How do you light a pilot light?

Lincoln Henneberry asked, updated on December 17th, 2020; Topic: pilot light
👁 343 👍 14 ★★★★☆4.4

If you have a gas furnace, here are the steps on how to light a pilot light.

  • First, locate the pilot valve on the furnace. ...
  • Find the gas valve and turn it to the "off" position. ...
  • Turn the valve to the “pilot” position.
  • Press and hold the reset button.
  • If the reset button fails, ignite the lighter.
  • Follow this link for full answer

    Still and all, how do you light a furnace pilot light?

    Once the gas has had time to dissipate, turn the knob to "Pilot." Then, hold down the "Reset" button and bring the flame of a long lighter close to the pilot light opening. This should light the furnace pilot light. Once you are sure the pilot light is on, release your pressure on the reset button.

    Incidently, how do you turn on a gas furnace?

    On top of this, is it dangerous if the pilot light goes out on water heater?

    Not enough combustible air. If your water heater is located in a utility closet or anywhere it is starved for combustible air, the pilot light may go out. This situation could also lead to a build-up of Carbon Monoxide, which can be life threatening.

    Can I relight the pilot light by myself?

    Pilot lights were once standard on all gas furnaces, but newer systems don't always contain pilot light ignition systems. Instead, some newer furnaces use electronic ignition systems. ... Often, homeowners can relight the pilot themselves.

    17 Related Questions Answered

    Can I light my pilot light with a lighter?

    Yes, it is safe to light a pilot light with a gas lighter. First of all, make sure that your hands or clothes are not in contact with the burner. Then, turn the burner knob to the 'pilot' position. Now, keeping the knob in that position, light the pilot light using a gas lighter.

    How do you know if you have a bad thermocouple?

    If you can't get the flame to light at all, and you're sure the gas is on, there's probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that's the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.

    What do you do when the pilot light goes out?

    How to Relight a Pilot Light
  • Turn off your appliance at the power switch or thermostat.
  • Find the gas valve control knob and turn it to select “pilot.”
  • If pilot light controls are sticky, do not apply force or use oil. ...
  • Press the red button while simultaneously holding a match to the pilot burner.
  • Should the pilot light always be on in a gas fireplace?

    Electronic ignition is when the pilot light on a gas fireplace/insert/stove is only running when the fireplace is on, this means that the unit is likely to have a battery backup as well. A standing pilot is always on, always using a small amount of gas to run constantly unless the gas is physically turned off.

    What would cause a furnace to not kick on?

    If your furnace does not heat at all. Thermostat malfunctions cause most heating system failures. Other causes include a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse, or—in the case of combustion furnaces—a pilot light that has gone out.

    What would make a furnace not turn on?

    Top Five Reasons Your Furnace May Not Be Igniting
    • The Thermostat. Although this may seem obvious, be sure your thermostat is set to heat and that it's actually colder in your house than the temperature the thermostat is set to. ...
    • The Furnace. ...
    • The Pilot Light (Faulty Ignition Sensor)

    When should I turn my furnace on?

    You Should Turn Your Furnace on When It's Less Than 18°C According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the ideal indoor temperature range for winter is 18°C – 21°C. It is recommended that homes with children or elderly residents stick closer to 21°C for optimal health and comfort.

    Are pilot lights always on?

    Right before the burner is the pilot light. The pilot light can be a “steady-on” pilot, or an 'intermittent” or an electronic ignition system. The later type of pilot light is only on when the valve is open and the fireplace is operating. A millivolt valve utilizes a pilot light that is always lit.

    How can I tell if my pilot light is on?

    The pilot gas line is a small metal tube below the burner assembly and distinctive by the slight upturn at the end. It will be apparent, if the pilot is lit, by the small blue flame burning at the end. If you do not see a small blue flame burning, the pilot light is out.

    What would cause the pilot light to go out on a water heater?

    A dirty thermocouple is the most common cause of malfunctioning water heater pilot light. Because the tip of the thermocouple is exposed to a direct flame, carbon can build up and cause the flame to malfunction or go out.

    How much does it cost to relight a pilot light?

    Most service providers will charge a standard fee per visit that typically covers the cost to relight a gas water heater. This service call price can range from $80 to $100.

    How dangerous is lighting a pilot light?

    Can a Pilot Light Outage Be Dangerous? The worry here is that when a pilot goes out, the gas valve that supplies the fuel for the pilot flame could still be pumping gas. This can mean a buildup of gas, and when the pilot is relit or relights itself it could result in a very serious explosion.

    Why does my pilot light not stay on?

    If your furnace's pilot light won't stay on, the furnace won't work. Some common causes include issues with the thermocouple and pilot tube. ... A faulty thermocouple may arbitrarily determine that the light is off when you want it on and vice versa. It could simply be that the thermocouple is bent.

    Is it safe to light gas stove with lighter?

    You can still manually light nearly every modern gas stove with a match or lighter, even if the igniter is broken. Matches are safer and will work better than typical cigarette lighters. ... Light match. Hold very close to the holes in the center of the burner that fire usually comes out of.

    Will pilot light go out if gas is turned off?

    Gas appliances tend to use a thermocouple (which is a self-powering device) to keep the gas valve to the pilot light open. This means that the light will not go out when you turn off the breaker.

    Can you light a furnace with a lighter?

    Use a long lighter to light the furnace pilot light. Once it's got a flame, which can take about 30 seconds, you can release the reset button.

    How do you test if a thermocouple is working?

    Place one test lead on the side of the thermocouple and the other to the end that screws into the gas valve. If the thermocouple has proper continuity, a small resistance reading should be visible on the multimeter. Many multimeters also indicate continuity with an audio alert.