Rheem Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit; Diagnosing And Fixing

Quick Read; To address a Rheem water heater pilot light that won’t stay lit, follow these steps: check and open the gas supply, inspect and clean the pilot light assembly, reset the gas valve, relight the pilot properly, check for leaks, and consider flushing the heater if needed. If the issue persists, consult a professional plumber.

If your Rheem water heater’s pilot light keeps going out, don’t worry. In this short guide, we’ll help you figure out why and show you how to fix it so you can enjoy hot water again.

What does the pilot light do In Rheem water heater?

In a Rheem water heater, the pilot light plays a crucial role. Its primary purpose is to ignite the main burner when hot water is required, ensuring that you have a steady supply of hot water. Additionally, it serves as a safety feature.

If the pilot light were to go out, a thermocouple or thermopile senses this and shuts off the gas supply to prevent potential gas leaks and safety hazards. So, in essence, the pilot light in a Rheem water heater ensures both hot water availability and safety.

Why Won’t the Rheem Water Heater Pilot Light Stay Lit?

The Rheem Water Heater pilot light may fail to stay lit due to several reasons. Here are four common causes explained in detail:

01. Thermocouple Malfunction

The thermocouple is a safety device that detects the heat from the pilot light. If the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple shuts off the gas supply to prevent a gas leak. If the thermocouple is faulty or not positioned correctly, it may not sense the pilot flame’s heat, causing it to shut off the gas prematurely.

Solution

Ensure the thermocouple is properly positioned so that it touches the pilot flame. If it’s damaged or malfunctioning, replace it with a compatible part.

02. Dirty or Blocked Pilot Light Assembly

Dirt, dust, or debris in the pilot light assembly can hinder the pilot light’s ignition and continuity. A blocked pilot tube or obstructed spark igniter can prevent the pilot flame from establishing and staying lit.

Solution

Clean the pilot light assembly using a wire brush to remove dirt or compressed air to blow away debris. Ensure the spark igniter is clean and properly positioned.

03. Gas Valve Issues

Problems with the gas valve, such as a malfunctioning valve or improper connections to the pilot light tube and thermocouple, can lead to pilot light issues. The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the pilot light and the burner.

Solution

Inspect the gas valve for proper connections and operation. If it’s damaged or not functioning correctly, it may need to be replaced.

04. Airflow or Ventilation Problems

Insufficient combustion air or improper ventilation can affect the pilot light’s stability. A lack of oxygen or the presence of flammable gases can cause the pilot light to go out.

Solution

Ensure adequate airflow is around the water heater and the ventilation system is working correctly. Clear any obstructions or blockages in the vent pipes and combustion air intake. Make sure the water heater is installed in a well-ventilated area.

Addressing these potential causes should help resolve the issue of a Rheem Water Heater pilot light not staying lit. If troubleshooting does not solve the problem, it’s advisable to consult a professional plumber or technician to diagnose and repair the specific issue with your water heater.

Rheem Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your Rheem water heater’s pilot light won’t stay lit, here’s how to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check the Gas Supply:

• Make sure the gas supply valve at the meter is fully open. If it’s closed, turn it on.

2. Inspect the Pilot Light Assembly:

• Examine these components:
  • Pilot Light Tube: Ensure it’s not bent or blocked.
  • Thermocouple: Check for secure connections to the pilot light tube and gas valve.
  • Spark Igniter: Keep it clean and free from debris.

3. Clean the Pilot Light Assembly:

• Use a brush or compressed air to remove dirt and dust.

4. Reset the Gas Valve:

• Turn the gas valve off and then back on.

5. Light the Pilot Light:

• Follow these steps:
  • Turn the gas valve to “Pilot.”
  • Press the spark igniter until the pilot light ignites.
  • Hold the button for 30 seconds.
  • Release it and turn the gas valve to “On.”
  • If the pilot light goes out, repeat steps 2-4.

6. Check for Leaks:

• After lighting the pilot, check for gas leaks around connections and tighten them if needed.

7. Flush the Water Heater:

• If the pilot was out for more than 24 hours, run hot water taps for 5-10 minutes.

8. Additional Tips:

• Place the thermocouple close to the pilot flame.
• Keep the spark igniter near the pilot light tube.
• Clean the pilot light tube if applicable.
• Verify gas valve connections.

Safety Precautions:

• Always turn off the gas before working on the heater.
• Avoid touching the pilot flame, as it’s hot.
• Exercise caution when dealing with gas appliances to prevent accidents.

If, after following these steps, your Rheem water heater pilot light still won’t stay lit, it’s advisable to contact a qualified plumber or technician for professional assistance.

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How do you reset the pilot light on a Rheem water heater?

To reset the pilot light on a Rheem water heater, follow these steps:

1. Turn Off the Gas Supply: Locate the gas shut-off valve on the water heater or at the gas meter and turn it to the “Off” position.
2. Wait for Cooling: Allow the water heater to cool for at least 15-20 minutes to avoid burns.
3. Access the Pilot Light: Remove the access cover or panel to expose the pilot light assembly.
4. Locate the Gas Valve: Identify the gas control valve. You’ll usually find it near the bottom of the water heater.
5. Set the Gas Valve to “Pilot”: Turn the gas control valve knob to the “Pilot” position. You may need to push down slightly while turning.
6. Press and Hold the Knob: Depress and hold down the control knob or button while using a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot light.
7. Hold for 30 Seconds: Continue holding the knob down for about 30 seconds after the pilot light ignites. This allows the thermocouple or thermopile to heat up.
8. Release the Knob: After 30 seconds, release the knob slowly. If the pilot light stays lit, it’s reset.
9. Turn the Gas Valve to “On”: If the pilot light remains lit, turn the gas control valve knob to the “On” position.
10. Replace the Access Cover: Put the access cover or panel back in place.
11. Turn On the Gas Supply: Finally, turn the gas supply back on at the gas meter or valve.

Your Rheem water heater’s pilot light should now be reset and functioning properly. If the pilot light continues to go out or if you encounter difficulties during the reset process, consider seeking professional assistance.

Pilot light won’t stay lit when released the knob? What to do?

If the pilot light won’t stay lit when you release the knob on your water heater, try these steps: First, hold the knob for an extended time (about 30 seconds) to allow the thermocouple or thermopile to heat up.

Ensure they are properly positioned in the pilot flame and clean them to remove any dirt or soot. If the issue persists, inspect for damage and replace the thermocouple or thermopile if necessary. If all else fails, consult a professional technician for a more thorough diagnosis and potential replacement of the faulty components.

Always exercise caution when working with gas appliances, and if you detect a gas odor, turn off the gas supply and seek professional help immediately.

How do you clean the thermocouple on a Rheem water heater?

Cleaning the thermocouple on a Rheem water heater is a relatively simple process. The thermocouple is a safety device that can get dirty or covered in soot over time, affecting its ability to function properly. Here’s how you can clean it:

Step 01: Turn Off the Gas Supply

• Locate the gas shut-off valve for the water heater and turn it to the “Off” position.

Step 02: Allow the Heater to Cool

• Let the water heater cool down for at least 15-20 minutes to avoid accidental burns.

Step 03: Locate the Thermocouple

• Find the thermocouple, a small copper or silver tube near the pilot light assembly, typically connected to the gas control valve.

Step 04: Remove the Thermocouple (if necessary)

• Some thermocouples can be unscrewed from the gas control valve using a wrench or pliers. Others may require removing a retaining clip or bracket. Consult the manual or seek professional help if needed.

Step 05: Clean the Thermocouple

• Gently clean the thermocouple’s surface using a fine abrasive pad or 400-grit sandpaper to remove dirt, soot, or oxidation. Clean both the top and bottom ends thoroughly.

Step 06: Reinstall the Thermocouple (if removed)

• Securely reattach the thermocouple to the gas control valve, ensuring it’s correctly positioned within the pilot flame.

Step 07: Turn On the Gas Supply

• Restore the gas supply by turning the gas shut-off valve to the “On” position.

Step 08: Relight the Pilot Light

• Follow your water heater’s instructions to relight the pilot light. Hold the pilot button down for about 30 seconds to allow the thermocouple to heat up.

Step 09: Test the Pilot Light

• Release the button after relighting the pilot light. If the pilot light stays lit, you’ve likely resolved the issue. If not, further troubleshooting may be needed, such as thermocouple replacement or professional assistance.

Following these steps should help maintain or restore the functionality of the thermocouple on your Rheem water heater.

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