Home Menu Close Nav Left Nav Right Arrow Left Arrow Right Literature Symbol Propane Symbol Heat Waves Symbol Phone Symbol Flame Symbol Electricity Symbol New Electric Symbol New Gas Symbol Clipboard Symbol Signature Signature Select Signature Premier
< Back

Check Pilot Light

The information on this web site is supplemental to the printed instructions that came with your water heater. To reduce the risk of property damage, serious injury or death, read and follow all labels on the water heater and the safety instructions in the printed owner's manual.

Step 1: Tools and Supplies

  • No tools or supplies are needed for this guide.

Step 2: 8 Flashes

  • Eight flashes every three seconds means the gas control knob has been turned off but the thermopile continued to produce millivolts. This condition can occur if the thermopile does not cool down as quickly as expected when the unit is shut off.

  • This condition can also occur if the gas control knob has been turned off but the pilot continues to operate.

Step 3: Make Sure the Knob is OFF

<strong>Make sure the gas control knob is set to OFF.</strong>

  • Make sure the gas control knob is set to OFF.

  • Wait one minute.

Step 4: Remove the Outer Door

Remove the outer door.
thumbnail1thumbnail2

  • Remove the outer door.

Step 5: Look Through the Site Glass

Look through the sight glass for a pilot flame.

  • Look through the sight glass for a pilot flame.

  • The pilot can be hard to see. Turn the lights out in the room to better see the pilot.

Step 6: Pilot Flame is Seen

If a pilot flame is observed with the gas control knob set to the OFF position, the pilot valve is stuck open.

  • If a pilot flame is observed with the gas control knob set to the OFF position, the pilot valve is stuck open.

  • Turn the gas control knob OFF, turn the gas supply valve OFF, and click on "Need More Help" below.

Step 7: 8 Flash Returns?

If the pilot flame is not observed then the gas control knob is set to the OFF position, wait 10 minutes for the thermopile to cool.
thumbnail1thumbnail2thumbnail3

  • If the pilot flame is not observed then the gas control knob is set to the OFF position, wait 10 minutes for the thermopile to cool.

  • Light the pilot using the instructions on the water heater's label.

  • If the 8 Flash code returns , turn the gas control knob OFF, turn the gas supply valve OFF, and click on "Need More Help" below.

Need More Help?