. Turn off the gas to the unit if it doesn't light.
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Poke a pin into the pilot light to remove any dirt or debris buildup inside the mechanism. Turn the gas back on and attempt to light the pilot again. Turn off the gas if it fails to relight.
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Remove the thermocouple wire, the burner gas tube and the pilot light gas tube from the gas control knob box, using a crescent wrench to unscrew the retaining nut.
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Pull the burner assembly out of the water heater, carefully removing the gas tubes with it. Do not bend the gas supply tubes.
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Pull the old thermocouple out of the burner. It is a small brass assembly shaped like a thick pin. Insert a new thermocouple assembly and reconnect the tubes and thermocouple wire to the gas control knob.
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Turn on the gas and test the unit by lighting the pilot light. Call a repair professional if this does not solve the problem.
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References
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