If the pilot flame in your Rheem Stellar gas water heater has gone out? Read our simple step by step instructions below on how to relight the pilot light. Alternatively, watch the video at the bottom of the page.
In your Rheem Stellar gas water heater there is a small pilot flame that should remain alight at all times. This small flame lights the main burner whenever water in the tank needs heating. If you can’t get hot water it may be because the pilot flame has gone out and thus there is no way for the main burner to be relit. This could occur for a number of reasons such as strong winds, gas maintenance work carried out in the street or empty LPG cylinder. Below we’ll show you the safe, correct way to relight your gas water heater.
IMPORTANT: To relight your Rheem Stellar gas water heater pilot light is quite easy however it is vital that you follow this procedure exactly to prevent a build up of gas which ignites can cause serous injury. Before beginning ensure all flames and ignition sources such as cigarettes and lighters are kept well away from the area.
1. Check for gas leaks
First remove the access panel. The instructions for relighting are clearly laid out inside this panel.
It is important to ensure there are NO gas leaks. This is best done by simply smelling for gas. Especially down near floor level where gas can accumulate.
If you smell gas turn the gas control knob to the off position. Shut off the isolation valve in the gas line, leave the area and call Cheapa Hot Water immediately. We are qualified Rheem gas water heater service technicians. Call 0410 693 532 for advice and assistance 7 days.
2. Turn the control off and wait 5 minutes
Once you’ve confirmed there are no gas leaks, turn the gas control knob fully clockwise to the off position. You should feel the control knob clicking to the off position.
Do not use tools to turn the knob. If you cannot turn the knob by hand call a service technician.
It is vital tat this point that you wait 5 minutes for any unburned gas to escape. If you do not wait the full 5 minutes residual gas may ignite and cause serious injury.
3. Light the pilot
Once five minutes has elapsed, we are ready to light the pilot using the ignitor button. You must remember that this button produces a spark that will ignite any gas that is nearby. This is why it is so important that you turn the control knob to off and wait 5 minutes for gas to dissipate every time before you use the ignitor button.
Next turn the control know to the pilot position. This is the symbol that looks like a starburst.
Depress the control knob fully and keep holding the knob down to allow sufficient gas to flow to the pilot light. After waiting for 30 seconds with the control knob held down, keep the control know held down and now press the ignitor button repeatedly for about 40 seconds. Keep your face clear of the combustion chamber.
At this point the pilot should be alight. It is important that you continue to hold the control know down for an additional 20 seconds for the pilot light to establish itself.
You can now release the knob.
Once the control know is released check that the pilot is alight. Do this by looking in the combustion change just below the gas control. The pilot light will be visible as a very small blue flame.
4. If the pilot is not alight
If the pilot is not alight it is vital that you turn the gas control knob to off. Then wait 5 minutes for gas to disperse. Once five minutes is up begin the pilot lighting process again from the start back where we turn to the control knob from the off position to the pilot position.
If the pilot flame is still not alight then contact us for advice and assistance on Call 0410 693 532.
5. Once the pilot is alight.
Once the pilot is alight it is important for your safety that you remove your face from directly in front of the combustion chamber opening. Then turn the control knob anti-clockwise to at least “6”. This will allow the main burner to light whenever the water needs heating.
When the main burner lights up it can be a little noisy for the first 2-5 seconds. This is normal and will very soon settle down to a quiet flame.
You can now replace the access panel.
Video – how to relight the pilot flame in your Rheem Stellar gas water heater
Call us for advice and assistance fixing your Rheem gas water heater
Since 1939, Rheem has been Australia’s favourite hot water company. Generations of Australian families have relied on a Rheem hot water system. The “steady, hot and strong” jingle is synonymous with Aussie TV. Rheem has the most extensive range of hot water systems available in Australia. Solar, gas or electric storage, continuous flow or heat pump, Rheem’s energy efficient range comes in all hot water heater sizes and capacities, suitable for every situation. Contact us for all your Rheem hot water service requirements.