Unveiling the Secrets: How to Relight the Pilot Light on Your Kenmore Water Heater

If your Kenmore water heater has left you in the cold, it’s likely that the pilot light has extinguished. Relighting the pilot light is a simple task that can be completed in a matter of minutes, restoring hot water to your home. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to relight pilot light on Kenmore water heater.

Safety First

Before embarking on any task involving gas appliances, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Ensure that you have a working fire extinguisher nearby and that the area around the water heater is clear of any flammable materials.

Tools You’ll Need

• Long-neck lighter or match
• Screwdriver (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Locate the Gas Control Valve

Identify the gas control valve on the water heater. This is typically a knob or lever located near the bottom of the unit.

2. Turn Off the Gas Supply

Turn the gas control valve to the “Off” position. This will cut off the gas supply to the water heater.

3. Wait 5 Minutes

Allow the gas to dissipate for at least 5 minutes before proceeding. This ensures that any residual gas has cleared from the area.

4. Open the Access Panel

Locate the access panel on the front of the water heater. Remove the screws holding it in place and open the panel.

5. Find the Pilot Assembly

Inside the access panel, you will find the pilot assembly. It consists of a small burner and a thermocouple.

6. Push the Reset Button

Locate the reset button on the pilot assembly. It is typically a small, red button. Press and hold the reset button for 30 seconds.

7. Turn the Gas Control Valve to “Pilot”

Turn the gas control valve to the “Pilot” position. This will allow a small amount of gas to flow to the pilot burner.

8. Light the Pilot

Using a long-neck lighter or match, light the pilot burner. Hold the flame near the burner until it ignites.

9. Release the Reset Button

Once the pilot burner is lit, release the reset button. The flame should remain lit without assistance.

10. Turn the Gas Control Valve to “On”

Turn the gas control valve to the “On” position to restore the gas supply to the water heater.

11. Replace the Access Panel

Secure the access panel back in place using the screws.

Troubleshooting

If the pilot light does not ignite after following the above steps, try the following troubleshooting tips:

• Check that the gas supply is turned on.
• Ensure that the thermocouple is properly seated in the pilot burner.
• Clean any debris or corrosion from the pilot assembly.
• If the pilot light still does not ignite, contact a qualified technician.

Key Points: Regaining Hot Water Bliss

Relighting the pilot light on your Kenmore water heater is a straightforward process that can be accomplished with basic tools and safety precautions. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can restore hot water to your home quickly and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I relight the pilot light on my Kenmore water heater?

A: Under normal circumstances, the pilot light should not need to be relit regularly. However, if it goes out, it will need to be relit to restore hot water.

Q: What causes the pilot light to go out?

A: The pilot light can go out due to various factors, such as drafts, dust, or a faulty thermocouple.

Q: Can I relight the pilot light without turning off the gas supply?

A: No, it is not recommended to relight the pilot light without turning off the gas supply. This can be dangerous and may result in a gas leak.