How to Adjust the Propane Water Heater Pilot
If you have a gas burning propane water heater, your unit has a pilot light. The pilot light is located near the bottom of the hot water tank. The purpose of the pilot light is to continuously ignite the unit’s burner, thus heating the water held in the tank, and maintaining it at a constant temperature.
In order to maximize efficiency of your propane hot water unit, some adjustments to the screw that controls the pilot light’s flame may be necessary. When properly adjusted, this will decrease the chances of your pilot light going out which would result in cold showers for all until the pilot light is relit.
- Remove the access cover, which is located near the bottom of your unit’s tank.
- Identify the setscrew on the pilot light. The pilot light can be easily identified as a small blue flame located directly below the burner. The setscrew will therefore be located right under the nozzle of the pilot light flame.
- Turn the setscrew slowly clockwise. This adjustment will lower the amount of air, which mixes with the propane gas, thus effecting the pilot light's flame.
- Closely monitor the flame on the pilot light as you make this adjustment to the airflow. The goal is for the flame to be bright blue with just a small yellow tip.
- Turn the setscrew slowly counterclockwise as needed. This step is only needed if you over corrected in performing your clockwise adjustment. The counterclockwise adjustment will increase the airflow to the propane gas.
- Replace the unit’s access cover.