Is it safe to relight a pilot light?
Safety First
You should always proceed with care when relighting a pilot light, since the gas used to power your hot water heater is flammable and potentially dangerous. If at any time you smell gas, you should shut off the gas valve right away, open windows, and avoid turning on any lights.
Is it safe to leave pilot light on water heater?
In most cases, it isn’t dangerous when the water heater pilot light is extinguished. This is because modern gas-fueled water heaters feature valves that automatically close the supply of gas when the pilot light goes out.
Why do I have to keep relighting my water heater?
Your water heater requires air to keep the pilot light burning. Otherwise, the flame goes out. Ensure that the water heater is not surrounded by clutter, lint, or debris to increase the amount of combustible air. Keep the surrounding area as clean as possible.
Does gas still flow when pilot light goes out?
If your pilot light repeatedly goes out, this is a likely culprit. If this flame sensor should fail, gas will continue to flow even after the pilot light has been extinguished, causing a safety hazard and requiring immediate repair.
Can a pilot light cause a fire?
If this leak continues, its concentration may reach a point where a spark – such as that from a cigarette lighter, static electricity, or even the pilot light itself as it is re-lit – will cause a fire or even an explosion.
Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a pilot light?
A yellow or orange pilot light will produce carbon monoxide – an odourless, colourless gas that can fill your home and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of this condition include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, unconsciousness, brain damage and death.
Is a pilot light always on?
The pilot light can be a “steady-on” pilot, or an ‘intermittent” or an electronic ignition system. The later type of pilot light is only on when the valve is open and the fireplace is operating. A millivolt valve utilizes a pilot light that is always lit.
Should I turn off pilot light in summer?
Should I Turn Off My Pilot Light In The Summer? If you have an older furnace, turning off your pilot light can be an excellent idea. A continuously burning furnace pilot light will generate heat and moisture throughout the summer months – in a small amount to be sure, but still undesirable once the weather heats up.
