Contact your local natural gas utility provider first (like National Grid or Eversource in the Boston/New England area). Many utilities offer free or low-cost pilot relighting and safety checks. Alternatively, call a licensed HVAC technician or gas plumber.
Do not turn your natural gas back on yourself. We will also relight the pilots and service natural gas appliances for proper operation. Check your water heater and furnace vents.
The fire department does do many things however this is not one of them.
Yes, you can safely relight a water heater pilot light yourself. Most units have a convenient push-button spark igniter, though some older models require a long match. Always air out the area first, and if you ever smell a strong sulfur or rotten egg odor, do not attempt to light it and call your gas provider immediately.
Pilot Light Issues: The pilot light may go out due to a blocked or damaged thermocouple. Relighting is typically inexpensive unless the thermocouple requires replacement, which can range between $120 and $300.
For example, do you have to relight furnace after power outage? Yes, if your pilot light goes out, you will want to shut off the gas line and wait for power. Let's take a look below at some steps you can take to stay safe if your furnace loses power.
On average, professional replacement costs can range from $100 to $300 or more, depending on these factors. 3.
When the pilot light goes out on a gas water heater, the main burner stops heating, and the water in the tank will gradually turn cold. Fortunately, modern safety mechanisms prevent dangerous gas buildup by automatically shutting off the gas supply.
After successfully lighting the pilot light, it typically takes 30 to 60 minutes for a gas water heater to fully heat a tank of water. The exact time depends on the tank's capacity, the temperature setting, and how cold the incoming water is.
It's sometimes called the “flame sensor.” It shuts the gas off if the pilot goes out. Gas that flows through your furnace could enter your house if the thermocouple fails to turn it off. Protecting your home from gas buildup is the thermocouple.
Increase Safety: While a pilot light is not a significant fire hazard, there is a small risk that it could cause a gas leak. The summer heat could ignite the fuel, resulting in a fire or explosion.
Yes, if a pilot light goes out, you will often smell a faint or noticeable odor. Natural gas is naturally odorless, but utility companies add a distinct chemical called mercaptan, which smells like rotten eggs or sulfur, so you can easily detect it.
Lighting a pilot light takes about 3 to 10 minutes total, with the physical process of igniting the flame and holding the gas button taking roughly 30 to 60 seconds.
Yes, you should turn the gas valve to the Off position immediately.
If a standard showerhead is fitted, it will use around an extra half a gallon each minute, accounting for a 25-gallon emittance every 10 minutes, or 50 gallons throughout a 20-minute shower. *1 gallon = 4.54 litres.
Generally, it takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for a hot water system to fully heat up, but let's break it down based on different types of systems and sizes.
Key signs your water heater is failing include active leaks, rust-colored water, loud popping noises, and a lack of hot water. If your unit is over 10 years old or requires frequent repairs, it is likely nearing the end of its lifespan.
A pilot light going out is not always dangerous, but it should be addressed quickly. Most modern furnaces include safety features that shut off the gas supply if the pilot flame goes out. However, if you smell gas or cannot safely relight the pilot light, you should contact an HVAC professional immediately.
Relighting a water heater pilot light involves turning the gas control knob to the "PILOT" setting, pressing and holding the knob down while clicking the igniter, and maintaining pressure for about 30–60 seconds. Once the thermocouple heats up and the pilot stays lit, turn the dial to the "ON" position.
6 Common Reasons Your Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
The pilot light heater will have trouble turning on if the unit has a faulty thermocouple, a clogged pilot tube, low gas pressure, a malfunctioning gas valve, or drafts that can blow out the flame.
If your system doesn't have an igniter button, you'll need to manually light the flame using a long match or long lighter. With the gas regulator valve in the “Pilot” position, light your multipurpose lighter and depress the reset button, if your furnace or water heater has one.