Cleaning Gas Water Heater Pilot

How to fix a plugged pilot hole on a water heater.

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. 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. Unthread the nut to detach the burner supply tube from the gas or control valve. After scrubbing further clean the thermocouple of the water heater with a microfiber cloth to remove excess particles.

Use a slender needle to gently unclog the tube. Open the drain valve at the bottom of the hot water heater tank. 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. Once you re sure the thermocouple is clean fix it back to the unit.

Open a hot water tap close. Next unthread the nuts or screws securing the burner plate itself. The flame will go out if the tube is clogged with dirt or debris. Thorough cleaning should do the trick.

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. Although an increasing number of gas water heaters have electronic igniters many still rely on a pilot light to ignite the burner when the. You must have the pilot lit and the burner on for this test so that gas is flowing through the large tube. Allow the tank to drain completely flushing out flakes of mineral deposits along with the cooled water.

Relight the pilot light too and wait to see if the water will heat up. Turn on the water heater. 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. Step 3 wipe the hot water heater down with a dry cloth to get rid of as much dry dirt as possible.

Occasionally or at least seasonally check the gas pilot orifice for soot or oxidation buildup. If necessary unthread any mounting screws and remove the burner access cover. Be aware you may need to detach a pilot supply tube as well.