SHOULD I RELIGHT MY PILOT LIGHT?
Updated: May 10, 2021
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOUR PILOT LIGHT GOES OUT?
Firstly, ensure you turn your gas control valve to ‘off,’ not ‘on’ or ‘pilot’ this will prevent the gas building up and becoming dangerous if anything more serious is wrong.
HOW DO YOU RELIGHT THE PILOT LIGHT ON A BOILER?
Unless the instructions are on the boiler or you have the manual to hand (see our earlier blog for links to the manuals of the most common boiler makes) then it is best to call a reputable Gas Safe Engineer to check it for you.
IS IT DANGEROUS IF THE PILOT LIGHT GOES OUT?
The way older gas boilers work mean that a slow stream of gas is always being fed from the gas pipe. The pilot light will ensure that the gas is constantly being burnt and producing the heat. However, if the pilot light is not lit then the same amount of gas will still be fed through the pipe and will continue to accumulate – which, of course, is dangerous.
To prevent gas explosions happening in our homes, valves are fitted which should sense if the flame is lit or not. When this valve senses no flame the gas will be cut off and any build-up of dangerous gases will be prevented. Regardless of this, it is not recommended you leave a pilot light out for any prolonged period of time.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR PILOT LIGHT IS OUT?
On most modern models, the ignition is electric, so you may not have a pilot light. On older models, there is a chance you will have a more manual ignition process. It should be fairly apparent when you open the door/take off the casing of your appliance, by the presence of a small blue flame.
If you cannot see the blue flame your pilot light is out.
WHY DOES MY PILOT LIGHT KEEP GOING OUT?
We recommend calling an engineer if you find yourself relighting your pilot more frequently than once a quarter.
If you see your pilot light being repeatedly blown out, it could be due to a dirty pilot tube or a draft could be causing the light to go out.
Frequent issues with your pilot light should be looked at by Gas Safe Engineer to check how your boiler has been installed as they should not be exposed to drafts.
