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Test for gas leaks — Secure Your Gas Water Heater

Beginner45 mins

Part of project

How to Relight a Gas Water Heater Pilot Light: A Step-by-Step Guide · Step 5 of 5

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In this video

Replace the cover plate and use soapy water to test for leaks at all gas connections.

Goal: Ensure safety

  • Gas leaks can be extremely dangerous. If you detect a leak, turn off the gas immediately and contact a professional.
145.1K views2.3K1 minute
Roger Wakefield Plumbing Education

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FAQs

What should I do immediately if I smell gas at any point during this relighting process?

If you detect any gas odor, stop immediately. Turn off the main gas supply valve to your water heater and evacuate the area. Do not attempt to continue the relighting process, and contact your gas company or a qualified plumber for professional assistance to locate and fix the leak.

I've lit the pilot, but it goes out as soon as I release the control knob. What's the problem?

This common issue typically points to a faulty or insufficiently heated thermocouple. Try holding the control knob in for the full 60 seconds (or even a little longer) to ensure the thermocouple has enough time to heat up. If the pilot still won't stay lit, the thermocouple may be dirty, misaligned, or need to be replaced.

Do I need the specific Husky screwdriver and Scripto lighter mentioned, or can I use different tools?

No, the specific brands mentioned are just examples. Any standard Phillips or flathead screwdriver that fits your water heater's access panel screws will work. For lighting the pilot, any long-reach lighter, such as a BBQ lighter or even a long wooden match, is suitable.

The project is marked 'beginner' and '45 minutes,' but I'm finding it difficult or it's taking much longer. What should I do?

The difficulty and time estimates are averages; it's perfectly fine if it takes you longer, especially if it's your first time. If you're struggling with any step, feel unsafe, or simply can't get the pilot to light after several attempts, don't hesitate to pause and call a qualified plumber for assistance. Safety is paramount.

Transcript
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Guys, this is something that you can do very easy and then put it all right back together. Thanks to remember, make sure you turn off the gas valve before you start. Not that you're going to get gas because if you turn it off here you really shouldn't. But be careful putting everything back in. If the felt around the burner assembly at the door, if that needs to be replaced, make sure you replace it. Chances are if you've got a new burner assembly, it's going to come with new felt, make sure you put it on there and that seals it off properly. Never take out that side glass. I've heard people taking it out to let more air up inside there to help it burn hotter. Guys, that takes the safety feature completely away and it's not a smart thing to do. Last thing is, after you tighten up all your gas connections, make sure you take a spray bottle of soapy water, spray it all down once you turn the gas on to make sure there are no leaks. Putting it in and doing this yourself is easy to do and it's really good to learn how to do it. The thing is, if you leave a gas leak here, you can cause a problem in your house that you really don't want to have.

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