Pilot Light
Pilot Light | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Athens
When your Athens home suddenly loses hot water, a stubborn pilot light is often to blame. HEP’s seasoned plumbing team specializes in quick, clean relights and thorough safety checks that get your tank water heater humming again—usually in a single visit. From sediment buildup to faulty thermocouples, we diagnose the root cause, explain your options in plain language, and back every repair with transparent pricing.
Locally trusted for decades, HEP arrives with fully stocked trucks, 24/7 emergency availability, and a customer-first attitude that has made us Athens’ go-to for reliable hot showers. Whether it’s routine maintenance or an unexpected outage, one call to HEP puts comfort back on tap and keeps your energy bills in check.
FAQs
What should I do if my tank water heater’s pilot light keeps going out?
Frequent pilot outages usually signal an underlying issue such as a weak or dirty thermocouple, excessive draft down the flue, sediment buildup around the burner, or low gas pressure. First, turn the gas control knob to OFF and wait at least 5 minutes to clear unburned gas. Inspect the area for obvious drafts or debris. If the flame goes out again after relighting, stop relighting attempts and call a licensed Athens plumber. Continuous relighting can allow unburned gas to accumulate and create a safety hazard.
How can I safely relight the pilot light on my gas tank water heater?
1. Set the thermostat to the lowest setting and turn the gas control knob to OFF. Wait 5–10 minutes. 2. Remove the outer and inner burner access panels. 3. Turn the knob to PILOT. While holding it down, press the igniter button (or use a long match) until the pilot flame appears. 4. Continue holding the knob for 30–60 seconds to heat the thermocouple, then slowly release. If the flame holds, turn the knob to ON and replace the panels. 5. Set the thermostat to your desired temperature (120 °F is recommended). If the flame will not stay lit after two tries, shut the gas off and call a professional. Always follow the relighting instructions printed on your heater and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Why does my pilot light burn yellow instead of blue?
A healthy pilot flame should be steady and blue. A yellow or flickering flame indicates incomplete combustion, often caused by a dirty burner orifice, restricted air intake, or inadequate draft. Besides wasting energy, a yellow flame can create soot and raise carbon-monoxide levels. Turn the heater OFF, allow it to cool, and schedule a service call. A plumber will clean the burner, check for vent blockages, and verify gas pressure to restore a clean blue flame.
Is it normal to smell gas when the pilot light is out?
A faint whiff of gas right after the pilot goes out can be normal, but any persistent or strong odor is unsafe. If you smell gas: • Do not light matches, operate electrical switches, or use phones inside the building. • Open windows and doors to ventilate. • Turn the gas supply valve to OFF if it is safe to reach. • Evacuate and call your gas provider or 911 from outside. In Athens, Atlanta Gas Light’s emergency line is 877-427-4321. After the leak is resolved, have a licensed plumber relight and test the heater before normal use.
How often should the pilot light and burner assembly be serviced in Athens?
Manufacturers recommend an annual inspection, and that is especially important in Athens where hard water encourages sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. During a yearly tune-up, a technician will flush sediment, clean the burner and pilot orifice, test the thermocouple, and confirm proper draft. Regular maintenance extends heater life, reduces energy costs, and keeps you compliant with Georgia plumbing and fuel-gas codes.
Will converting from a standing pilot to electronic ignition save money?
A standing pilot consumes about 600–900 BTU per hour, costing $25–$40 per year at current Athens natural-gas rates. Electronic ignition eliminates that continuous flame and can cut water-heater gas use by roughly 5 %. New high-efficiency tanks usually come with electronic ignition. Retrofitting an older heater is possible but rarely cost-effective once parts and labor are added; it makes more sense when the unit is due for replacement anyway. Ask your plumber to compare retrofit versus replacement costs and expected savings so you can make an informed decision.