Honeywell Water Heater Pilot Will Not Light

Note that honeywell does not make water heaters only gas valves.

Honeywell water heater pilot will not light. So here are the reasons. This device is designed to pick up an electrical signal from the pilot light s heat to determine whether or not the pilot is on. The pilot does not light. You can usually replace a thermocouple for minimal cost and in less than an hour.

The problem is the connectors on the ends of the leads. I show how to light a water heater with an electronic gas control. If the pilot doesn t relight if it goes out right after lighting or if the pilot light keeps going out by far the most common cause is a bad thermocouple. A faulty thermocouple or malfunction of the gas valve could be the culprit but the problem may be as simple as a draft coming from a crack in the wall or under the door.

What problems can occur. Although a blocked gas line is one reason why the pilot light on a rheem water heater won t light or stay lit there are other reasons as well some easier to correct than others. When your thermocouple detects an unlit pilot it automatically shuts off the gas to your water heater as a safety precaution. Thermocouple problems can be fairly common and this component is often the culprit when the water heater pilot keeps going out.

When the water heater pilot light goes out first try relighting it following the directions on the water heater label. Your water heater pilot light works in concert with other parts. Poor gas pressure is another possibility but you d need a gas pressure gauge reads in inches of water column or a manometer to check that. If you have a very weak pilot that will only light with a grill lighter not the piezo igniter then a dirty orifice is the most likely culprit.

Your best bet is a local plumbing supply house that sells your brand of water heater. You ll get your hot water going without waiting for a pro to show up and save the cost of a service call for a gas. If the pilot line is clogged clean it or replace it. A bad thermocouple will shut off gas to both the pilot and the burner which is when people notice that the water heater pilot light is out.

Universal thermopiles are commonly available but they have connectors that are not compatible with your gas valve. Ask your own plumbing question.