Rheem Water Heater Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
As a homeowner, it can be extremely frustrating when your Rheem Water Heater Pilot Light Keeps Going Out. Not only do you have to go through the hassle of relighting the pilot light, but you may also be concerned about the cause of the frequent outages. Knowing why the pilot light keeps going out and how to prevent it can help you save time and money in the long run.
Common Reasons for a Rheem Water Heater Pilot Light Going Out
The most common cause of a Rheem water heater pilot light going out is a faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple, or flame sensor, is a device that sits near the pilot light flame and monitors the temperature. If the flame is too low, the thermocouple will shut off the gas supply in order to prevent a hazardous situation. Additionally, a thermocouple can become clogged with dust and debris, which will prevent it from sensing the flame and will cause the pilot light to go out.
How to Relight the Pilot Light
Relighting a Rheem water heater pilot light is a simple process that can be done in just a few minutes. First, turn off the power to the water heater and then locate the pilot light. Once you have located the pilot light, you will need to turn the gas valve to the “pilot” position. Next, press and hold the reset button for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, release the reset button and then use a long match or lighter to relight the pilot light. Once the pilot light is lit, you can turn the gas valve to the “on” position and turn the power back on.
Test the Pilot Light
Once you have relit the pilot light, it is important to test it to make sure that it is working properly. To do this, press and hold the reset button for 30 seconds. If the pilot light stays lit, then the thermocouple is working properly. However, if the pilot light goes out after you release the reset button, then you will need to replace the thermocouple.
Other Causes of the Pilot Light Going Out
In addition to a faulty thermocouple, there are a few other potential causes of a Rheem water heater pilot light going out. These include a clogged burner tube, a faulty gas valve, or a buildup of sediment in the water heater. If you have ruled out the thermocouple as the cause, then you will need to inspect the other components for possible causes.
Preventing the Pilot Light from Going Out
There are a few steps that you can take to prevent your Rheem water heater pilot light from going out. First, make sure to keep the area around the pilot light clean and free of dust and debris. Additionally, you should inspect the thermocouple and burner tube for any clogs or obstructions that may be preventing the pilot light from staying lit. Finally, you should have your water heater serviced regularly to ensure that all components are functioning properly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Rheem Water Heater Pilot Light can keep going out due to a faulty thermocouple, clogged burner tube, or a buildup of sediment in the water heater. Knowing the cause of the outages and how to relight the pilot light can save you time and money in the long run. Additionally, following a few simple steps can help to prevent the pilot light from going out in the future.