If your Bradford water heater isn’t producing hot water, there’s a good chance the pilot light has gone out. While this might seem like a daunting problem, relighting the pilot light is a simple task you can handle on your own.

What is a Pilot Light and Why Does It Go Out?

The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the burner in your water heater. Without it, the burner can’t turn on, and your water won’t get hot. Pilot lights can go out for several reasons:

  • A draft or wind gust
  • A faulty thermocouple
  • Gas supply interruptions

Luckily, relighting it is straightforward with the right steps.

Steps to Relight Your Bradford Water Heater Pilot Light

1. Safety First: Turn Off the Gas Supply

Before you begin, it’s essential to take safety precautions. Locate the gas shut-off valve on your water heater and turn it to the OFF position. This will stop the flow of gas to the heater, preventing any potential hazards while you relight the pilot light.

Wait about 5-10 minutes to allow any remaining gas to dissipate before proceeding to the next step.

2. Locate the Pilot Light and Burner Assembly

Bradford water heaters typically have a small access panel near the bottom of the unit, where the pilot light and burner are located. Remove this panel to expose the pilot light assembly. You should see a control knob with settings like “OFF,” “PILOT,” and “ON.” This is where you’ll control the gas flow to the pilot light.

3. Turn the Control Knob to “PILOT”

Turn the control knob to the “PILOT” position. This setting allows a small amount of gas to flow to the pilot light. Do not attempt to relight the pilot without turning to this position first, as it could be dangerous.

4. Light the Pilot

While holding the control knob in the “PILOT” position, use a long lighter or match to light the pilot light. Keep the lighter close to the pilot opening and press down on the control knob to allow the gas to flow. Once you see the pilot flame, continue holding the control knob down for about 30 seconds to ensure the pilot light stays lit.

5. Turn the Control Knob to “ON”

Once the pilot light is burning steadily, release the control knob and turn it to the “ON” position. This will allow the water heater to function normally again.

6. Replace the Access Panel

After relighting the pilot and setting the control knob to “ON,” replace the access panel to cover the burner assembly. This protects the pilot light from drafts or debris.

7. Restore the Gas Supply and Check the Heater

Turn the gas shut-off valve back to the “ON” position to restore the gas flow. Your Bradford water heater should now start heating water as the burner kicks in.

Wait a few minutes to ensure the heater is working correctly and that hot water is flowing to your taps.

What to Do If the Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit?

If you’ve followed the steps but the pilot light won’t stay lit, there may be an issue with the thermocouple—the component that senses when the pilot light is burning and shuts off the gas if it isn’t.

Here’s what you can try:

1. Clean the thermocouple

Sometimes dirt or dust on the thermocouple can prevent it from working properly. Clean it gently with a cloth.

2. Check for drafts

Make sure there aren’t any drafts near the water heater that could be blowing the pilot light out.

3. Call a professional

If the pilot light still won’t stay lit, it’s best to contact a professional plumber to inspect the unit for any deeper issues.

Conclusion

Relighting the pilot light on your Bradford water heater is a straightforward task that can save you the hassle of cold showers. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll have your water heater up and running again in no time. Just remember, safety is key. If at any point you feel unsure, it’s always a good idea to contact a professional for assistance.

Need help with your Bradford water heater? Contact us today for professional service and expert advice to ensure your water heater is working safely and efficiently.

FAQs

1. Why does my water heater pilot light keep going out?

The most common cause is a faulty thermocouple or a draft blowing out the flame. If this happens frequently, it’s worth having the unit inspected.

2. Can I relight the pilot light on my Bradford water heater myself?

Yes! It’s a relatively simple process, but always follow safety precautions, like turning off the gas supply before attempting to relight the pilot.

3. How often should I check my water heater’s pilot light?

There’s no set frequency for checking, but if you notice a sudden lack of hot water, checking the pilot light is a good first step.

4. What should I do if I smell gas while relighting the pilot?

If you smell gas, immediately stop what you’re doing and leave the area. Call your gas company or a professional plumber to inspect the system before trying to relight the pilot.

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