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How do you turn on hot water tank?

Published in Plumbing 3 mins read

Turning on a hot water tank typically involves lighting the pilot light. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Turn off the gas valve: Locate the gas control valve, usually near the bottom of the water heater, and turn it to the "OFF" position. This is a safety precaution. Wait a few minutes to allow any accumulated gas to dissipate.

  2. Access the pilot light: Look for an access panel near the bottom of the tank. It's usually labeled. Remove the panel to expose the pilot light assembly.

  3. Locate the burner: You'll see the burner, which is a small tube or opening where the gas is ignited.

  4. Prepare to turn on pilot mode: The gas control valve will have settings like "ON," "OFF," and "PILOT." Turn the control knob to the "PILOT" setting.

  5. Light the pilot: While pressing and holding the gas control knob on the "PILOT" setting, use a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot light. You may need to hold the button down for about 30-60 seconds to allow the thermocouple (a safety device) to heat up. If the pilot light doesn't stay lit after releasing the button, repeat this step.

  6. Hold the gas button in pilot mode: Continue holding the gas control knob in the "PILOT" position until the pilot light stays lit on its own. This ensures the thermocouple is properly heated.

  7. Turn on the gas: Once the pilot light is consistently lit, release the gas control knob and turn it to the "ON" position.

Important Safety Considerations:

  • Smell of Gas: If you smell gas at any point, immediately turn off the gas supply at the main valve and call your gas company or a qualified technician. Do not attempt to light the pilot light if you smell gas.

  • Proper Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation while working with gas appliances.

  • Qualified Technician: If you're uncomfortable performing these steps, contact a qualified technician for assistance.

Summary of Steps:

Step Action
1 Turn gas valve to "OFF".
2 Access pilot light assembly.
3 Turn gas control to "PILOT".
4 Press & hold control, light pilot.
5 Hold control until pilot stays lit.
6 Turn gas control to "ON".

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