Cleaning Gas Water Heater Pilot

Open a hot water tap close.

Cleaning gas water heater pilot.

Relight the pilot light too and wait to see if the water will heat up. If there is a thick layer of dust or dirt on your hot water heater use a shop vac to take off as much dust as possible. The flame will go out if the tube is clogged with dirt or debris. Turn on the water heater.

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. Step 3 wipe the hot water heater down with a dry cloth to get rid of as much dry dirt as possible. Once you re sure the thermocouple is clean fix it back to the unit.

Use a slender needle to gently unclog the tube. Thorough cleaning should do the trick. Allow the tank to drain completely flushing out flakes of mineral deposits along with the cooled water. 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. Use the crevice attachment to clean underneath the tank around the pipes and behind the hot water heater. 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. 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.

Although an increasing number of gas water heaters have electronic igniters many still rely on a pilot light to ignite the burner when the. Open the drain valve at the bottom of the hot water heater tank. Be aware you may need to detach a pilot supply tube as well. Reopen the shutoff valve relight the pilot then turn the control valve to on.

After scrubbing further clean the thermocouple of the water heater with a microfiber cloth to remove excess particles. 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.