Do you know what happens to the gas supply when the gas heater pilot light goes out? Is it safe to continue using the appliance or should you be worried about a gas leak?
Gas-powered heaters are commonly used to keep homes warm during the cold winter months. However, they require proper maintenance and care to avoid any potential hazards. One of the most common issues that homeowners face with their heaters is when the pilot light goes out.
It’s important to understand the potential risks of a pilot light going out on a gas heater. While it’s a common occurrence, there are steps you can take to ensure your safety. In this article, we will discuss whether gas leaks are a real concern when the pilot light goes out on a heater and what you should do to stay safe.
How gas heaters work
A gas-powered heater uses a pilot light to ignite the flame that heats your home. The pilot light is a small, continuous blue or yellow flame that is ignited by a spark from an igniter or thermocouple. When this flame goes out, it can cause the gas to leak from the burner and into your home.
Do you know what happens when the pilot light goes out?
When the pilot light goes out in a gas furnace, the gas burner will not ignite, which means that the furnace will not be able to produce heat. This can be caused by a variety of pilot light problems, such as a dirty pilot tube or a faulty thermocouple.
What are the reasons behind a gas heater pilot light going out?
There are multiple factors that may contribute to the extinguishing of a gas heater pilot light. The most common cause is dirt and debris building up on the pilot light orifice, which can prevent the spark from igniting the flame. This problem can be easily solved by cleaning the burner regularly. A weak flame can also cause light to shut off and requires adjusting the gas valve or replacing the thermocouple. Additionally, an issue with the igniter itself could cause the light to stop working, in which case you’ll need to have it replaced.
What are the risks if the pilot light goes out on a gas heater?
The risks associated with a pilot light going out on a gas heater are real and should not be taken lightly. If left unchecked, the gas can leak from the burner, leading to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home. Furthermore, without a functional pilot light, your heater will no longer be able to keep your home warm or provide hot water.
What should you do when the pilot light on your gas heater goes out?
If you’re struggling with a gas water heater that isn’t functioning properly, understanding how to troubleshoot and fix common issues like a faulty pilot light is crucial. Here’s how:
- Firstly, it is important to turn off the gas supply to the furnace. You can do this by locating the gas shut-off valve and turning it to the off position. This will prevent any gas from flowing into the furnace while you work on relighting the pilot light.
- Once the gas supply has been turned off, you can try to relight the pilot light. This process may vary depending on the specific make and model of your furnace. So, it’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, the process involves holding down a button or valve to allow gas to flow into the pilot assembly, while simultaneously lighting with a match or lighter.
- After successfully relighting, you can turn the gas supply back on and the furnace should begin to heat up. However, if the light goes out again or if you notice any other issues with your gas heater, it’s important to contact a licenced professional for assistance. They can diagnose any underlying problems and make any necessary repairs to ensure it operates safely and efficiently.
What prevention measures can be taken to avoid pilot light issues?
To avoid pilot light issues with your gas heater, there are several preventive measures that you can take:
- Regular maintenance: Have your gas heater inspected and serviced by a licenced technician at least once a year. Regular maintenance can help identify and address potential issues before they become more serious problems.
- Keep the area around the heater clean: Regularly clean the area around the heater to remove any dust or debris that could interfere with the pilot light.
- Install a safety device: Consider installing a safety device such as a thermocouple sensor or flame detector. These devices automatically shut off the gas supply to the heater if the pilot light goes out, preventing gas from building up and posing a safety hazard.
- Check the air supply: Ensure that the air supply to the heater is adequate. Blocked or restricted airflow can cause the pilot light to go out.
- Shut off the gas when not in use: If you’re not using your gas heater for an extended period, such as during the summer months, shut off the gas supply to the unit. This can help prevent issues with the pilot light and save on energy costs.
By taking these preventative measures, you can help avoid issues with the pilot light on your gas heater, ensuring that it operates safely and efficiently. If you do experience any issues with the pilot light, it’s important to address them promptly by calling a licensed technician to inspect and repair your heater.
Conclusion
Overall, it is possible for gas to leak when the gas heater pilot light goes out. However, by following the proper steps and taking preventative measures, you can ensure your safety and minimize any potential risks. Additionally, detecting gas leakage when you are out of the home can be difficult, so it’s important to take extra precautions such as having a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home.
If you’re having any issues with your gas heater, including the pilot light, contact Apex Gas Heater today. Our team of experts can provide the professional assistance you need to get your heater up and running again.