Rheem Water Heater Pilot Light Won T Stay Lit
When you rely on a Rheem water heater for hot water, it can be frustrating when the pilot light won’t stay lit. A pilot light is a small flame that ignites the burner in your water heater when the temperature drops below a certain level. If you’re having trouble keeping your Rheem water heater’s pilot light lit, there are a few simple steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem.
Check the Thermocouple and Ignitor
One of the most common causes of Rheem water heater pilot light won’t stay lit is a faulty thermocouple or ignitor. The thermocouple is the small metal rod that sits near the pilot light and senses when the flame is on. If the thermocouple is faulty, it won’t be able to sense the flame and the pilot light won’t stay lit. The ignitor is the component that lights the pilot flame. If the ignitor is faulty, it won’t be able to light the pilot flame, and it won’t stay lit.
To test the thermocouple and ignitor, you’ll need to remove the access panel on your water heater and locate the two components. Once you’ve located them, use a multimeter to check for continuity. If the thermocouple and ignitor are working properly, the multimeter should indicate a continuous electrical current. If there is no current, it’s likely that either the thermocouple or ignitor is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Check for Gas Leaks
Another common cause of a Rheem water heater pilot light not staying lit is a gas leak. A gas leak can cause the pilot flame to go out, and it can also cause the pilot light to not stay lit. To check for a gas leak, you’ll need to locate the gas line that runs to your water heater. Once you’ve located it, use a soapy water solution to check for bubbles. If you see any bubbles, it’s likely that there is a gas leak.
To fix a gas leak, you’ll need to replace the gas line. This can be a tricky job, so it’s best to hire a qualified plumber to do the job for you.
Check the Pilot Light Assembly
Another common cause of a Rheem water heater pilot light not staying lit is a faulty pilot light assembly. The pilot light assembly is the component that houses the pilot flame. If the pilot light assembly is faulty, it can cause the pilot flame to be too small or too large, which will cause the pilot light to not stay lit.
To check the pilot light assembly, you’ll need to remove the access panel on your water heater. Once you’ve located the pilot light assembly, use a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, it’s likely that the pilot light assembly is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Clean the Pilot Orifice
Another common cause of a Rheem water heater pilot light not staying lit is a dirty pilot orifice. The pilot orifice is the small hole in the burner that the pilot flame passes through. If the pilot orifice is clogged, it can cause the pilot flame to be too small or too large, which will cause the pilot light to not stay lit.
To clean the pilot orifice, you’ll need to remove the access panel on your water heater. Once you’ve located the pilot orifice, use a toothpick or other small tool to clean out any debris. Once it’s clean, the pilot flame should be able to pass through it freely.
Check the Gas Valve
The last common cause of a Rheem water heater pilot light not staying lit is a faulty gas valve. The gas valve is the component that controls the flow of gas to the pilot light. If the gas valve is faulty, it can cause the pilot light to not stay lit.
To check the gas valve, you’ll need to remove the access panel on your water heater and locate the gas valve. Once you’ve located the gas valve, use a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, it’s likely that the gas valve is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Conclusion
If your Rheem water heater’s pilot light won’t stay lit, there are a few simple steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem. You should check the thermocouple and ignitor, check for gas leaks, check the pilot light assembly, clean the pilot orifice, and check the gas valve. If all of these components are in good working order, then the problem is likely due to a faulty part and will need to be replaced.
Rheem Water Heater Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit / Honeywell Gas Control
Fixed it Myself: Rheem water heater Pilot Light won't stay lit
Fixed it Myself: Rheem water heater Pilot Light won't stay lit
