What is Pilot Mode on Water Heater – [Explained]

Most of the time, people ask, “What is pilot mode on water heater?” Pilot Mode on a water heater is a feature that allows the user to control the temperature of the water heater with a switch. This is useful in winter, when it may be necessary to heat the water to a higher temperature than what is set by the thermostat. 

In pilot mode, the water heater will maintain the temperature of the water at the set point regardless of the surrounding temperature. The advantage of this feature is that it can save energy by preventing the water heater from working harder to maintain the water temperature. 

The disadvantage is that it can be difficult to control the temperature of the water, and it may be necessary to adjust the setting periodically manually. Let’s discuss more on the Pilot mode of water heaters in detail!

Should a water heater be on pilot or on?

A water heater pilot light is a small, continuously burning flame that ignites the gas burner when the unit is turned on. The main purpose of the pilot light is to provide a source of ignition for the burner, so it doesn’t have to be lit each time you need hot water. 

Many newer water heaters are equipped with an electronic ignition, which does not require a pilot light. However, many homes still have water heaters with a pilot light. If your water heater is equipped with a pilot light, it’s important to know how to operate it and keep it lit.

A pilot light can go out for various reasons, including a power outage, a drafty room, or a problem with the gas line. If your pilot light goes out, you’ll need to relight it before you can use your water heater. Although it may seem simple, relighting a pilot light can be tricky. 

It’s important to follow the instructions in your owner’s manual carefully to avoid damaging your unit.

How do I know if my water heater pilot is on?

If your water heater has a pilot light, it’s important to know how to tell if the pilot is on. First, look for a small flame near the bottom of the heater. The flame should be blue, not yellow or orange. 

If you can’t see a flame, look for a small metal rod sticking out from the side of the heater. This is the thermocouple, and it should be hot to the touch. If neither of these is present, or if the thermocouple is cool, then the pilot light is most likely not lit. 

In this case, you’ll need to follow your owner’s manual instructions to relight the pilot. Let alone the pilot mode, and you may ask, “is it too late to drain my water heater?” Read on to acknowledge more on this topic. 

How long do you have to hold the pilot button on a water heater?

The amount of time you have to hold the pilot button on a water heater depends on the model of the water heater. Some models require that you hold the button for only a few seconds, while others may require that you hold it for up to a minute. 

If you’re unsure how long to hold the button, consult your water heater’s manual or contact the manufacturer. You’ll need to hold the button until you see a steady flame. Once the flame is lit, you can release the button. If the flame goes out, you’ll need to repeat the process. 

Make sure to keep an eye on the flame, as it should be blue in color. If it’s yellow or flickering, this could be an indication that there’s a problem with the gas line. In this case, you should contact a certified technician for assistance.

How to Light a Water Heater Pilot Light

If your water heater uses a pilot light to ignite the burner, you may need to light it if it ever goes out. Thankfully, relighting a pilot light is a relatively simple process that only requires a few minutes of your time. Here’s how to do it:

1. Locate the pilot light assembly on your water heater. This is usually located near the bottom of the unit.

2. If there is any debris or dirt around the pilot light opening, use a brush or cloth to clean it away. This will help ensure that the gas can flow freely.

3. Check the pilot light tube for any blockages. Use a wire or other sharp object to clear them away if you see any.

4. Turn the gas control knob to the “Pilot” setting and wait for a minute or two before proceeding. This will allow the gas to build up in the pilot light area.

5. Push down on the knob and hold it while you light the pilot with a match or lighter. Once the pilot light is lit, hold down on the knob for about 30 seconds to give the gas time to Ignite properly.

6. Once everything is lit, turn the knob back to the “On” position, and you’re done! Your water heater should now be working properly again.

How to Turn off your Pilot Light on your Water Heater?

Before you can turn off your pilot light, you’ll need to identify where it is located. On most water heaters, the pilot light is situated near the bottom of the unit. Once you’ve found it, use a long lighter to reach the pilot light and turn it off. 

If your water heater doesn’t have a physical pilot light, you’ll need to find the shut-off valve for the gas line. This valve is usually located above the water heater. 

To turn off the gas, rotate the valve handle, so it’s perpendicular to the pipe. Once the gas is off, you can relight the pilot light when you’re ready to use your water heater again.

Read More: 11 Hot Water Heater Enclosure Ideas You Need To Know

FAQ

Bottom Line

We hope now you have got the answer to your inquiry, What is pilot mode on water heater?” Pilot Mode on Water Heater is a feature that allows the user to control the water heater’s temperature manually. 

This can be useful if you want to ensure the water heater is not too hot or cold for your needs. Pilot Mode on Water Heater can also help save energy by allowing you to set the temperature only when you need it.