As a homeowner, you rely on your water heater for many daily tasks, from taking a hot shower to washing dishes and doing laundry. So when your water heater isn’t working correctly, it can be a major inconvenience and frustration.
One component of your water heater that can cause issues is the pilot knob.
The water heater pilot knob is a small component that controls the gas flow to the pilot light in your water heater. The pilot light ignites the gas burner that heats the water in your tank. Over time, the pilot knob can become worn out or damaged, which can cause issues with the pilot light and prevent your water heater from working properly.
If you’re experiencing issues with your water heater, such as the pilot light going out or difficulty turning the knob, it may be time to consider replacing the pilot knob.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the water heater pilot knob replacement, including what it is and how to maintain it to ensure safe and reliable operation.
3 Water Heater Pilot Knob Replacement Options
The replacement for a water heater pilot knob will depend on the specific make and model of the water heater. If the pilot knob is damaged, broken, or not functioning correctly, it may need to be replaced.
| Replacement Options | Pros | Cons |
| OEM replacement knob | Designed to fit and function properly with the water heater | May be difficult to find or more expensive than other options |
| Universal replacement knob | Can fit a variety of water heater models and brands | May not be compatible with the gas valve on the water heater |
| Gas valve replacement | Addresses any issues with the gas valve in addition to the pilot knob | More expensive and time-consuming than replacing just the pilot knob |
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Replacement Knob
The best option is to find an exact replacement part from the water heater manufacturer. This ensures that the new knob is designed to fit and function properly with the existing water heater.
Universal Replacement Knob
If an exact replacement part is not available or is difficult to find, a universal replacement knob may be an option. These knobs are designed to fit various water heater models and brands. However, it’s important to ensure that the new knob is compatible with the gas valve on the water heater.
Gas Valve Replacement
In some cases, the pilot knob is not a separate component and is integrated into the gas valve on the water heater. In this case, the entire gas valve may need to be replaced if the pilot knob is not working correctly.
It’s important to note that improper installation or repair can result in gas leaks, explosions, or other hazards. If you are unsure about how to replace a water heater pilot knob, it’s best to contact a licensed plumber or HVAC technician for assistance.
How To Know If Your Water Water Heater Pilot Knob Needs Replacing?
If you’re experiencing issues with your water heater, it’s possible that the pilot knob may need to be replaced. Here are some signs indicating that the pilot knob needs to be replaced:
- The pilot light won’t stay lit: If the pilot light on your water heater won’t stay lit, this may be a sign that the pilot knob is damaged or worn out.
- Difficulty turning the knob: If you have difficulty turning the pilot knob or feel loose or wobbly, it may indicate that it needs to be replaced.
- Broken or missing knob: If the pilot knob is broken, missing, or has fallen off, it must be replaced before the pilot light can be lit.
- Corrosion or damage to the knob: If the pilot knob is corroded or shows signs of damage, such as cracks or breaks, it must be replaced to ensure safe and reliable operation.
- Age of the water heater: If your water heater is over ten years old and has not had any maintenance or repairs done recently, it may be a good idea to inspect the pilot knob for any signs of wear or damage.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to have your water heater inspected by an expert technician.
How To Replace A Water Heater Pilot Knob?
Replacing a water heater pilot knob is a task that should be approached with caution to ensure that the job is done safely and effectively. Here is a step-by-step guide to replacing a water heater pilot knob:
- Turn off the gas supply to the water heater. This can typically be done by turning the gas shut-off valve on the supply line to the “off” position.
- Turn off the power supply to the water heater. For electric water heaters, this can be done by turning off the circuit breaker that powers the water heater. For gas water heaters, turn off the electrical power supply or switch.
- Allow the water heater to cool down completely before attempting to replace the pilot knob. This will help to prevent burns or injuries.
- Locate the pilot knob on the front of the water heater. This is typically a small dial or knob near the water heater’s bottom.
- Remove the old pilot knob by gently pulling it away from the gas valve. Some pilot knobs may require unscrewing or loosening a set screw before they can be removed.
- If replacing the pilot knob with an OEM replacement part, install the new knob according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If using a universal replacement knob, ensure it is compatible with the gas valve on the water heater before installation.
- Install the new pilot knob by gently pushing it onto the gas valve until it clicks into place. Tighten any set screws or other fasteners as needed.
- Turn on the gas supply to the water heater by turning the gas shut-off valve to the “on” position.
- Turn on the power supply to the water heater by flipping the circuit breaker or switch to the “on” position.
- Test the new pilot knob by turning it to the “pilot” position and following the manufacturer’s instructions to light the pilot light. If the pilot light ignites and remains lit, the new pilot knob has been installed successfully.
What If I Do Not Want To Replace The Pilot Knob?
If you don’t want to replace the pilot knob on your water heater, there are a few things you can try to address and solve any issues or problems you may be experiencing:
Clean The Pilot Light
Over time, dust, debris, or other contaminants may accumulate around the pilot light, which can cause it to go out. Cleaning the pilot light and the surrounding area with a soft brush or cloth may help to resolve this issue.
Check The Gas Supply
If the pilot light doesn’t stay lit or light at all, it may be an issue with the gas supply. Check to make sure that the gas shut-off valve is open and that there are no leaks in the gas line.
Check The Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a small device that sits near the pilot light and senses when the pilot light is on. If the thermocouple is damaged or worn out, it may cause the pilot light to go out. A licensed professional can inspect and replace the thermocouple if necessary.
Inspect The Gas Valve
If you’ve checked the pilot light, gas supply, and thermocouple and are still experiencing issues with your water heater, it may be an issue with the gas valve. A licensed professional can inspect and replace the gas valve if necessary.
Additional Tips For Maintaining A Water Heater Pilot Knob
Proper maintenance of your water heater pilot knob can help ensure safe and reliable operation. Here are some tips for maintaining your water heater pilot knob:
- Keep the area around the water heater clean and free of dust, debris, and other contaminants that could interfere with the pilot light or other components.
- Inspect the pilot knob regularly for wear or damage, such as corrosion, cracks, or breaks. If you notice any issues, contact a licensed professional for assistance.
- Check the pilot light regularly to ensure it’s burning steadily and brightly. If the pilot light is flickering or seems weak, it may be an issue with the pilot knob or other components.
- Check the gas shut-off valve periodically to ensure it’s open and functioning properly.
- Schedule regular maintenance with a licensed professional to have your water heater inspected, cleaned, and serviced as needed.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners around the water heater, as these can damage the pilot knob or other components.
Never attempt to repair or replace the pilot knob or any other water heater components unless you have proper training and equipment. Always contact a professional for assistance.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, replacing the pilot knob on your water heater may seem daunting, but it is a relatively simple process that can be done in a few easy steps.
Remember to turn off the gas supply and water source before starting the replacement process. Ensure you have the correct replacement knob and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid mishaps.
By replacing the pilot knob on your water heater, you can ensure that your appliance operates safely and efficiently, providing you with hot water whenever needed.
Regular maintenance and replacement of faulty parts will also prolong the lifespan of your water heater and save you from expensive repairs down the line.
With the right tools and knowledge, you can easily replace the pilot knob on your water heater and enjoy a steady hot water supply for your household needs.
FAQ
Why does my pilot light go out when I release the pilot light knob?
If the pilot light on your water heater goes out when you release the pilot light knob, there could be a few potential reasons for this issue.
One common reason is that the thermocouple, a safety device designed to shut off the gas supply if the pilot light goes out, is malfunctioning or has become dirty or corroded.
Another possible reason is that the gas valve is not supplying enough gas to keep the pilot light burning. Additionally, there could be a draft in the room blowing out the pilot light flame or an issue with the gas supply or ignition system.
How close should a thermocouple be to a pilot?
The thermocouple should be positioned close enough to the pilot light to detect the flame’s heat. The exact distance may vary depending on the manufacturer and model of the water heater.
Still, typically, the thermocouple tip should be about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch away from the pilot flame. Or the pilot flame should touch the upper ½ or ⅜ of the thermocouple.
It’s important to note that if the thermocouple is positioned too far away from the pilot flame, it may not generate enough electrical current to keep the gas valve open, and the pilot light may go out.
On the other hand, if the thermocouple is positioned too close to the pilot flame, it may generate too much electrical current, which can cause the gas valve to stay open even when there is no flame, creating a potential safety hazard.
Does pilot light affect hot water?
Yes, a pilot light can affect hot water in some cases. In older gas-powered water heaters, a pilot light ignites the gas burner that heats the water in the tank. If the pilot light is not working correctly, it may be unable to ignite the gas burner, resulting in a lack of hot water.
Additionally, if the pilot light is not burning efficiently, it can lead to incomplete combustion of the gas and the production of carbon monoxide, which is a dangerous gas that can be harmful to your health.
However, pilot lights are less common in newer water heaters as they have been replaced with electronic ignition systems. In these systems, an electric spark ignites the gas burner, eliminating the need for a pilot light.
