Cleaning Gas Water Heater Pilot

The flame will go out if the tube is clogged with dirt or debris.

Cleaning gas water heater pilot.

Sometimes the tube might be partially clogged and supplying very little gas for combustion no wonder your pilot light keeps going out. Thorough cleaning should do the trick. Open the drain valve at the bottom of the hot water heater tank. Use a slender needle to gently unclog the tube.

You must have the pilot lit and the burner on for this test so that gas is flowing through the large tube. Although an increasing number of gas water heaters have electronic igniters many still rely on a pilot light to ignite the burner when the. Be aware you may need to detach a pilot supply tube as well. Next unthread the nuts or screws securing the burner plate itself.

If it does congratulations. 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. Turn on the water heater.

Relight the pilot light too and wait to see if the water will heat up. 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. Unthread the nut to detach the burner supply tube from the gas or control valve. How to fix a plugged pilot hole on a water heater.

Open a hot water tap close. 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. Use the crevice attachment to clean underneath the tank around the pipes and behind the hot water heater. 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.

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. Once you re sure the thermocouple is clean fix it back to the unit.