How do you test a water heater burner?

How to inspect the burner flames. A soft blue flame is the sign of the correct gas combustion. Use the viewport at the bottom of the water heater to examine the burner flames, at least twice a year. If you see blue tips with the yellow inner cones, it is still OK.

How do you clean a pilot hole in a water heater?

Clean the pilot hole by brushing it with a stiff wire brush. Alternatively, poke a thin wire into the orifice. Screw the bracket back onto the valve and turn on the gas. Start the pilot by turning the control knob to the “Pilot” position.

How do you turn off the gas on a water heater?

Turn the gas control valve on the heater clockwise to the OFF position (counter-clockwise for the Honeywell model). If you own the water heater with the White-Rodgers gas valve, the knob must be depressed before switching to the OFF position. Turn the gas supply OFF to the unit by using the manual shut-off valve, located beside the heater.

Where is the pilot tube on a water heater?

Follow the gas line from the heater to the gas supply shutoff valve and turn off the valve. The valve is off when it’s perpendicular to the pipe. Locate the pilot tube. It is one of two small tubes connected to the automatic gas valve; the other is the thermocouple tube.

What to do if your water heater pilot light is not on?

If it is, get plumber to service it or for DIY turn off as entirely (valve control to off), let cool completely, then carefully (without breaking off pilot or gas fittings) brush or vacuum (easier) the burner element and pilot area clean.

How to fix a plugged pilot hole on a water heater?

You won’t need any tools; lift it to unsnap it. Turn the gas control to the “Off” position. Follow the gas line from the heater to the gas supply shutoff valve and turn off the valve. The valve is off when it’s perpendicular to the pipe.