Cleaning Gas Water Heater Pilot

Use a slender needle to gently unclog the tube.

Cleaning gas water heater pilot.

Unthread the nut to detach the burner supply tube from the gas or control valve. If necessary unthread any mounting screws and remove the burner access cover. Occasionally or at least seasonally check the gas pilot orifice for soot or oxidation buildup. Although an increasing number of gas water heaters have electronic igniters many still rely on a pilot light to ignite the burner when the.

Turn on the water heater. The flame will go out if the tube is clogged with dirt or debris. Step 3 wipe the hot water heater down with a dry cloth to get rid of as much dry dirt as possible. After scrubbing further clean the thermocouple of the water heater with a microfiber cloth to remove excess particles.

When the gas burner comes on use a 50 50 dish soap water mix to test the screw joints for air bubbles that indicate leaks. A blast of compressed air or a quick turn with a water heater cleaning brush can keep the gas pilot tube and surrounding parts clean and in good working order. Reopen the shutoff valve relight the pilot then turn the control valve to on. Relight the pilot light too and wait to see if the water will heat up.

You must have the pilot lit and the burner on for this test so that gas is flowing through the large tube. If it does congratulations. Open the drain valve at the bottom of the hot water heater tank. Next unthread the nuts or screws securing the burner plate itself.

The gas pilot cleaner is a tool kit that allows you to clean a gas pilot assembly easily without removing the orifice or pilot assembly from equipment. Allow the tank to drain completely flushing out flakes of mineral deposits along with the cooled water. Sometimes the tube might be partially clogged and supplying very little gas for combustion no wonder your pilot light keeps going out. Open a hot water tap close.

Thorough cleaning should do the trick. Once you re sure the thermocouple is clean fix it back to the unit. Be aware you may need to detach a pilot supply tube as well.