How to Adjust the Pilot on a Gas Water Heater

Gas water heaters need a pilot light adjustment when it will not light.

A gas water heater has a pilot light that lights incoming gas from the gas valve. The burning gas heats the water stored in the water heater tank. If the pilot light is too weak or does not stay lit, the pilot light may need adjustment. An orange flame indicates the pilot light is too weak. If the pilot light does not stay lit after the adjustment, the thermocouple that detects the pilot light flame may be defective and need replacement.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Lie on the floor and locate the pilot light orifice.

2. Try lighting the pilot light. Turn the gas valve to the pilot lighting setting and press the ignition button.

3. Adjust the pilot light flame by turning the screw counterclockwise to give more gas and tightening it clockwise to close off the gas supply. Attempt to light the pilot light again.

4. Adjust the screw until the pilot light flame is completely blue and there is no orange visible.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot find the adjustment screw, consult the instruction manual for instruction on locating it on your particular unit.

References

• Don Vandervort's Home Tips: Water Heater Pilot Light Doesn't Stay Lit
• Family Hanyman: How to Fix a Water Heater Pilot Light
• Renovation Headquarters: Adjusting a Pilot Light Flame