Can A Pilot Light Be Too High? Exploring The Safety Of Elevated Flames

“What is the ideal height for a pilot light? A well-adjusted pilot flame should exhibit a predominantly blue color with a hint of yellow at its tip. This flame should also possess sufficient intensity to envelop approximately half an inch of the thermocouple tip. However, if the flame is excessively vigorous and not correctly adjusted, it might maintain its blue color but could become noisy and even detach from the thermocouple, leading to incorrect furnace performance. This information is relevant as of March 1, 2022.”

“Why is the pilot flame on my water heater excessively high? The pilot flame often becomes too large due to an excessive flow of gas into the pilot light, which results from high gas pressure. This high gas pressure issue could potentially stem from problems within the gas supply system, possibly originating from the gas company’s end. If you suspect that the gas company is the source of this problem, it’s advisable to get in touch with them to investigate and resolve the issue. Additionally, it’s crucial to inspect the pilot burner orifice to verify that it has the correct size for optimal performance. As of September 30, 2022, these steps will help you better understand and address the elevated pilot flame concern on your water heater.”

Can the size of a pilot light on a water heater be excessive? To understand this concern better, let’s delve into the mechanics. The thermostat plays a crucial role in initiating the burner, which in turn raises the water temperature to match the thermostat’s setting. One common issue arises when the pilot light becomes overly large, usually due to excessive gas pressure. If this happens, it can be problematic. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can personally do to address this issue. Your best course of action is to contact your gas utility company and consult with them for a solution. (Note: The date provided, February 19, 2015, is not relevant to this discussion and can be omitted.)