A boiler is a steam machine that uses water and liquid to create steam. It has some essential tools to operate the boiler, and you must have ideas about them. You cannot use a boiler without having the guideline or some experience.
It’s always preferable to have some previous experience.
However, you can still use your newly purchased boiler by following our tips. Today, you will know some tips and get solutions for your boiler. So, keep the tips and follow them.
What is a boiler pilot light?
The pilot light is a fundamental piece of the boiler framework responsible for touching off the gas given to the boiler. Say that it is a light that produces only a spark in the presence of gas in the boiler and helps the presence of the gas to catch fire.
The pilot light will burn; instead, there are uncommon events when your pilot light could go out. So pilot lights are essential to keep the overall process of a boiler running and keep your accommodation warm.
Does a boiler have a pilot light?
A boiler does have a pilot light. Most old model boilers still have the pilot light to ignite the gas to heat the water. Thus, you get the steam and the warm water from your bathroom or kitchen taps. But you will miss that pilot light if you buy the updated boiler.
Pilot light plays a crucial role in a boiler to ignite and heat the water by burning natural gas or fuel. Time changes, and manufacturers come with the most updated electric boilers that don’t have any pilot light. You can turn on the switch and enjoy the steam or warm water.
It will also warm your house and keep you energetic during the snowfall season. But you will still find some old model boiler that will come with the pilot light. Especially if you love the ancient house systems, you will enjoy using a pilot light to ignite your boiler.
I talked about the updated boiler system. You now have options to buy the most updated boiler system without a pilot light. You can control it from a single switch, and it will ignite itself by using electric energy.
Most people use this type of boiler to avoid the hassle of using a pilot light.
Conventional boiler:
The conventional boiler that uses oil & gas to ignite and produce the steam has a pilot light. You need to manually ignite the boiler with a pilot light since there is no electric system.
Mainly, the conventional boiler has the pilot light to use the gas or oil for a long time continuously. That’s why a traditional boiler has a pilot light.
Combi boiler:
Although the combi boiler has the signal saying pilot, it doesn’t have any manual pilot light. You need to turn on the switch and follow the direction where it says “Pilot”.
It’s a great addition to the combi boiler to remind you how to turn on this boiler without any hassle.
Gas boiler:
The gas boiler has a pilot light depending on the model. If you have an old gas boiler, you will find a pilot light to manually turn on the boiler to produce the heated water and steam.
In contrast, you will find the switch direction instead of a gas boiler if you have an updated and modern gas boiler.
Oil boiler:
The oil boiler doesn’t have any pilot light to ignite the boiler and start producing the heat. If you use the switch, it will automatically turn on and let the boiler produce the heat.
It’s an automated boiler that doesn’t need any sticking match or the pilot light.
Why does a boiler have a pilot light?
As a pilot light is an essential part of operating a boiler, it has some reason behind this that perfectly demonstrates its operation. We have mentioned here the reasons that will benefit you for your information.
It needs a spark to burn:
As we know, a boiler is powered by gas where a spark of fire is generated from another medium, a pilot light. In most cases, to operate a boiler, we need to have a manual or automatic pilot light.
The main motive for using a boiler is to warm our accommodation entirely to feel better in the cold.
Pilot light acts as an influencer:
In general, there are two types of pilot lights that have been used in boilers all over the world. So we have to know its influential activity that helps run the system properly.
When operating a boiler, we need to have gas as fuel, and it can burn fast, but it cannot burn automatically. Here a pilot light works as an influencer.
How do I know if my boiler has a pilot light?
You need to know a few things to make sure your boiler has pilot lights. There are two types of pilot light, one is manual-based, and another is automated pilot light. In general, the manual pilot light is located just before the gas exit pipe, which works to ignite the gas by its flame.
On the other hand, turning on the gas passing switch automatically ignites instantly and makes a chirping sound because it is installed with the gas switch built-in. So if you notice these two things, you will know the presence of a pilot light in your boiler.
Why is there no pilot light on my boiler?
The absence of a pilot light is not usually seen in the boiler, but it is often exhausted due to various adverse environments.
If a boiler runs for a long time, the pilot light may be damaged. It probably happens during this time when it has been damaged by excessive heat from the boiler.
And in this case, the manual pilot light is more prone to get a defect because it is most exposed to fire. Even the automatic pilot light gradually loses its effectiveness.
Where is the pilot light on my boiler?
The pilot light can be found close to where the access panel is positioned on the boiler. This panel is almost always situated near the knob box that controls the gas. The pilot light ignites the gas and heats the water in the boiler and gets your central heating system up and running.
Baxi boiler:
The light is probably located close to the access panel if you have a Baxi boiler. This panel can be found near the box that houses the gas control knobs.
Vaillant boiler:
Checking the boiler’s safety label is the easiest way for anyone to locate the pilot light on a Vaillant boiler. There will typically be a warning label attached to the front of your boiler if it has a pilot light.
This label will inform you that the boiler is equipped with an automatic ignition system. If you cannot locate an identification label, locate the gas control knob and examine the settings on it.
Worcester combi boiler:
If you have a Worcester combination boiler, looking at the gas control knob will let you determine if the pilot light is there safely or not.
Weil Mclain boiler:
In the Weil-McLain boiler, the pilot light can be accessed through a number of knobs. Pull-down panels on combi boilers expose several knobs and other control elements.
These knobs are used to adjust the amount of heat supplied and the amount of gas used. In this section of the control panel, there ought to be a knob with an image of a flame or the word “Pilot”.
Burnham boiler:
You’ll find the pilot light located next to the gas control valve on your Burnham boiler. In contrast, press and hold the reset switch for one minute while keeping a flame close to the pilot light.
This will reduce the likelihood that gas will once again begin to accumulate.
Crown boiler:
The design of the knobs and pilot light on the Crown boiler is beautifully constructed, which allows them to operate together. The gas control knob should be turned to the “pilot” position, and then the knob should be depressed.
When you depress the knob, gas will be released into the opening that houses the pilot light.
Potterton boiler:
The knob that controls the location of the pilot light in the furnace is often located at the bottom of the device.
Look in the instruction manual for your furnace for a schematic showing you where the pilot light and reset switch are located if you are having trouble finding them.
Final thoughts
The boiler has a pilot light if it’s an old model boiler. But you will not find the pilot light or any manual ignition system with the updated boiler. Specifically, most oil boilers and electric boilers don’t have any pilot light. They use the automated switch to turn on and off the boiler.