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Original poster

To be outsmarted by a pilot light? Help!

31 replies

bloodybloodypilotlight · 14/10/2021 19:38

It is currently the bane of my existence and so far the only person who has managed to light it is the plumber who came to fix the hot water… which isn’t even powered by the boiler Hmm

I have attempted multiple times to relight it (we were advised by eon not to leave it on when we didn’t need it as gas is so expensive) and I am sure that I am doing things the exact way he did. It’s one of the very old fashioned ones where you press an ignition switch repeatedly while holding down the button for the gas and it supposedly springs into life.

Does anyone have any magical tips for lighting such things (I can attach a picture but I don’t think it will help) before I swallow my pride and call a plumber out just to light the pilot light?

OP posts:
Idontlike · 14/10/2021 19:40

Can you see through the window if there is actually a little spark when you press the switch?

Original poster
bloodybloodypilotlight · 14/10/2021 19:46

I was trying to work that out yesterday, I think there is but I couldn’t say for definite.

I did briefly consider trying to light it with a splint but then I decided that was probably exceptionally stupid.

OP posts:
Idontlike · 14/10/2021 20:25

Did the plumber turn the gas supply off or can you actually hear it hissing when you turn the knob? Is there a separate electric switch that needs turning on for the ignition switch?

I don’t know why I’m asking, it’s not like I can help, I remember the frustration of trying to light a reluctant pilot light!

Google the make and model and see if there is an online PDF instruction manual.

Original poster
bloodybloodypilotlight · 14/10/2021 20:31

It is hissing so there’s definitely something coming out! I did wonder if it was just air to start with (as it’s not been lit for several months) and that’s why it wouldn’t work but it must be gas now as I’ve had so many attempts. And no, I don’t think there’s a separate switch for the ignition!

It is frustrating! Thank you though.

OP posts:
HollyandIvyandAllThingsYule · 14/10/2021 20:33

I’m sure there can be a fuse that needs changing if the pilot light isn’t actually sparking...

RobertaFirmino · 14/10/2021 23:06

Try running all taps in the house briefly before trying to light it. That works for me - something to do with an air lock apparently.

Still1nLove · 14/10/2021 23:11

I thought you should always leave the pilot light on?

HollyandIvyandAllThingsYule · 14/10/2021 23:19

We certainly always left ours on.

TheElderleyBrothers · 14/10/2021 23:42

Keep your finger on the gas button for 20 seconds after the pilot lights.

TheElderleyBrothers · 14/10/2021 23:45

Sorry re-read, does the pilot not light at all? And no spark? Then probably the piezo has broken. You can light with a splint if you can get access.

Original poster
bloodybloodypilotlight · 15/10/2021 06:40

@RobertaFirmino

Try running all taps in the house briefly before trying to light it. That works for me - something to do with an air lock apparently.
Ohhh, that’s new, thank you!

Regarding leaving it on all the time, the plumber recommended that we do, to save having to relight it (haha…) but that it was up to us as it would cost more money.

The man from eon then said not to leave it on (as it doesn’t power the hot water) as gas is so expensive.

No, it won’t light at all. Maybe it is an issue with the ignition.

OP posts:
Hercisback · 15/10/2021 06:43

I used to have this in a rented house. We lit it with a long lighter.

RaaFace · 15/10/2021 06:49

What does it do if it doesn't heat the water?

InTheLabyrinth · 15/10/2021 06:53

Do you mean you switch it on and off every day? Or that you've had it off for the summer, and now want some heat?
Once you get it lit, please leave it lit for the winter!
A taper/splint might do it.

Original poster
bloodybloodypilotlight · 15/10/2021 07:19

What does it do if it doesn't heat the water?

It heats the house.

Do you mean you switch it on and off every day? Or that you've had it off for the summer, and now want some heat?

The second one! Although it’s only been off for a few months, we moved in at the end of July and then it was lit for a few weeks before I spoke to eon.

Will definitely be leaning it lit over the winter, yes!

Yes, this is a rental too. I might try calling someone today and seeing if it would be ok to light it with a splint. I’m not sure whether they’ll offer advice over the phone but it’s worth a try!

OP posts:
Still1nLove · 15/10/2021 07:32

@bloodybloodypilotlight what appliance is it please?

Original poster
bloodybloodypilotlight · 15/10/2021 07:42

[quote Still1nLove]@bloodybloodypilotlight what appliance is it please?[/quote]
I am on the way to work now but I’ll have a look later!

A very retro looking one, is all I can say now Confused

OP posts:
CecilyP · 15/10/2021 07:44

Do you have the printed manufacturers instructions for the boiler? I had this problem with mine till I found I was holding the match in the wrong place. Would your landlord be able to help?

Bufferingkisses · 15/10/2021 07:49

When we struggled with the pilot I found that you had to sort if trick it. So hold the gas light in and also hold the ignition switch in to just before the click (sort of like holding a car on the clutch, just before the bite point iyswim?) Then click firmly and quickly. For some reason that used to work after a couple of trys!

Original poster
bloodybloodypilotlight · 15/10/2021 07:50

@CecilyP

Do you have the printed manufacturers instructions for the boiler? I had this problem with mine till I found I was holding the match in the wrong place. Would your landlord be able to help?
No printed instructions but I did find it online. I think the instructions were the same as ones printed on the side of the boiler though.

The letting agents manage the property, so it would be them that we would need to contact. They’re not hugely helpful, but actually I suppose it might be frowned upon for me to call a plumber out myself as opposed to going through them.

OP posts:
stayathomegardener · 15/10/2021 07:51

As a landlady I'd 100% see this as my financial responsibility. One of the benefits of renting is not worrying about things like this I think.

Original poster
bloodybloodypilotlight · 15/10/2021 07:54

@stayathomegardener

As a landlady I'd 100% see this as my financial responsibility. One of the benefits of renting is not worrying about things like this I think.
Even if it wasn’t actually broken and it was just your tenants being incompetent? Blush

You sound like a lovely landlady though!

OP posts:
RaaFace · 15/10/2021 07:56

I don't think you are being incompetent. It shouldn't take a qualified plumber to have to fix it.

stayathomegardener · 15/10/2021 08:00

Absolutely!
Especially if the tenant said they'd tried for a while, consulted a forum etc.

I'd likely get my plumber to call you same day to talk it through. Gas certificates are annual so their plumber should be familiar with the systems quirks.

If that didn't work I'd get someone out within 24 hours for heating.

Personally I'd be fine with human error as long as it wasn't an expensive pattern.

MiddlesexGirl · 15/10/2021 08:03

This is definitely a landlord/letting management problem.

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