How do I test my water heater flame
Emily Cortez
Published Apr 18, 2026
There should also be a gap at the bottom of the unit, where you can see underneath it. That’s where the flame should be. It’s easiest to find if you’ve checked there before and have seen the pilot light burning. But, if you don’t see anything, and the status light indicates that it’s out, then you’ve found the problem.
How do you check the flame on a water heater?
There should also be a gap at the bottom of the unit, where you can see underneath it. That’s where the flame should be. It’s easiest to find if you’ve checked there before and have seen the pilot light burning. But, if you don’t see anything, and the status light indicates that it’s out, then you’ve found the problem.
What do you do if your pilot light won't light?
If your pilot light won’t stay alight, it might be the thermocouple. Sometimes dust buildup collects on the thermocouple and blocks the sensor. Try cleaning the thermocouple and then relighting the pilot light. If it continues to go out, the thermocouple might need to be replaced.
What does a normal water heater flame look like?
The flame of any natural-gas appliance should be blue in color (with maybe a little yellow at the very tip of the flame). The orange flame of your water heater indicates that the gas is not combusting efficiently, and it’s a sure sign that your heater needs adjustment or repair.How do I know if my gas water heater is on?
Remove the access panel on the side of the water heater and look inside for a blue flame. This is called a pilot light and indicates the presence of natural gas. If you see a pilot light, you have a gas water heater. Electrical water heaters do not have pilot lights.
What does a yellow flame mean on a water heater?
Know what the color your flame is telling you means: Yellow – Air is not getting to the flame, this needs to be inspected immediately. An adequate supply of combustion and ventilating air must be available without obstructions.
Should the water heater be on pilot or on?
You should set the water heater to “pilot”. If, however, your water heater is also the boiler for your central heating, then you’ll want to leave the heating running as normal so that your house doesn’t get damp as a result of cold and condensation.
What does a noisy flame indicate?
A flame that hisses or roars either has too much air in the mix or has the gas level turned up too high. The flame should hiss only if you are producing a very hot flame — hotter than desirable for most tasks.How do you fix a yellow flame on a gas water heater?
- Remove the scale from the top of the gas burner.
- Ventilation can very well be the issue, give your water heater proper ventilation and sufficient air.
- If the flue or vent system is blocked, make sure to find the cause, clean the pipes and remove the blockage.
- Locate the front cover panel on your furnace. It should be a little door that’s easily visible. …
- If your pilot light is on, it should be easy to see – your eyes will be drawn to the little flame.
- If you don’t see a flame, your pilot light is out.
- If there is a flame, check the color.
What do you do when your hot water heater pilot light goes out?
- Turn the thermostat to the lowest setting.
- Turn the on/off/pilot switch to the “pilot” position.
- Remove the outer and inner panels to access your pilot light.
Should the pilot light always be on in a gas water heater?
The thermocouple’s job is to shut a gas safety valve if the pilot light goes out. That’s important because gas is always being supplied to the pilot to keep the flame lit. But if the pilot flame goes out, then the gas would still be released. After a while, the gas could collect in your home and become a health hazard.
Can I manually light my gas water heater?
Lighting a water heater is simple, no matter what type you have. Most newer models of gas water heaters have a simple ignition switch. In just a few steps the water heater is lit, no problem. If you’ve moved into an older house, though, you many have the kind of water heater that needs to be lit manually.
Do all water heaters have pilot lights?
* Caution: Most modern water heaters no longer use standing pilots. They use electronic ignition to ignite the gas. Do not attempt to manually light an electronic ignition system.
How do you know your hot water heater is bad?
- Water leaking from the heating tank. …
- Age of the water heater. …
- Running out of hot water quickly. …
- Inconsistent water temperature in the shower. …
- Discolored water coming from faucets. …
- Unusual noises coming from the water heater. …
- Lower water pressure.
Why is my hot water not hot?
If there is no hot water or the supply is not adequate or is too hot, check the upper thermostat. If the thermostat is busted, it should be replaced. Lack of regular maintenance can cause issues even though the thermostat is working because of sediment buildup. To fix this, flush your water heater.
What setting should my water heater be on?
Professionals recommend keeping your water heater set at a temperature between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Any higher, or lower, could actually be dangerous for you and your family. While turning the temperature up higher can result in burns, turning it lower than the recommended setting can also be dangerous.
What does pilot mean on hot water heater?
On gas water heaters, the pilot light makes sure that there’s always flame available when the burner needs to kick in and heat water. If you run out of gas, install a new water heater or have to shut it down for some reason, lighting the pilot is the first step to turn on a water heater.
How do I turn the pilot light on my water heater?
Turn the gas knob to “Pilot,” press and hold it down. This will start the flow of gas so you can light the flame. Some water heaters have a separate button for pilot mode, usually a red one, which you’ll press and hold. While still holding the gas down, light that pilot.
Can a water heater explode?
If the heating element and/or thermostat were to malfunction, the temperature of the water inside the tank could increase to the point where it is producing steam. If the situation progresses, and there is no outlet for the steam, the increased pressure could cause the hot water tank to explode.
How should a gas flame look?
A healthy, properly burning flame on gas appliances should be blue in color, sometimes with a tiny tip of yellow, with a little light blue triangle at the center. This blue color flame indicates that there is safe, efficient and more complete fuel combustion.
What is the roaring flame?
The hottest flame is called the roaring blue flame. It is characterized by a light blue triangle in the middle and it is the only flame of the 3 which makes a noise.
Which flame is the loudest?
The blue inner flame burns the hottest, particularly at the tip. In addition to being the hottest flame, it is also the cleanest and loudest flame, making a kind of “roaring” sound.
Can I relight the pilot light by myself?
If your pilot light goes out, your furnace will not be able to produce heat because its burners will not ignite. Often, homeowners can relight the pilot themselves.
Do I need to turn gas off if pilot light goes out?
Since the thermocouple regulates gas going to the pilot, it should cut off on its own if the pilot ever goes out, but that’s only if it’s functioning correctly. If the thermocouple isn’t working properly, then it’s possible that it’s allowing gas to leak into the very room where the heater is located.
How much does it cost to relight a pilot?
Most service providers will charge a standard fee per visit that typically covers the cost to relight a gas water heater. This service call price can range from $80 to $100.
Why would the pilot light go out?
Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds. If you believe there is a serious problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.
