Consider Replacing Your Water Heater System If It’s Old
This is typically going to be something to do with the age of your water heater system. For the majority of new systems, a pilot is not used to ignite the heater or the furnace itself. With that in mind, you should absolutely look to make the right decision with regards to replacing the old system that you have in place.
This problem is not something you need to worry about with a newer water heater. Of course, you could have other problems with a new system, but the issue of your pilot light coming on but the burner not igniting will be a thing of the past. You can easily solve this problem simply by taking the time to speak with a professional.
They can usually diagnose the issue for you, though most engineers will likely remind you that you simply get a new system installed to replace your older model.
Cant Fix The Hot Water Heater Pilot Light When To Call The Pros
There comes a point when you have done all the troubleshooting and DIY fixes you can, and it is time to call in experienced professionals. Once you do, they will clean the unit to ensure no dirt, debris, or mineral buildup is causing a water flow issue, check the water pressure, inspect your thermocouple, gas lines, and more to determine the best course of action to get your water heater back up and running.
Its always a good move to call a licensed plumber for water heater services when you:
- Arent comfortable handling gas appliances
- Want a safety check or maintenance services
- Need to repair or replace the thermocouple
- Have a gas leak or a cracked or damaged gas burner
- Require a faulty gas valve repair or replacement
- Own a water heater 8-12 years old, as you might consider getting a quote on a new one.
How To Fix A Honeywell Thermopile Unit Controller Error
Most Honeywell pilot light issues stem from the pilot light unit controller. Specifically, this is the thermopile unit controller. The error message will say Thermopile Low Voltage. When you get this error, the only fix is to replace the whole thermopile unit.
Many unit controller issues should be apparent while the appliance is still under warranty. If you find the error within that warranty period, the manufacturer should work with you to get it replaced at no or low cost.
If your unit is out of warranty, you can try to replace it yourself. These replacements can be purchased online for around $50. Do not try to fix it yourself while your water heater is under warranty, as you could void the warranty.
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A Tripped Thermal Release Device
Every gas water heater, including the Richmond Water Heater, has a thermal release device. You can find this device in the combustion chamber. Once you remove the burner assembly, you can see it right behind it.
Because of the thermal resistance device, the water heater can breathe. The air makes its way through the vents and oxygen goes into the combustion chamber. And the flame will be there where the burner is.
If the thermal resistance device gets broken, the little glass bulb will pop. When the little pin comes through, it closes the vent and your heater cant breathe. As a result, the pilot light wont stay lit anymore.
Igniting paint or stain fumes can cause the thermal resistance device to trip.
How To Fix:
You must replace the broken thermal release device to solve the pilot light issue. I recommend you watch the following tutorial for what to look for if you want to do it yourself.
Alternatively, you can hire a professional plumber to do this replacement for you. In this case, you may need to spend $150 to $200 including the part and labor costs.
Pilot Flame Keeps Going Out
Another common issue with the pilot light on water heaters is that the flame frequently goes out. If your pilot flame lights but keeps going out, its vent is most likely dirty and/or clogged. This makes the pilot flame small and unsustainable. Check for any obvious dirt or debris that could be clogging the pilot and clean accordingly.
Alternatively, if the pilot light goes out right after you light it, you want to reset the door switch, or high-limit reset switch. This switch can be found by viewing the door at the base of the tank. Simply push the switch and listen for a click. Then, proceed with relighting the pilot per the steps outlined above.
If your pilot light still wont stay lit, the issue is almost always caused by a defective thermocouple. You can easily replace this part yourself for cheap, or consider hiring a professional to ensure that it is properly installed.
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Why Does A Water Heaters Pilot Light Go Out
Some of the most common reasons that water heater pilot lights go out include:
- A faulty thermocouple. Your thermocouple is responsible for sensing when your pilot light is lit. If it senses that the pilot light has gone out, the thermocouple shuts off the gas supply to the flame in order to prevent safety issues with your water heater. Over time, thermocouples can begin to malfunction and shut off the gas supply to the pilot light even if its burning properly.
- A bent or dirty thermocouple. In addition to normal malfunctioning, your thermocouple can suffer from dirt buildup or the device can get bent away from your pilot lights flame. In either case, the thermocouple will have a harder time sensing your pilot light and it will shut off the flames gas supply.
- Flame was blown out. If youre water heater doesnt have a sealed combustion chamber, its possibly that the pilot light can be blown out due to a strong draft near your unit.
- Not enough combustible air. Not enough combustible air. If your water heater is located in a utility closet or anywhere it is starved for combustible air, the pilot light may go out. This situation could also lead to a build-up of Carbon Monoxide, which can be life threatening.
Houston Water Heater Repair For The Thermocouple
One of the most common reasons a pilot light wont stay on is due to the thermocouple. The thermocouple is a part that senses when the pilot light is on. When it senses the flame from the pilot light, it allows gas to flow into the water heater. If it doesnt, then it shuts off the gas to prevent natural gas flooding into your home. A damaged water heater thermocouple can cause the pilot light to go out frequently because it wont allow gas to flow to the water heater. There are several potential Houston water heater repair services that may help with this, such as:
Cleaning the Thermocouple
One simple repair for a water heater thermocouple is to simply clean it. Over time, thermocouples can become grimy, which can stop it from detecting the pilot light flame. In these cases, we may simply need to clean the thermocouple to get it working again properly. This usually involves removing it from the water heater and cleaning it with a mildly abrasive cloth to remove stuck on dirt and grime before reinstalling it.
Straightening the Thermocouple
In other cases, it may be that the thermocouple has become bent over time. This means the sensor isnt directed toward the pilot light and therefore believes that the pilot light is out and shuts off gas to the water heater. Repairing this issue typically involves bending the thermocouple back into a straight position and making sure that it is pointed toward the pilot light.
Replacing the Thermocouple
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Manual Vs Electric Valve Controls
The thermocouple in manual units, and thermo-pile in electric units, measure the temperature at the pilot light to ensure that the flame is working. To switch between the pilot light and full heating mode, the gas valve needs to open and shut. Older or low-end appliances, the gas valve might be manual.
Are You Worried About A Gas Leak
If you suspect any type of gas leak, it is wise to call a professional. Since the gas is extremely dangerous, this is not something you want to try to fix for yourself. If you smell gas in your home, youll want to remove your family, as well as any pets or live creatures, and then go to a neighbors and call for help.
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How Do I Manually Light My Rv Hot Water Heater
The instructions are no different here than the ones we gave you a few sections back. Make sure the tank is full of water, then double-check to make sure all gas valves are open. Once that is done, turn the knob to pilot or light and light your match or lighter.
Wait a few seconds until you know the pilot light has caught, then release the knob and turn it on or heat. That is the only way to manually light a water heater. You cannot do this if your model comes with electronic ignition or an automatic lighting system.
In that case, you may need to call a technician for help to get the pilot light system up and running. Sometimes the control board has gone bad on you and it would need to be replaced. That takes someone who is trained to handle that type of replacement repair.
A Defective Gas Valve
So, the most common reason for many people having this problem stems from having a gas valve that is not working as it should. When your gas control valve is faulty, it will mean that your burner is not going to be igniting as it shouldor at all.
The main thing to look out for when your gas control valve goes is that the electronics in the valve cannot understand that the pilot has been lit.
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The Water Heater Pilot Light Is Lit But The Burners Wont Ignite
We recommend considering getting a replacement if your water heater system is old. Most newer models do not use a pilot light anymore. However, you can troubleshoot your current unit to see what is wrong.
The following three reasons may explain why your burner will not ignite.
The Water Heater Status Light Is Blinking
You must pay attention to flashing or blinking lights because it indicates something needs your attention. It speaks for the health of your heater, so knowing how to interpret it goes a long way.
There are several brands in the market. To name a few, some famous ones are:
- Rheem Gladiator
- and Suburban Pilot
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How To Light A Gas Water Heater Pilot Light
If your gas water heater has an electronic ignition system, you should never attempt to light it by hand. The procedure for properly lighting a pilot light will vary based on the water heater you have. Therefore, you should always consult the instructions from your manufacturer. However, the most standard procedure for lighting a gas water heater pilot light is as follows:
Again, this process may vary slightly based on the make and model of your water heater. To properly and safely light your pilot light, always check the instructions first.
Lack Of Combustible Air
Lack of combustible air is another cause of pilot light wont stay lit on water heater. Your appliance needs air to keep the pilot light igniting otherwise, it trips off.
Make sure your device is not surrounded by dirt, debris, and other impurities to enhance the amount of combustible air. The neighboring area of your heater should be clean.
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Help The Pilot Light Is Out Do I Need Houston Water Heater Repair
If you find the pilot light out and no hot water in your home, this can be frustrating. Its easy to think that your water heater is broken when its not working properly. However, the good news is that if the pilot light goes out, usually you can relight it and get your water heater working again in no time.
Of course, its important to take a few safety precautions. The first thing you should always do before relighting the water heater pilot light or diagnosing problems with your water heater is to shut off the gas. You should wait at least five minutes to allow any gas to dissipate. Also, it can help to wait a little longer to allow all the components to cool down so you dont accidentally burn yourself. Before relighting the pilot light, turn the gas valve back on so the water heater can get gas again.
Take Advantage Of Your Warranty
In most cases, most water heaters tend to come with a 1 or 2-year warranty. If your pilot light malfunctions during this period, you can always go back to where you bought it and get it fixed. This is exceptionally beneficial because, in most cases, they may replace any damaged equipment or replace the water heater entirely.
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How To Check The Pilot Light On The Water Heater
At some point, you need to check the pilot light on your water heater. Your water will be cold if it is not burning. You can visually inspect the flame. However, the gas control valve can indicate if there is an issue. You can find the chamber door to the burner below the control valve.
The following are signs it has gone out:
- Error message or a blinking LED
- Unable to see the flame
- The running water is cold
Aside from residential or commercial applications, water heaters are also available in an RV. Checking its status is similar.
Water Heater Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
Make sure to follow the directions on your water heater label. If your pilot doesnt re-light, wont stay lit or keeps going out after a short time, you most likely have an issue with the hot water heater thermocouple. This can happen with age. For more information about life expectancy, read this article entitled how long do water heaters last? Lets discuss how to tell if a thermocouple is bad, below.
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Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
The pilot light flame on your gas water heater going out is a problem that is not only inconvenient but also frustrating to deal with. If the pilot light doesn’t stay lit, you won’t have any hot water, making even routine activities like taking a shower more hassle than usual. Naturally, you are perplexed. If the pilot light goes out, the good news is that this is a problem many homes experiences, and the effort required to repair it is rather low.
If the pilot light on your water heater won’t remain lit and you don’t know much about water heaters, allow us to walk you through the common causes of why your water heater isn’t heating and the solution to this problem.
Honeywell Hot Water Heater No Status Light
The root reasons behind Honeywell hot water heater no status light includes the pilot is not lighting, no spark in the igniter, and faulty gas control valve electrical connection.
Furthermore, due to insufficient air supply, the thermal switch may get tripped, and it would be the leading culprit. Also, low voltage on the thermopile affects the heater function, and for that, owners will face no status light blinking issue on their water heaters.
If the issue is related to only the pilot and igniter, simply cleaning and replacing the defective parts can resolve the problem, but in the case of a tripped thermal switch, you have to reset it. Also, testing the thermopile reading is a must to ensure if it really needs replacement.
Anyway, from this article, you are getting the complete solutions guide related to the status light no blinking issue. So, dont miss a single word from below.
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