How To Light A Wall Heater Pilot Light

One of the most frustrating experiences for homeowners, especially during colder months, is a wall heater that refuses to turn on. Often, the culprit is a pilot light that has gone out. While it might seem daunting, relighting a pilot light is often a straightforward task that you can tackle yourself. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, helping you diagnose the problem and safely relight your wall heater's pilot. However, remember that safety is paramount, and if you're ever unsure, it's always best to call a qualified professional.

Understanding the Basics: Why Did My Pilot Light Go Out?

Before we dive into the relighting process, let's quickly understand why a pilot light might extinguish in the first place. Several factors can contribute:

Drafts: A strong gust of wind can sometimes blow out the pilot light, especially if the heater is located near a window or door.
Gas Supply Issues: A temporary interruption in the gas supply, perhaps due to maintenance or a problem with your gas company, can cause the pilot to go out.
Thermocouple Problems: The thermocouple is a safety device that ensures gas flows to the main burner only when the pilot light is lit. A faulty thermocouple is a common cause of pilot light issues.
Dirty Pilot Orifice: Dust, debris, or spider webs can clog the small opening (orifice) that supplies gas to the pilot light, preventing it from staying lit.
Gas Valve Problems: Although less frequent, a malfunctioning gas valve can also interrupt the gas flow to the pilot.

Knowing the potential causes can help you troubleshoot more effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide: Relighting Your Wall Heater Pilot Light

Now, let's get to the practical steps. Remember to always exercise caution when working with gas appliances. If you smell a strong odor of gas, immediately evacuate the area and call your gas company or a qualified technician.

Step 1: Preparation and Safety

Safety First! Before you begin, take these crucial precautions:

Turn Off the Heater: Locate the gas control valve (usually a knob or dial) on the heater. Turn it to the "OFF" position. This shuts off the gas supply to the entire unit.
Ventilate the Area: Open windows and doors to ensure good ventilation. This will help dissipate any accumulated gas.
Wait a Few Minutes: Allow at least five minutes for any gas that may have accumulated to dissipate before proceeding. This is a critical safety measure.
Gather Your Supplies: You'll need a long-handled lighter (a barbecue lighter works well), a flashlight, and possibly a small brush or vacuum attachment to clean the pilot area.

Step 2: Locate the Pilot Light Assembly

The pilot light assembly is usually located at the bottom of the heater, behind a small access panel. Refer to your heater's owner's manual for the exact location. If you don't have the manual, try searching online using the heater's model number.

Shine your flashlight into the access panel. You should see a small burner with a tiny opening (the pilot orifice) and a thermocouple (a thin metal rod that sits near the pilot light flame).

Step 3: Set the Gas Control Valve to "Pilot"

Now, locate the gas control valve again. You'll typically see markings like "OFF," "ON," and "PILOT."

Push in and turn the control valve to the "PILOT" position. You'll likely need to push and hold the valve in this position during the next step. This allows gas to flow to the pilot light.

Step 4: Light the Pilot Light

While holding the control valve in the "PILOT" position, use your long-handled lighter to ignite the gas coming from the pilot orifice. You may need to hold the lighter near the orifice for a few seconds until the pilot light catches. Be patient and persistent.

If the pilot light doesn't ignite after a few attempts, release the control valve, wait another five minutes to allow any accumulated gas to dissipate, and try again. If it still doesn't light, consider whether the pilot orifice may be blocked (see Step 6).

Step 5: Hold the Control Valve (Very Important!)

This is the most critical step! After the pilot light ignites, continue holding the control valve in the "PILOT" position for about 20-30 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up. The thermocouple, when heated, generates a small electrical current that keeps the gas valve open, allowing the pilot light to stay lit.

If you release the control valve too soon, the pilot light will likely go out.

Step 6: Release the Control Valve and Check

After holding the control valve for 20-30 seconds, slowly release it. If the pilot light remains lit, congratulations! You've successfully relit your pilot light. Proceed to Step 7.

If the pilot light goes out after you release the control valve, repeat steps 3-5. If it *still* goes out after several attempts, it's likely you have a problem with the thermocouple, a dirty pilot orifice, or another issue that requires professional attention (see "When to Call a Professional" below).

Step 7: Turn the Gas Control Valve to "ON"

Once the pilot light is burning steadily, turn the gas control valve to the "ON" position. This allows gas to flow to the main burner when the thermostat calls for heat.

Step 8: Test the Heater

Turn up the thermostat to see if the main burner ignites and the heater starts producing heat. If everything is working correctly, you're all set!

Step 9: Cleaning the Pilot Orifice (If Needed and Only If You're Comfortable)

If you suspect a dirty pilot orifice is the problem, and you're comfortable doing so, you can try cleaning it. Always turn off the gas supply before attempting this.

Turn off the gas at the main gas valve leading to the heater.
Locate the pilot orifice.
Use a small brush or vacuum attachment to gently clean any visible debris from around the orifice. You can also use a thin wire (like a needle or pin) to carefully clear any blockage in the orifice itself. Be very gentle, as you don't want to damage the orifice.
Reassemble the pilot light assembly if you disassembled anything.
Turn the gas back on and repeat steps 3-7 to try relighting the pilot.

If you're not comfortable disassembling or cleaning the pilot assembly, it's best to leave this to a qualified technician.

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some additional tips that might help you troubleshoot pilot light problems:

Check the Gas Supply: Make sure your gas is turned on at the main gas meter and that there are no gas leaks in your home. If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate immediately and call your gas company.
Look for Obstructions: Inspect the area around the heater for anything that might be blocking airflow or interfering with the pilot light.
Replace the Thermocouple: If you're comfortable with basic appliance repairs, you can try replacing the thermocouple. Thermocouples are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at most hardware stores. However, make sure you get the correct thermocouple for your specific heater model.

When to Call a Professional

While relighting a pilot light is often a simple DIY task, there are certain situations where it's essential to call a qualified HVAC technician or gas appliance repair person. Never attempt to repair a gas appliance if you're not comfortable or qualified.

Here are some signs that you need professional help:

You smell a strong odor of gas, even after ventilating the area. This indicates a gas leak, which is a serious safety hazard.
The pilot light repeatedly goes out, even after multiple attempts to relight it. This could indicate a faulty thermocouple, a problem with the gas valve, or another more complex issue.
You notice any signs of damage to the heater, such as cracked or corroded parts.
You're not comfortable working with gas appliances.
You suspect there might be a gas leak, but you can't pinpoint the source.
The heater makes unusual noises or doesn't seem to be functioning properly after you relight the pilot.
Your heater is old or hasn't been serviced in a long time. A professional inspection can identify potential problems before they become major issues.

Ignoring these warning signs can be dangerous and potentially lead to serious consequences.

Preventative Maintenance

To help prevent future pilot light problems, consider these preventative maintenance tips:

Schedule regular maintenance for your wall heater with a qualified technician. They can inspect the unit, clean the burner, and identify any potential problems.
Keep the area around the heater clean and free of obstructions.
Periodically check the pilot light to ensure it's burning steadily.

By following these steps and knowing when to call a professional, you can keep your wall heater running safely and efficiently throughout the heating season.