Tank type gas water heaters use a pilot light to ignite the gas burner when the water in the tank needs to be heated.
Whirlpool hot water heater pilot light.
If the status light is flashing once every three seconds the pilot light is lit and the gas control valve is working properly.
The thermocouple is triggered by an electric current produced by the pilot light.
Without it the water heater won t be able to maintain internal temperatures allowing the water to cool off.
Make sure the gas supply valve is turned on.
The pilot light in your hot water heater does more than simply ignite the gas.
Keep the knob pushed in while repeatedly clicking the spark igniter button.
How to light the pilot for a gas hot water heater.
If you live in a home with a gas water heater and notice cold water coming from your hot water faucet there s a good chance your pilot light has gone out.
Make sure the gas control valve is turned to hot and wait for the water heater to heat back up.
The flame should be blue and steady.
In most cases you can relight a pilot without calling in a professional and you ll have hot water again in a few hours time.
Once you re done put it back and light your water heater.
It s responsible for closing the gas valve when it senses the pilot light is off.
If your hot water heater suddenly stops working chances are a bad thermocouple has shut off the gas to the pilot light.
If the status light is not flashing try lighting the pilot using the instructions on the water heater s label.
The thermocouple is the brain of your water heater.
A bad thermocouple will shut off gas to both the pilot and the.
Pilot light issues are some of the most common problems experienced with gas water heaters.
Replacement is an easy diy repair.
When lighting the pilot make sure the knob on the gas control valve is fully pushed in.