How to Turn on a Boiler (Water Heater)

The water heater is an essential household appliance, so we all want it to work well and properly. But sometimes, it can stop working for various reasons. However, you don’t have to call a specialist to turn it back on.

5-Minute Crafts will show you how to turn it on step-by-step.

1. Check the pilot flame.

• Before you do anything, it’s important to know what type of water heater you have at home: if it’s an older model, find the panel at the bottom to remove it, and if it is modern, look for the glass where you can see the pilot flame.

You have to make sure that the pilot flame is not burning and, before trying to light it again, you have to be sure that there is no gas leak as well. That’s easy to tell by smelling the area around the heater valves. If you’re unsure of the state of your heater it’s better to ask for professional help. If you think you might have a gas leak at home, contact emergency services immediately and turn off any ignition systems you might have.

2. Adjust the temperature control.

• Locate the heater’s temperature regulator and set it to the lowest possible setting. The regulator is usually located on the front of the boiler in a compartment located on the outside part.

3. Find the regulating valve.

• Set the burner gas regulator, located under the hot water tank, in pilot mode. If you have trouble finding this regulator, try looking in the same compartment as the temperature regulator where it’s usually located. In most boilers you can find it right above.

4. Turn the wheel to the “Off” position.

• Turn the regulator to the “Off” position and wait 10 minutes before proceeding. This step is extremely important. What you’re doing is basically allowing enough air to vent the area to make sure that any remaining gas that may have been left in the heater system is gone. Your safety is the most important thing.

5. Determine what type of heater you have.

• If your heater is an older model, you will have to resort to a long lighter or to chimney matches. It’s never a good idea to use small matches or your regular lighter, as you could burn your fingers or your hand.
  
• If the heater is a modern one, find the button that is used to spark and light the flame.

6. Light the pilot flame.

• Turn the gas regulator carefully to the “Pilot” position and then press it. Doing this will let the gas supply run to the pilot flame pipe to ignite the whole system.
• At the same time, you’ll have to do one of the following 2 things, depending on the type of heater you have. If you have an older model, then you’ll have to carefully connect the flame of the lighter or match to the burner. However, if your heater is modern, then just press the spark button.

7. Make sure the pilot is working properly.

• Keep pressing the pilot button for approximately one minute after the flame has ignited. This will heat the thermocontact that shuts off the gas when the pilot is out.

After one minute, release the pilot button and check that the flame is still burning.

8. Adjust again to reach the desired temperature.

• Replace all panels that were removed from the water heater.
  
• Turn the gas regulator to “On” and adjust the heating system to the temperature you prefer.