Quck answer
If you’re wondering how to know if your pilot light is out, there are a few signs to look out for. First, check if your gas-powered appliance is not functioning properly. If it’s not producing heat or the flame is not visible, it’s likely the pilot light is out. You may also notice a smell of gas or hear a hissing sound near the appliance. In some cases, the pilot light may have a yellow or orange flame instead of a blue one. To fix this issue, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for relighting the pilot light or contact a professional for assistance.
A pilot light, or standing pilot, is a small flame that is constantly burning to ignite the gas burner flame in a natural gas or propane water heater, furnace, or boiler. When it goes out, the appliance will not operate. Typically, the failure of your gas furnace to provide heat or your gas water heater to provide hot water is your first indication that the pilot has been extinguished.
Standing pilots are no longer common in new appliances, having been mostly replaced by electronic devices like spark igniters and hot surface igniters that only operate when necessary. However, low-end appliances and older appliances in service for 20 years or more still have pilot lights. If your gas appliance has a standing pilot, you will see a gas control knob on the front of the appliance with three settings: “off,” “on,” and “pilot.” You will use this knob to restart the pilot. First, you must verify that the flame has gone out.
Checking the Pilot Light
Loss of heat or hot water is a good sign that the pilot light has gone out, particularly if the appliance is a furnace and the blower is still working. However, a few other components could cause a gas shutdown in furnaces, so you should check the pilot visually. Fortunately, this is as easy to do for a furnace as it is for a water heater.
To check a furnace pilot, you will need to remove the furnace cover to locate the gas control knob. On a water heater, the control knob is prominently placed on the front of the tank about a foot above the floor. Once you have found the gas control knob, note the cavity where the tubes extend from the gas control. The pilot should be burning inside that cavity.
You may need to crouch down to see it, but look inside that cavity. If you see a small bluish flame about an inch high, the pilot is on. If you do not see that flame, then the pilot has gone out.
Reasons for the Pilot Going Out
A standing pilot flame is like a match, and a strong blast of air can put it out. If that is what happened, you should have no trouble restarting it, though you will likely want to take steps to prevent it from being blown out again. Your propane tank may be empty, causing the appliance to run out of gas. If this is the case, you will not be able to relight the pilot. Other possibilities may not be as clear cut.
The thermocouple, a safety device that closes the gas valve when the flame goes out, may be the issue. If the thermocouple is responsible, you will be able to start the pilot flame, but it will not stay lit. Debris blocking the pilot orifice may also be the culprit. If so, you may be able to restart the pilot, but it will burn with a flickering orange hue and go out again in a matter of minutes, hours, or days.
Restarting the Pilot Light Safely
Prior to restarting the pilot light, perform a sniff test and if you detect any gas, immediately stop and contact an HVAC specialist. The scent could indicate a leak, which could result in an explosion if ignited.
If there are no unusual smells present, refer to the instructions on the appliance label for lighting the pilot light. Certain units have a piezoelectric spark igniter to start the pilot flame, and if this is the case, a green or red button will be located beside the gas control knob. Keep in mind that after the flame is ignited, the knob should be held in for 10 to 20 seconds to allow the thermocouple to warm up.
FAQ
1. How can I tell if the pilot light on my appliance is out?
If the pilot light on your appliance is out, there are a few signs you can look for. Firstly, check if the appliance is not working or producing heat. If it’s an older model, you may need to manually relight the pilot light. Another indication is a strong smell of gas near the appliance. However, it’s important to exercise caution and not try to relight the pilot light yourself if you smell gas. Instead, contact a professional technician to assess and fix the issue.
2. What should I do if I suspect the pilot light is out?
If you suspect that the pilot light is out on your appliance, it is essential to follow a few safety steps. Firstly, turn off the appliance and make sure to shut off the gas supply if possible. Open windows and doors to ventilate the area and avoid inhaling any gas fumes. It is crucial not to ignite any flames or use electrical switches until the issue is resolved. Contact a qualified technician to inspect and relight the pilot light safely.
3. Can I relight the pilot light myself?
While some appliances allow for manual relighting of the pilot light, it is generally recommended to leave this task to a professional. Gas appliances can be dangerous if not handled properly, and attempting to relight the pilot light without proper knowledge and experience can lead to accidents or further damage. It is best to contact a licensed technician who can safely relight the pilot light and address any underlying issues that may have caused it to go out.