My Hot Water Tank Wont Light

When the water heater pilot light goes out first try relighting it following the directions on the water heater label.

My hot water tank wont light. Gas hot water heater troubleshooting always seems to start with the pilot light. A pilot light in a hot water tank is what allows your water tank to heat up. When the pilot light is out or won t stay on you will not have hot water. When the pilot light goes out for any reason the thermocouple closes the burner.

If the pilot is restricted try removing it and clearing it with a stiff brush and or compressed air. Your heater s pilot light allows the burner to cycle on and off while maintaining the water in the tank at a constant temperature. Sometimes carbon deposits can build up on the pilot and eventually create a restriction. Although a blocked gas line is one reason why the pilot light on a rheem water heater won t light or stay lit there are other reasons as well some easier to correct than others.

Troubleshooting these problems with a water heater s pilot light can be done at home. If your pilot light won t stay lit this can be for a few different reasons. A faulty thermocouple or malfunction of the gas valve could be the culprit but the problem may be as simple as a draft coming from a crack in the wall or under the door. There are some more expensive models that use electronic ignition.

If you have a natural or propane gas water heater chances are the pilot has gone out. The pilot ignites the water heater s gas burner. If the pilot cannot be cleaned replace it. The first sign of trouble with your water heater s pilot light is usually a cold shower.

How to light a pilot light after gas is shut off. Most gas hot water heaters us a pilot light to ignite the burner. The water heater pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner on your water heater. Gas hot water heater pilot light.