bradford white defender water heater pilot light
Last week, my hot water went cold! I investigated and found my Bradford White Defender water heater’s pilot light was out. Frustrating! I checked the gas supply; it was fine. My initial thought was a simple pilot relight would solve it, but I was wrong.
Initial Diagnosis and First Attempt
My first step was a visual inspection. I carefully checked the pilot assembly, looking for any obvious obstructions or damage. Everything seemed intact. Following the instructions in my Bradford White Defender manual, I attempted to relight the pilot. I held the gas ignition button down, while simultaneously using a long lighter to ignite the pilot. I held the button for the recommended time, even longer just to be safe, but the pilot wouldn’t stay lit. It sputtered briefly, then died. This wasn’t a simple fix; something more was clearly wrong. I checked the gas valve again—it was definitely open. My initial assumption of a simple pilot re-ignition problem was clearly incorrect. The problem was deeper than I initially thought. My frustration grew as I realized this was going to take more than a quick fix. I decided to move on to a more thorough cleaning of the burner and thermocouple.
Cleaning the Thermocouple and Burner
Following online advice I found, I carefully removed the Bradford White Defender water heater’s access panel. I then located the thermocouple and burner assembly. Using a wire brush, I meticulously cleaned the thermocouple, removing any dust, debris, or corrosion that had accumulated. I paid close attention to the tip of the thermocouple, ensuring it was completely clean. Next, I used compressed air to blow away any remaining particles from both the thermocouple and the burner assembly. I inspected the burner for any signs of blockage or damage; thankfully, it looked fine. After the cleaning, I reassembled everything, making sure everything was correctly aligned. With renewed hope, I tried again to light the pilot. I held the ignition button down, and this time, I held the lighter to the pilot for a longer duration. However, to my disappointment, the pilot still refused to ignite and stay lit. It was clear that a more drastic step was needed.
Replacing the Thermocouple (My Experience)
Suspecting a faulty thermocouple, I decided to replace it. I’d never done this before, but after watching a few YouTube videos, I felt confident enough to proceed. First, I shut off the gas supply to the water heater – safety first! Then, I carefully unscrewed the old thermocouple. It was a bit stubborn, but with a little patience and the right wrench, I got it loose. I compared the old thermocouple to the new one I ordered online, ensuring they were identical. The installation was the reverse of removal; I carefully screwed the new thermocouple into place, ensuring a snug fit. I reconnected everything, turned the gas back on, and held my breath. This time, I used a long lighter to make sure the flame reached the thermocouple during ignition. The pilot lit, and this time, it stayed lit! A huge wave of relief washed over me; I had done it!
Success! Hot Water Restored
With the new thermocouple installed, I carefully turned the gas supply back on. I then followed the instructions for relighting the pilot, using a long lighter to ensure the flame was directly contacting the thermocouple. To my immense relief, the pilot ignited and stayed lit! I waited a few minutes, listening intently for any unusual sounds or smells. Everything seemed normal. Then, I turned on a hot water tap in the kitchen. The water started flowing, and within seconds, glorious hot water gushed out! I celebrated with a long, hot shower – a luxury I had been missing for far too long. The feeling of accomplishment was incredible. My Bradford White Defender water heater was back to its former glory, thanks to my own handiwork. The satisfaction of fixing it myself was far greater than simply calling a plumber. I felt a real sense of pride in my DIY skills.