Unsure how to relight the pilot light on your gas hot water system? We have created a simple 6 step process to help relight your pilot light safely. Contact our water heater specialists if you need assistance.
When attempting to relight your gas water heater’s pilot light, safety should always be the top priority. Follow these precautions before getting started:
Relighting your pilot light seems straightforward but can be dangerous if done incorrectly.If you smell gas at any point or are unsure of the proper procedure, call Strathfield Plumbing immediately on 1300 349 338 - do not take risks with gas leaks. Our licenced technicians can safely inspect your system and relight the pilot to get your hot water running again.
Gas water heaters utilise either electronic or manual ignition systems to light the pilot. An electronic ignition uses a spark igniter, identified by a square plastic button on the gas control valve or access panel. Manual systems require you to light the pilot by hand using a long lighter or match.
In the Strathfield area, most residential gas water heaters have electronic ignition systems with an igniter button. However, some older units still rely on manual ignition via a pilot light. Before attempting to relight your pilot, check your heater’s markings and documentation to verify which system you have.
If your ignition type is unclear, examine the gas control valve and surrounding areas carefully for a square igniter button - this definitively indicates you have an electronic system. Lacking this button means you likely have a manual pilot light requiring matches and steady hands to reignite your hot water system.
With decades of local experience, Strathfield Plumbing’s technicians are experts in all gas water heater ignition types found in Strathfield homes. Call us on 1300 349 338 for professional assistance getting your pilot relit fast.
To relight your gas water heater’s pilot, you first need to access the pilot light assembly. On most systems, this is located at the base of the tank, covered by a removable access panel.
Start by turning off the gas supply to your hot water system. The shutoff valve is typically found attached to the gas line, emerging from the wall within 3 feet of the heater. Rotate it a quarter turn clockwise to the “off” position.
Remove the water heater’s front access panel, if equipped. This panel may be held in place by screws or clips around the edges. Set it aside to reveal the gas control valve, thermocouple, and pilot light tube underneath.
On older units, the pilot assembly may be exposed without needing to detach an access panel. Carefully examine your water heater for a small nozzle directed at a bendable ignition tube - protected by a metal cover - leading to the pilot.
Once located, you have successfully accessed the pilot light. You can now proceed with specific relighting instructions for electronic or manual ignition systems as required.
However, if you are unable to find the pilot or lack the expertise to relight it yourself, call our team at Strathfield Plumbing on 1300 349 338. Our licenced technicians service all common gas water heater brands in the Strathfield area and can quickly restore your hot water.
If your gas water heater has a manual ignition system, follow these steps to safely relight the pilot:
Older hot water systems in the Strathfield area often rely on manual ignition and may require a technician to relight the pilot. If you cannot get your pilot relit after several attempts, call our team at Strathfield Plumbing on 1300 349 338. Our gas technicians can troubleshoot the issue and reignite your water heating system.
If your gas water heater features an electronic ignition system, follow these steps to get the pilot going again:
If the electronic ignition fails to spark or relight the pilot, contact Strathfield Plumbing on 1300 349 338. our licenced technicians specialise in repairing and Maintaining modern gas water heaters including Electronic ignition systems across the Strathfield area.
After relighting your gas water heater’s pilot, it is crucial to test and observe the flame to ensure proper function before closing up the assembly.
Closely watch the newly ignited pilot light for 5 minutes. The flame should burn steady and blue if combustion is complete. An orange/yellow colour may indicate a problem with gas flow or ventilation.
Listen for any noticeable hissing from the pilot tube or nozzle and check that the light pilot flame does not go out when the gas control knob is released. If issues are noticed, contact Strathfield Plumbing on 1300 349 338 to troubleshoot.
If the blue pilot flame remains lit and stable after 5+ minutes of observation, you can replace any removed access panels and restore gas supply to the water heater.
Slowly turn on the gas shutoff valve that leads into the system. Give your hot water heater 10-15 minutes to heat up the tank again before running hot water taps to check for proper operation.
Caution: If the relit pilot light repeatedly goes out or the heater fails to heat water, call our technicians at Strathfield Plumbing on 1300 349 338. We service all common gas water heater brands found in Strathfield homes and can quickly diagnose and resolve pilot and ignition issues.
You may encounter some common issues when attempting to relight your gas water heater’s pilot light. Troubleshooting these problems before calling a professional can potentially save time and money.
If the pilot tube produces sparks but does not light the pilot, there may be an underlying issue preventing gas flow. Potential causes include:
Verify that your main gas line shutoff valve is turned on fully. Tighten any loose thermocouple leads using pliers or a wrench. If piloting the system to bleed out air pockets, contact Strathfield Plumbing for assistance.
Remove any debris blocking the pilot nozzle or tube using compressed air or a pipe cleaner.
If the flame successfully lights but goes out shortly after ignition, several factors could be preventing the pilot from staying lit:
Adjust the pilot light tube to direct the flame properly against the thermocouple probe, heating it sufficiently to maintain the gas supply. Block any strong drafts around the water heater. If issues persist with your thermocouple, Strathfield Plumbing can replace it promptly to restore hot water.
For professional assistance troubleshooting additional relighting issues, contact our technicians at Strathfield Plumbing on 1300 349 338. With decades of combined experience, we can accurately diagnose problems with gas water heaters in the Strathfield area and seamlessly make repairs.
While relighting your gas water heater’s pilot light may seem like a straightforward DIY task, knowing when to call a professional is crucial.
Contact Strathfield Plumbing immediately on 1300 349 338 if at any point you:
Our experienced technicians are available 24/7 to respond promptly if you suspect a dangerous gas leak or are having difficulty with the relight pilot process.
It is also wise to call Strathfield Plumbing if:
We service all common residential and commercial water heater brands and models in the Strathfield area. Our experts can accurately troubleshoot any pilot lighting or general performance problems you’re experiencing.
For a fast, affordable pilot light repair without taking risks, contact our team.
Strathfield Plumbing Call: 1300 349 338 Email: jobs@strathfieldplumbingservices.com.au
Consumers can protect their homes by staying informed on gas appliance and product recalls. Check sites like ACCC and Energy Safe Victoria for the latest alerts. Have any potentially dangerous gas appliances or components installed, repaired and serviced by our licensed professionals to ensure safety.
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