Quick Answer
If your Steubenville water heater pilot goes out, turn the gas knob OFF for 10 minutes, switch to PILOT, hold it down, and click the igniter until you see a steady blue flame. Keep holding 30–60 seconds, then turn ON. If the flame won’t stay lit, humidity, drafts, or a worn thermocouple could be the cause — never relight if you smell gas.
Why Pilot Lights Fail More Often in Steubenville
Steubenville’s hillside terrain and older housing near Pleasant Heights and Lincoln Avenue mean many gas heaters sit in damp basements. River moisture and winter downdrafts through brick flues make pilot flames unstable. Homes built before 1980 often have unsealed vents, so a gust off the Ohio River can snuff the flame or cause yellowing from incomplete combustion. A clean, blue pilot keeps your water heater efficient and prevents carbon buildup.
Safe Relight Steps for Local Homeowners
To relight safely:
- Turn the control knob to OFF for 10 minutes.
- Switch to PILOT, press and hold the knob.
- Click the igniter once per second until the flame appears.
- Keep holding 30–60 seconds, then turn to ON.
If it still won’t hold, wait another 10 minutes before retrying. If gas odor is present, leave immediately and call Columbia Gas or Honest Fix. Never tape or wedge the knob — doing so risks a leak.
Common Issues Seen by Honest Fix Technicians
Homes off Lovers Lane and University Boulevard often face pilot outages from hard water sediment and corroded thermocouples. Some hillside homes experience backdrafting during strong winds. If your pilot flame burns yellow or flickers, debris in the pilot orifice or insufficient air supply is likely. Regular inspection keeps ignition safe and avoids total burner shutdown.
FAQs
Why does the pilot go out after storms?
High winds across Steubenville’s hills can push air down the vent flue. Installing a vent hood or screen helps prevent it.
How often should I clean the pilot assembly?
Once a year is best — especially in older basements with dust or humidity.
Exact HVAC replacement quotes available at (740) 825-9408 or HonestFix.com/schedule-service.
Author: Alex Largent
Alex Largent
Alex Largent is the Owner and Senior HVAC Efficiency Analyst at Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. With more than 20 years of field experience, NATE and EPA certifications, and a hands-on leadership style, Alex teaches his team to fix systems right the first time — with transparency, precision, and no upsells. He writes about HVAC diagnostics, home energy efficiency, and practical maintenance advice for homeowners across the Upper Ohio Valley. Read Alex Largent’s full bio to learn more about his expertise in the HVAC and Plumbing industry. Updated October 2025.
