How To Clean The Pilot Light? 6 Easy Steps!

The question is: how to clean the pilot light? To clean the pilot light, you must first find the pilot light on your heater, turn off the gas, remove the dust and debris, and restore the pilot light. 

Pilot lights are a shaky power supply that a strong gust of wind might blow out. Electric ignitions have made them useless within the last 20 years, in part because of this. A tiny orifice at the end of the pilot might become dusty and jammed with dust and dirt. 

how to clean the pilot light

Cleaning the pilot light on your room heater will restore heat and save you money on a costly repair call. In addition, many pilot lights are simple to clean, so maybe this is a quick and painless remedy to have your item back in action. Below we have discussed a few steps that will help you clean the pilot light. So, if you’re interested in this article and want to learn more, keep on reading. Let’s have a deep look at it!

 

Steps To Clean The Pilot Light On Heater

Cleaning the heater pilot light is a straightforward task, but you must understand how to clean the pilot light before proceeding. For this, read the steps given below:

 

Step #1. Find your heater pilot light

Standing pilot lights are frequently hidden next to a panel on baseboard heaters, radiators, and boilers. As a result, they frequently hide in clear view when it comes to fireplaces. Whether that’s behind the access panel over an item or set on the rear or any side of a fireplace installation, there would be a valve labeled “pilot,” “on,” and “off,” which is usually a clue that the pilot light is close.

A blue flame must be seen when the pilot light is turned on. If that’s yellow or another color, it’s possible that it’s not burning hot enough already to warm the thermocouple that regulates gas supply to the unit. The thermocouple and the gas nozzle are two sections of the pilot light that resemble tiny rods; the dust effect on both is the same.

 

Step #2. Turn off your heater

Avoid approaching a pilot light that is still powered up and ready to go. To switch off the heater safely, follow the below instructions: Turn off the circuit linked to your heater to check that there is no power. Locate and shut the gas shutdown valve. Start moving the heater control knob on the off button. And unscrew the plastic shield to show the pilot light. The gas shutdown valve must be mounted directly on a wall adjacent to the heater or the heater housing. Call a skilled service professional if you didn’t spot it. Need not continue unless you have confirmed that the heater is not receiving fuel.

 

Step #3. Disconnect the nozzle

The gas nozzle may be clogged. Clean any dirt from the tiny opening in the center of the nozzle using a paper clip or a sewing needle.

 

Step #4. Remove the dirt

To soften and eliminate any leftover dirt and grime surrounding the nozzle, utilize a whole can of pressurized gas. Then suction the nozzle as well as the space around it. Clean any accumulation or dirt from the pilot light’s aperture with a bristle brush or paper clip. Check to see if there is anything adhered to the metal. Then, using compressed air, blow away any soot or sediment that may have been lodged deep within the pilot light. Finally, eliminate any leftover debris with a pressure washer or cylinder vacuum with a nozzle adapter.

 

Step #5. Cleanup pilot light thermocouple

Excess smoke on the heater thermocouple might cause it to stop operating, so grab a quick clean. Cleanse the thermocouple gently with a robust steel cloth or perhaps an abrasive towel. Completely erase any dislodged particles with a fresh, dry, microfiber sponge.

 

Step #6. Restore the pilot light

The last step is to restore your heater pilot light; for relighting the pilot light, you have to set the pilot gas valve on its original setting and follow the instructions in your owner’s handbook. Many standing pilot lights can be ignited with a few easy actions, but dust isn’t the problem if they don’t remain lit.

 

When Should You Consult An Expert?

If the heater pilot is easily accessible, you must clean it before calling for help. When that doesn’t enhance the functioning of your pilot light, you may well have a problem with the components. Like the pilot nozzle, your thermocouple could be faulty or need to be replaced. Those components are probably less than $50.When dealing with gasoline, you’re dealing with a volatile situation, so don’t take any chances.

It’s a good idea to hire a professional if the pilot light is tough to locate, difficult to reach, or looks to be damaged. There’s just much enough at stake, and it’s worth spending a cleaning cost of $100 or lesser to protect your children, your house, and your belongings safe. You may also be interested to know about how to install a garage heater.

 

It’s A Wrap!

We hope that reading this article will help you find out how to clean the pilot light. Above, we have discussed a few steps; you can easily clean the pilot light yourself by using them. Don’t hesitate to know these things, too; read about where to hang garage heater and what is the best garage heater. Thank you, friends, for being with us at the end!

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