Top 10 Gas Water Heater Pilot Light Problems! Won't Light, Won't Stay Lit!

In this HVAC Training Video, I Show How the Thermocouple, Solenoid, and Pilot Flame Work on a Water Heater and 10 Problems That Can Occur When Trying to Light a Water Heater Pilot! I cover Why the Pilot Flame Goes Out or Won't Stay On! Supervision is needed by a licensed HVACR Tech while performing tasks as Experience and Apprenticeship garners Wisdom and Safety.

Tools Used In The Video

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Timecodes

0:00 - Intro on How to Light The Water Heater Pilot
1:20 - How the 30mv Thermocouple and Solenoid Work
2:06 - Proving the Flame by Heating the Thermocouple & Viewing the Solenoid
2:33 - Problem #1 Water Heat Spark Ignitor Not Working
3:38 - Additional Sparker & How to Light the Water Heater Pilot
5:24 - Problem #2 Gas Off or Low Inlet Pressure to Water Heater
6:18 - Problem #3 Pilot Flame Too Small, Low Pilot Pressure
7:27 - Problem #4 Pilot Flame Termination Bent, Not Enveloping the Thermocouple
7:46 - Problem #5 Thermocouple Position is Wrong
8:09 - Problem #6 Water Heater Thermocouple Rod is Dirty, Needs Cleaning
8:24 - Cleaning a 30mv Thermocouple with Steel Wool or Dollar Bill
8:53 - Problem #7 Testing for a Bad Water Heater 30mv Thermocouple
10:22- Measuring Millivolts of Water Heater Thermocouple with Multimeter
10:42 - How to Use a Thermocouple Tester
11:18 - How many Millivolts does a Good Thermocouple Produce
13:04 - Problem #8 Bad Water Heater Thermal Limit and Testing
16:02 - Problem #9 Wind Blowing Pilot Flame Out on Water Heater
16:36 - Problem #10 Bad Water Heater Solenoid and Testing
17:56 - Resources at our Website
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⚠️ Disclaimer:
Information in this video is intended for educational purposes only. Any work related to the topics in this video should be performed by licensed technicians or by apprentices under the supervision of licensed technicians. AC Service Tech LLC is not responsible for any possible damages or injuries caused by the use or misuse of any information provided.
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#hvacr #hvacr #hvactrainingvideos #hvactraining #hvactraining101 #acservice #acservicetech #smartvalve #operation #gasfurnace #furnace #valve #pilot #ignition #hvacsystem #waterheater #heater
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[andrewbrown]

This should be mandatory viewing for anyone buying a house with a gas water heater. Like skip all that closing paperwork that nobody reads and make people watch this video. I learned so much! Thank you! I was able to fix my heater for $12.

[tfm]

Your home-made models are crafty, very crafty. Thanks for being so thorough.

[pupdoggify]

This video is hands down the best/most detailed explanation of how a water heater combustion works!

[darondean]

The idea that a spiderweb was messing up my ignition! That shows practical experience. A very straightforward explanation, and a total lifesaver after our pilot light needed lit. Thanks!

[vutaberd]

OMG!! I followed the instructions labeled on my water heater and watched at least 3 or 5 other YouTube videos all have incorrect instructiona to light up the Pilot light. I noticed and followed your settings from the beginning of the clip to light up the pilot and it worked. OMG! Thank you.

[myztazynizta]

This is the absolute best video I've ever seen in 7 years of struggling with my pilot light.

[sethcarter]

My spark wire wasn't grounded right.
Two different plumbers talking about, "be a few days."
5 min into the video had my answer and fixed it myself. Appreciate the video man

[eternitysbound]

A spider web in the tiny slit beside the igniter button fouled me up! Super easy fix. Thank you! It has been days since I had a warm shower.

[BlackHistoryReview]

I've replaced my thermocouple at least a dozen times, but had more messed up this time ... and I learned a TON from this video. Thanks!

[sanbalestrini]

Cannot thank you enough for putting together this excellent video! Saved me a lot of time, money, and trouble. Thanks to you, after a couple of hours I had the new parts and a working water heater, you sir are an absolute mensch!

[dalesanders]

You posted this video three yrs ago, and it's just as significant today in Sep 24. Incredible

[bmwslk]

Great, thank you very much. With this great description, I was finally able to fix the problem of my Vaillant boiler. It was a blocked nozzle in the pilot burner. Repair costs: 0, 00€.
Many, many thanks from Germany.

[jeanninerock]

Thank you so much for this video and sharing your expertise! I have been struggling for 2 days, since the power return after 5 days without, to get the water heater relit and your explanation helped me to see what I was doing wrong. Here's to a hot shower, FINALLY!

[lindasines]

Darling husband fixed our water heater after listening to 1:23 of your video. Thank you, thank you!

[sherylwhisner]

Thank you so much for this! I had tried over and over again to light the pilot on my water heater but after watching this video, it took me less that 2 minutes! I was getting ready to call in a professional!! You save me lots of money!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[rasin]

This video is GREAT. Covered the reasons things don't work, not just how to replace them. Brand new water heater install, Piezo doesn't work, not grounded. Works now. Thank you!!!

[wayneboyd]

Thank You for putting this video out here, I was able repair my water heater. It was the thermocouple, saved me lot money was thinking of new water heater. Prices for new ones are outrageous.

[dennisgolden]

I am a Youtube go-to for every problem. You are extraordinary - must be a teacher.

[belaparmar]

Very thorough in detailed video. Thank you so much for that. You just saved hundreds of dollars. I had an issue with thermolimit, @13:25 resetting the fuse helped me and saved hours of research. I couldn't have figured out if it was not explained so well. I feel like I am a technician now, lol.

[steveking]

Thanks so much for posting this tutorial. The demo model you used was quite similar to my water heater setup, so, it gave me the confidence to take out the burner assembly and replace the thermocouple. Problem solved. I now have hot water again, and, it only cost me $13! With much appreciation - Steve