Beatrice Lang
Pilot lights occasionally go out, which is usually not a cause for concern. However, if your pilot light won't relight, or goes out repeatedly, it may indicate that something is wrong. Before attempting to relight your pilot light, it's important to turn off the pilot and wait for a minute or two to let the gas dissipate from the chamber, so you don't ignite excess gas. If your furnace has no spark igniter, you can relight the pilot light using a match or a lighter.
How to Restart an Electric Pilot Light
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to restart | When the pilot light goes out |
| What to do first | Turn off the furnace |
| Locate | Gas valve or gas control knob |
| Gas valve positions | On, off, pilot |
| Action | Turn the knob to "pilot" |
| Next step | Hold down the red button or reset button |
| Button location | Near the gas valve |
| Button function | Pushes gas to the pilot light |
| Ignition | Use a match or a lighter, or use the spark mechanism |
| Flame location | End of the pilot tube |
| Hold down | Control knob for 30 seconds |
| Final step | Turn the gas control knob to the "on" position |
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What You'll Learn
Allow gas to dissipate before relighting
Allowing gas to dissipate before relighting is a crucial step in ensuring safety when relighting an electric pilot light. This step helps to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of explosions caused by igniting residual gas. Here's a detailed guide on this critical step:
Turn Off the Gas Supply:
Start by locating the gas knob or valve and turn it to the “Off” position. This step is essential as it stops the flow of gas to the pilot light. Make sure to follow the specific instructions for your unit, as different models may have slightly different procedures.
Wait for Gas Dissipation:
After turning off the gas supply, it's imperative to wait for a sufficient amount of time to allow any lingering or built-up gas to dissipate. The waiting period is typically recommended to be at least three minutes, but some sources suggest waiting for at least 10 minutes. During this time, open windows or doors to ensure proper ventilation and help dissipate the gas.
Safety Precautions:
Before proceeding to relight the pilot, ensure that you've taken the necessary safety precautions. This includes ensuring proper ventilation, following the manufacturer's instructions, and consulting a professional technician if you're unsure or uncomfortable with the process. Remember, safety should always come first.
Importance of Dissipation:
The dissipation step is crucial because it addresses the safety hazards associated with residual gas. When the pilot light goes out, gas may still be present in the lines or chamber. If you attempt to relight the pilot without allowing this gas to dissipate, you risk igniting a pool of residual gas, which could lead to an explosion or accident.
Final Checks Before Relighting:
Before proceeding to the relighting step, ensure that the gas knob or valve remains in the “Off” position. Check for any signs of gas dissipation, such as a change in smell. If you have a gas detector, use it to verify that the gas levels have decreased to a safe threshold. This final check ensures that you're creating a safe environment for relighting the pilot.
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Locate the gas control knob
The gas control knob is usually located on the bottom of the furnace, underneath the boiler or oven. It is typically found near the pilot light, which is often located behind an access panel that can be removed with a screwdriver. The gas control knob will have settings for “On”, “Off”, and “Pilot”, and may also have a “Reset” button.
In the case of a water heater, the gas shut-off valve is typically located near the base of the heater on the gas line. The gas control valve, which you turn to the “Pilot” position, is located on the water heater itself.
If you are having trouble locating the gas control knob, it is recommended to refer to the owner's manual or look up the model number online. For safety reasons, it is important to locate the gas control knob and turn it to the "Off" position before attempting to relight the pilot light, as this allows any residual gas to dissipate and reduces the risk of an accident.
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Use a match or lighter
If your pilot light has gone out, you may need to restart it to keep your gas appliances, water heaters, and furnaces working. Before attempting to restart the pilot light, ensure you have turned off the gas supply and power and waited at least five minutes for any residual gas to clear. Check for leaks by smelling for gas or fumes, and ensure the area is properly ventilated.
If your pilot light has no igniter button, you will need to use a match or lighter to manually light the flame. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Locate the pilot light opening. In a furnace, the pilot light is usually positioned at the bottom of the unit by a knob, which may be marked with the word "pilot". In an oven, the pilot light opening is usually at the bottom of the oven.
- Turn the knob or switch to the "pilot" setting. This will open the gas valve to the pilot light.
- Light a long match or a long-neck lighter. A barbecue-wand-style lighter is preferable, but a grill lighter or multipurpose lighter will also work.
- Press and hold the reset button, if your furnace or water heater has one.
- Bring the flame to the pilot light opening and hold it near the pilot light's opening.
- Slowly release the gas valve.
- If the pilot light remains lit, release the reset button and turn the knob or switch to the "on" position.
- Observe the pilot light for a few moments to ensure it stays lit.
If you are uncomfortable performing these steps or are unsure, it is advisable to consult a professional for guidance.
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Hold down the reset button
To restart an electric pilot light, you will need to locate the pilot and its reset switch. The pilot is usually at the base of the furnace, behind a small access door. It should be clearly labelled and have warning stickers on the outside or inside of the access door. Once you've located the pilot, follow these steps:
- Turn the reset switch to the "Off" position to stop the flow of gas to the pilot. This step is important to ensure safety and allow any residual gas to dissipate. Keep the reset switch in the "Off" position for about one to two minutes.
- After the gas has had time to dissipate, turn the reset switch to the "Pilot" or "On" position. If your pilot light is manual, you may need to use an external source of flame, such as a long-handled match or lighter. Hold the flame to the orifice while pressing the reset button.
- Hold down the reset button for about 30 seconds to one minute. This step is crucial to ensure the pilot light stays lit. If you're using an external flame source, keep it applied near the orifice during this step.
- Release the reset button and observe if the pilot light remains lit. If the flame holds and burns steadily, you can close the access door and restore power to your heating system.
It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take proper precautions when restarting an electric pilot light. Consult a professional if you encounter any difficulties or if the pilot light repeatedly goes out, as it may indicate a more serious issue.
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Check for drafts
If your pilot light won't stay lit, it could be due to drafts in the surrounding areas. A draft can blow out the pilot light, causing it to go out frequently.
To address this issue, check the surrounding areas of your furnace or water heater for any drafts. If you have a strong draft in the area, close any windows or vents near the furnace or boiler. Additionally, ensure that there are no air registers or vents close to the water heater, and that it is not located near an open window or door.
If your water heater is in a garage or utility room that opens to the outside, even a gust of wind from an open door could be enough to blow out the small, fragile flame. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the placement of your water heater and ensure that it is not in a drafty environment.
By taking these steps to check for and address drafts, you can help ensure that your pilot light stays lit and your furnace or water heater functions properly.
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