Is it dangerous if the pilot light goes out on your water heater?
Is it Dangerous if the Water Heater’s Pilot Light Goes Out? In most cases, it isn’t dangerous when the water heater pilot light is extinguished. This is because modern gas-fueled water heaters feature valves that automatically close the supply of gas when the pilot light goes out.
What happens if pilot light is not working on gas heater?
If your pilot light isn’t working on a gas heater, your gas valve can potentially continue to release gas in the air. Enough gas in the air causes a potentially dangerous situation, which can sometimes lead to major fires. If this is a concern, the easiest way to solve this issue is by turning off the gas valve on your water heater.
How does the pilot light on a water heater work?
When your heater is working the way it should, gas flows in and burns to generate heat. But, if something’s not working correctly, the chamber can fill with gas and eventually leak into your home. So, the pilot light keeps the thermocouple warm, which keeps the gas flowing.
Is it dangerous if the pilot light goes out on the water?
This is how natural gas smells, and once you notice it, you must turn off the gas to the heater. Before taking such a dangerous matter into your own hands, try contacting the gas company, and wait for their instructions.
Why does my water heater light keep going out?
Dirty Pilot Tube If your water heater light goes out every few days, dirt buildup in your pilot tube can be one of the very reasons. It is a very common problem with water heaters to have a clogged pilot tube due to long-time usage. As time passes by, dirt may build up in the pilot tube and cause blockage to the gas supply.
How do I check the pilot light on my water heater?
Open the door/cover over the pilot light access. This will be located under the gas valve; some water heaters just have an open gap instead where you can see the pilot light burner. Use a flashlight or a headlamp to find the burner inside. Two small gas tubes will lead to it.
How does a pilot light go out on a water heater?
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…
Why is the water heater pilot light keeps going out?
There are several things that can cause your gas water heater pilot light to keep going out. One of the most common is your thermocouple. If you are unfamiliar with what this device does, the thermocouple is a device in your hot water heater that uses an electrical current to determine whether the pilot light is on or not.
How do you light the pilot light on a heater?
Here is how to light the pilot light on a gas heater. Lighting the pilot light on a gas heater is simple to do. Turn the thermostat to its lowest setting. Turn the gas knob to the OFF setting and wait 5 minutes to clear out any gas.
