Lighting Pilot Light Rheem Water Heater

One of the most frustrating experiences for a homeowner is waking up to a cold shower. When your Rheem water heater decides to stop providing hot water, the culprit is often a simple problem: the pilot light has gone out. While it might seem daunting, relighting a pilot light is often a task you can tackle yourself, saving time and money. This guide will walk you through a step-by-step troubleshooting process to safely diagnose and resolve the issue.

Understanding the Pilot Light

The pilot light is a small, continuous flame that ignites the main burner in your Rheem water heater. It's a safety feature that ensures gas is only burned when needed. If the pilot light goes out, the water heater can't heat water. Understanding its function is the first step in fixing the problem.

Safety First!

Before you begin, safety is paramount. Natural gas and propane can be dangerous. Follow these precautions:

Never work on your water heater if you smell gas. Evacuate the area immediately and call your gas company or fire department from a safe location.
Ensure the area around the water heater is well-ventilated. Open windows and doors.
Turn off the gas supply to the water heater before attempting any repairs.
If you are uncomfortable at any point, stop and call a qualified HVAC technician.

Troubleshooting Steps: Diagnosing the Problem

Let's break down the troubleshooting process into clear steps. We'll start with the simplest checks that require no tools.

Step 1: Visual Inspection (No Tools Required)

Begin with a thorough visual inspection of the water heater. Look for the following:

Water Leaks: Check around the base of the tank, the inlet and outlet pipes, and any connections. Leaks can indicate a more serious problem than just a pilot light issue.
Rust or Corrosion: Look for signs of rust or corrosion on the tank, burner assembly, or gas valve. Excessive rust can compromise the integrity of the water heater.
Burner Assembly Condition: Visually inspect the burner assembly (you may need a flashlight). Look for any debris, spiderwebs, or obstructions that could be blocking the gas flow to the pilot light.
Pilot Light Area: Specifically examine the pilot light area. Is it clean? Is there any obvious obstruction preventing the flame from staying lit?

What to do: Note any observations. If you see significant leaks or rust, this might be a bigger problem requiring professional attention.

Step 2: Check the Gas Valve (No Tools Required)

The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the water heater. Ensure it's in the correct position.

Locate the Gas Valve: It's usually a knob or lever near the bottom of the water heater, often labeled with "ON," "OFF," and "PILOT."
Verify the Position: Make sure the valve is set to "ON" or "PILOT" (depending on the model) when attempting to light the pilot. If it's set to "OFF," the pilot light won't receive gas.

What to do: Turn the valve to the "OFF" position. Wait at least five minutes to allow any accumulated gas to dissipate before proceeding. This is crucial for safety.

Step 3: Attempt to Relight the Pilot Light

Now, let's try relighting the pilot light. The exact procedure may vary slightly depending on your Rheem model, but the general steps are the same:

Set the Gas Valve to "PILOT": Turn the gas valve knob to the "PILOT" position. You may need to push down on the knob while turning it.
Press and Hold the Pilot Button: Locate the pilot button (usually a red or black button near the gas valve) and press and hold it down. This allows gas to flow to the pilot light.
Ignite the Pilot Light: While holding the pilot button down, use a long lighter or spark igniter to light the pilot light. Some models have a built-in spark igniter – you may need to press a separate button or turn a knob to activate it.
Observe the Flame: Once the pilot light is lit, continue holding the pilot button down for at least 30 seconds. This allows the thermocouple (a safety device) to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open.
Release the Pilot Button: After 30 seconds, slowly release the pilot button. The pilot light should remain lit.
Set the Gas Valve to "ON": If the pilot light stays lit, turn the gas valve knob to the "ON" position.

What to do:

If the pilot light lights and stays lit, congratulations! You've solved the problem.
If the pilot light lights but goes out when you release the pilot button, proceed to the next step.
If the pilot light doesn't light at all, double-check that you're holding the pilot button down long enough and that your lighter or spark igniter is working correctly.

Step 4: Check the Thermocouple (Requires Basic Tools)

The thermocouple is a small, metal rod located near the pilot light. Its job is to sense the heat from the pilot flame and signal the gas valve to stay open. If the thermocouple is faulty, it won't sense the heat, and the gas valve will shut off, extinguishing the pilot light.

Tools Needed: Multimeter (optional), Wire brush or emery cloth.

Visual Inspection: Inspect the thermocouple for any signs of damage, such as cracks, corrosion, or bends.
Cleaning the Thermocouple: Use a wire brush or emery cloth to gently clean the tip of the thermocouple. This removes any carbon buildup that could be interfering with its ability to sense heat.
Testing with a Multimeter (Optional): If you have a multimeter and know how to use it, you can test the thermocouple's output. Disconnect the thermocouple wire from the gas valve (after turning the gas valve to the "OFF" position). Set the multimeter to measure millivolts (DC mV). Place one probe on the thermocouple wire and the other probe on the thermocouple body. Light the pilot light and hold the pilot button down. The multimeter should read at least 20-30 millivolts. If it reads significantly lower, the thermocouple is likely faulty.

What to do:

If the thermocouple is visibly damaged, it needs to be replaced.
If cleaning the thermocouple doesn't solve the problem, and the multimeter test indicates a low voltage, replace the thermocouple.
Replacing the Thermocouple: This is a relatively simple repair. Turn off the gas supply. Disconnect the old thermocouple from the gas valve and the burner assembly. Install the new thermocouple, ensuring it's properly positioned near the pilot light. Reconnect the gas supply and follow the relighting procedure. You can find replacement thermocouples at most hardware stores.

Step 5: Check the Pilot Orifice (Requires Basic Tools)

The pilot orifice is a small opening that allows gas to flow to the pilot light. If this orifice becomes clogged with debris, it can restrict the gas flow and cause the pilot light to go out.

Tools Needed: Small wrench or pliers, Small needle or wire (like a sewing needle or guitar string).

Turn Off the Gas Supply: Ensure the gas valve is in the "OFF" position.
Locate the Pilot Orifice: The pilot orifice is usually located near the pilot light assembly. It's a small, threaded fitting with a tiny hole.
Remove the Pilot Orifice: Use a small wrench or pliers to carefully remove the pilot orifice. Be gentle, as it's a small and delicate part.
Clean the Orifice: Use a small needle or wire to carefully clean the orifice. Gently insert the needle into the hole and remove any debris. Do not enlarge the hole.
Reinstall the Pilot Orifice: Carefully reinstall the pilot orifice, tightening it snugly but not overtightening.
Relight the Pilot Light: Follow the relighting procedure outlined in Step 3.

What to do: If cleaning the pilot orifice solves the problem, great! If not, proceed to the next step.

Step 6: Check the Gas Supply (Requires Basic Tools)

While less common, problems with the gas supply to the water heater can also cause the pilot light to go out. This includes checking the gas pressure and the gas shut-off valve.

Tools Needed: Gas pressure test kit (Requires significant experience. If unsure, call a professional), Pipe wrench (for adjusting gas shut-off valve very carefully).

Verify Gas Shut-Off Valve position: Check that the main gas shut-off valve (usually located on the gas line leading to the water heater) is fully open. Ensure it is parallel with the gas pipe.
Check Other Gas Appliances: Make sure other gas appliances in your home are working correctly. If they're not, it could indicate a problem with the main gas supply to your home.
Check Gas Pressure (Advanced): If you have experience with gas systems and possess a gas pressure test kit, you can check the gas pressure at the water heater. Consult your water heater's manual for the correct gas pressure specifications. If you're not comfortable working with gas pressure, call a qualified HVAC technician.

What to do:

If the main gas shut-off valve was partially closed, open it fully and try relighting the pilot light.
If other gas appliances aren't working, contact your gas company.
If the gas pressure is outside the specified range, contact a qualified HVAC technician.

When to Call a Professional

While many pilot light issues can be resolved with these DIY steps, certain situations require the expertise of a qualified HVAC technician. Do not hesitate to call a professional if:

You smell gas, even after turning off the gas supply.
You suspect a gas leak.
You are uncomfortable working with gas appliances.
You have tried all the troubleshooting steps and the pilot light still won't stay lit.
You notice significant rust, corrosion, or leaks on the water heater.
You suspect a problem with the gas valve or other internal components of the water heater.
You need to adjust the gas pressure.

Final Thoughts

Troubleshooting a pilot light issue on your Rheem water heater can often be a straightforward process. By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can potentially save time and money. However, remember that gas appliances can be dangerous, and it's always best to err on the side of caution. If you're unsure about anything, call a qualified HVAC technician. Your safety and the proper functioning of your water heater are the most important things.