How dangerous is relighting a pilot light to your water heater?
pinkprincess asked:
I just got back from the gym and I went to take a shower and my water is luke warm at best. I inspect my water heater and it does not appear to be “on”, well I couldn’t hear it going like I usually can. So I pull out an instruction manual taped to the side of the thing and it makes it sound totally dangerous, there are pictures of exploding bodies! Well, I did it and it appears to be lit and going. But my water is still warm, do I need to wait awhile first? Should I open up some windows to air out the place? Right now, I am shivering with wet hair! HELP!
Huong
I just got back from the gym and I went to take a shower and my water is luke warm at best. I inspect my water heater and it does not appear to be “on”, well I couldn’t hear it going like I usually can. So I pull out an instruction manual taped to the side of the thing and it makes it sound totally dangerous, there are pictures of exploding bodies! Well, I did it and it appears to be lit and going. But my water is still warm, do I need to wait awhile first? Should I open up some windows to air out the place? Right now, I am shivering with wet hair! HELP!
Huong
March 23rd, 2009 at 8:02 am
Humberto
You’re safe if it is lit and you see fire in there. You may need a new water heater, though.
The danger comes if the fire goes out and the gas keeps coming out. There is a safety built in to prevent that so don’t worry. Call a plumber or handyman and expect to pay arould $800 bucks for a new one.
March 25th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Werner
Get a lighter and light it before you blow up! just kidding .If it smells like gas then open a door 4 a minute then close it and light it . It will be okay.
March 27th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Carmella
if you smell gas then open windows but it would help to turn gas off and then let sit for alittle bit then turn it back on the light setting then relight it then turn it up and wait 30 mins and enjoy the shower
March 29th, 2009 at 1:03 am
Corey
call a plummer or you gas como.they might send someone to light it
March 31st, 2009 at 3:12 am
Leann
Anything and everything one does without knowing what he/she is doing, is very dangerous! And especially so when natural gas and fire are involved!
March 31st, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Edith
If the pilot light is lit, but the burner isn’t coming on, then you need to turn the 100% safety valve from pilot to on. Its a quarter turn or so. I own my own places.
April 1st, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Kathryne
your water heater is equipped with a safety device to automatically detect a “pilot light out” situation. you should not smell gas at any time. if you do, shut off the main gas valve immediately and call a professional to look at it as well as opening windows to clear the air. Natural gas will dissipate atmospherically in a reasonable time. if you have re-established the pilot light, ( if the thermocouple has been warmed enough to allow the gas valve to be turned) you can now turn it to the on position. You should hear the full flame establish itself (the sound you are used to hearing) and in between a half and three quarters of an hour depending on the size of your water heater, you will be able to shower in warm water again. good luck
April 4th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Ulrike
YOU DID GOOD. YOU MAY HAVE FORGOT TO TURN THE KNOB FROM THE LIGHT POSITION BACK TO THE ON POSITION AFTER YOU LIT THE PILOT. THAT ALLOWS THE MAIN BURNER TO COME ON AFTER YOU HAVE LIT THE PILOT. THEN IT WILL TAKE 30 MINUTES OR SO TO HEAT UP A TANK FULL OF HOT WATER.