If you have an older model Bradford White water heater, chances are good that it has a pilot light. Pilot lights are small flames that stay lit all the time, and they heat up the thermocouple, allowing the gas valve to stay open.
When these pilot lights go out, knowing how to relight them without damaging the unit or causing a fire hazard can be difficult. In this article, we’ll learn about how to relight pilot light on bradford white water heater. So keep reading to learn more.
Can You Relight Pilot Light on Bradford White Water Heater?
Relighting a Bradford White water heater’s pilot light is possible and not as tricky as it may seem. First, make sure that the gas valve is in the ‘On’ position before you attempt to relight the pilot light. Then, press the red reset button located near the gas valve while holding a lit match or lighter next to the pilot light hole.
Depress the reset button until it clicks and if done correctly, the match will ignite and become a flame. If this fails, try this process again to ensure that you didn’t miss a step or miscalibrate the flame size. Once lit and all safety checks have been completed, release pressure from the reset button—making sure to keep your hand off of it—then turn on your breaker switch reset button for full power to be restored back to your hot water heater.
Why Should You Relight Pilot Light on Bradford White Water Heater?
Homeowners may be surprised to learn that their water heater’s pilot light can go out over time. They should consider relighting their pilot light on the Bradford White Water Heater to continue enjoying hot water. Not only is this a common reason for inefficient hot water performance, but it is also an easy fix. Doing so not only restores the availability of hot water, but it will also reduces energy consumption, as the water heater won’t be straining to keep the pilot light lit.
Bradford White suggests using a lighter designed for lighting barbecue grills or similar products for relighting and reminds owners that if, after several tries, the flame does not stay lit for more than 10 seconds, professional assistance should be sought before continuing. Relighting your pilot light on the Bradford White Water Heater is a simple task that all homeowners should consider doing to maintain efficient hot water usage at home.
7 Steps to Follow on How to Relight Pilot Light on Bradford White Water Heater
Step 1: Tools Needed
First, ensure you have all the tools needed before beginning this procedure. You will need a straightened paper clip lighter and a hard surface (such as a table). You may also need safety glasses and gloves if desired. Be sure to check the owner’s manual for any additional precautions.
Step 2: Locate and Turn Off the Gas Valve
When turning off any gas valve, take extreme caution! Locate the gas valve knob on your Bradford White water heater and turn it counterclockwise until it stops. Wait 10 minutes for any remaining gas in the line to dissipate before continuing on with this process.
Step 3: Use Paperclip To Light Pilot the Light
Once you have allowed enough time for the gas line to clear out, use your straightened paper clip to push down on the red reset button located near the bottom of your water heater (usually beneath insulation). Then use your lighter to ignite the pilot light while pushing down on the reset button with a paper clip for at least 45 seconds.
Release the button when the flame is established (you should hear a clicking sound), and then wait 10 minutes for the flame to stabilize before turning back on the main control switch located above the water heater tank.
Be sure not to use matches instead of lighters as these can produce sparks which could ignite combustible materials in the surrounding area unit. Make sure there is no debris or combustible materials near the unit during the relighting process! Once everything is stable and secure, shut off the main control switch after 10 minutes have passed by again, turning it off counterclockwise until the stop position is achieved.
Step 4: Check Flame Color
After all, is said and done, check the flame color of your pilot light. If it is a bright blue, then you’ve successfully lit the pilot! However, if it is yellow or orange instead, then this means that there may be an issue with how much gas is being released, and you should call a professional.
Step 5: Open Gas Valve
Now that your pilot light is successfully lit, it’s time to turn back on the gas valve and restore power to the water heater unit. Turn the knob clockwise until it stops, and then wait 10-30 minutes for all of the air in the line to be replaced with natural gas.
Step 6: Check Flame Settings
Once the power has been restored, check to make sure that the flame settings are correct and adjust if necessary. The normal setting should be at a medium-low level to help maintain an optimal temperature in the water heater tank.
Step 7: Test Unit
Once you’ve double-checked the flame settings, it’s time to test out your water heater. Turn on all of the hot water taps in and around your home while monitoring how quickly they heat up. If everything works correctly, you have successfully relighted your Bradford White Water Heater!
That’s it! You’ve now learned how to relight the pilot light on your Bradford White water heater. Follow these steps, and you’ll be able to have hot water in no time.
Things You Need to Know Before Relight Pilot Light on Bradford White Water Heater
Before attempting to relight the pilot light on your Bradford White Water Heater, there are several important things you need to bear in mind. First of all, you must make sure that the gas valve is set to ‘pilot’ and not ‘off.’ Secondly, it’s best practice to ensure that any combustible items are well away from the heater during the relighting process. Next, before you attempt to light the pilot light, make sure you have read and followed all instructions provided by Bradford White.
Last but not least, keep a fire extinguisher close at hand in case of an emergency. Following these simple guidelines will enable you to relight your Bradford White Water Heater with relative ease successfully.
Benefits of Relight Pilot Light on Bradford White Water Heater
Installing a Relight Pilot Light on a Bradford White Water Heater can be an excellent investment. This upgrade makes your unit more efficient, reliable, and safe. The Relight Pilot Light reduces energy costs and ensures that the pilot will relight automatically in the event of power or gas outages.
Additionally, this feature increases safety by reducing the probability of gas leaks with improved pilot stability and reliability. All in all, investing in a Relight Pilot Light for your Bradford White Water Heater is sure to provide plenty of benefits.
Is It Necessary to Replace the Thermocouple when Relighting the Pilot Light on A Bradford White Water Heater?
When it comes to relighting the pilot light in a Bradford White water heater, many people assume they need to replace the thermocouple, but that’s often not the case. Usually, you must clear out dust and debris from around the pilot light area with a stiff brush before relighting it. The thermocouple will detect any buildup and shut off the gas valve for safety, so if your water heater doesn’t stay lit after being relit, then a thermocouple replacement may be necessary.
It’s important to remember that replacing any working parts requires specific knowledge of the heater model, and a technician should be consulted whenever possible. In general, however, cleaning and relighting can be an easy and cost-efficient solution to bringing your water heater back up and running again.
How Can I Tell if My Bradford White Water Heater’s Pilot Light Is out Without Opening up Its Casing?
If your Bradford White water heater doesn’t provide you with hot water like it usually does, its pilot light may be out. One way to determine whether this is the case is by simply listening carefully for a clicking sound. If you hear this sound every 15 seconds, your pilot light is probably on and functioning correctly.
But if no sound is heard coming from the unit, then you should check out the thermocouple to rule out other issues before assuming that a lack of ignition has caused your water heater to fail. However, if none of these troubleshooting methods prove helpful in figuring out why your water heater isn’t working properly, it might be time to open up its casing and take a look inside.
Conclusion
Relighting your Bradford White water heater’s pilot light may seem intimidating, but following these steps will help ensure you do it safely and correctly. Remember not to use matches instead of lighters as these can produce sparks which could ignite combustible materials in the area surrounding the unit.
Also, remember that while performing this procedure, make sure there is no debris or combustible materials near the unit during the relighting process! With proper precautions, this process should be completed with ease, allowing you to enjoy hot showers again! Thanks for reading our post about how to relight pilot light on bradford white water heater.
