How do you clean a dirty pilot tube on a hot water heater?

What is a pilot tube?

A pilot tube is a small metal tube that is part of the pilot light assembly in a gas hot water heater. The pilot light is a small flame that remains lit and ignites the main burner when heat is needed. The pilot tube directs gas from the gas control valve to the pilot light so it can remain lit. Over time, the pilot tube can become clogged with debris, dust, spider webs, or corrosion, preventing the pilot light from getting enough gas flow to stay lit. A dirty pilot tube is one of the most common reasons for pilot light problems.

Why is it important to keep the pilot tube clean?

It’s important to keep the pilot tube clean because if the pilot light goes out repeatedly, the hot water heater will not heat water properly. Some of the main reasons to keep the pilot tube clean include:

• Ensures adequate gas flow to the pilot light so it remains lit.
• Prevents pilot light outages which can be inconvenient and disrupt hot water supply in the home.
• Avoids repeated manual re-lighting of the pilot which can be difficult in some water heater models.
• Reduces risk of raw gas buildup in the system if the pilot goes out frequently.
• Keeps the hot water heater working safely and efficiently as designed.

If the pilot tube is very dirty it may need to be replaced entirely to fully restore proper pilot operation.

How do you clean the pilot tube?

Cleaning a dirty pilot tube is a straightforward process you can do yourself without a plumber in most cases. Here are the basic steps:

1. Turn the hot water heater’s gas control knob to the “OFF” position and turn off the gas supply to the unit.
2. Remove the outer burner access panel on the water heater.
3. Locate the pilot tube coming from the gas control. It is a small copper tube.
4. Disconnect the pilot tube from the pilot assembly. This lets you access it for cleaning.
5. Use compressed air to blow out debris from the pilot tube. Air dusters used for cleaning computer keyboards work well.
6. Inspect the tube ends and use sandpaper or steel wool to scrub away stubborn deposits or corrosion.
7. Reconnect the cleaned pilot tube to the pilot assembly.
8. Replace the burner access panel.
9. Turn gas supply back on and relight the pilot according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Some tips when cleaning the pilot tube:

• Perform the work when the hot water heater is cool, not hot.
• Protect eyes and skin – blows debris can be sharp.
• If compressed air doesn’t do the trick, try pushing a thin wire through the tube to clear clogs.
• If the pilot tube is very corroded, replacement may be needed for full repair.

Signs you may need a professional pilot tube cleaning or replacement:

In some instances, a DIY pilot tube cleaning may not fully resolve the issue. Signs you may need a professional service for tough pilot tube cleaning include:

• Pilot tube is blocked solid and compressed air cannot clear it.
• Tube is corroded or damaged to the point replacement is needed.
• Pilot tube connections are damaged or leaking.
• Cleaning helps temporarily but pilot problems return quickly.
• There are other pilot assembly issues beyond just the pilot tube.
• You are unable to access or disconnect the pilot tube yourself.
• Improper pilot tube cleaning could make problems worse.

Professionals have specialized tools and the expertise to fully clean or replace stubborn pilot tubes and make other needed gas control repairs.

Safety precautions when working on a water heater pilot:

Gas appliances like water heaters contain highly flammable fuel and must be handled with care to avoid fire or explosion. Some key safety tips include:

• Always turn off the gas supply before disconnecting any gas components.
• Test for gas leaks with a soapy solution after reconnecting pilot tubes.
• Do not smoke or have open flames nearby when servicing gas equipment.
• Provide proper ventilation in the water heater area.
• Do not attempt pilot repairs on your own if unsure or uncomfortable.
• Improper repairs can result in dangerous gas leaks – hire a professional if needed.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors for added safety with gas appliances.

Taking appropriate safety measures helps ensure a successful pilot tube cleaning job.

Conclusion

Keeping the pilot tube on a hot water heater clean is essential for proper and safe operation. A clogged tube is a common but easy DIY fix in many cases. Turn off the gas, disconnect the pilot tubing, and use compressed air or wire to clear any debris inside. Reconnect everything properly when finished. If the pilot tube is severely corroded or repairs are beyond your skill level, contact a professional plumber for assistance. With routine preventive maintenance, you can help keep your water heater’s pilot running cleanly for years of hot water on demand.