Pilot Assembly, Natural Gas by Rheem®.

Rheem AP14698B-1 Pilot Assembly – OEM-Grade Component for Reliable Burner Ignition

The Rheem AP14698B-1 is a factory-authorized natural gas pilot assembly designed for direct replacement in select Rheem water heater models. This component maintains a stable pilot flame to initiate main burner ignition and is essential for the proper operation of gas-fired water heating systems utilizing standing pilot technology.

Product Functionality

Installed between the burner manifold and the gas control valve, this assembly supplies the pilot flame needed to activate the thermocouple or thermopile, depending on model configuration. A properly functioning pilot assembly ensures consistent burner ignition and safe operation under standard load conditions.

Technical Specifications

• Model Number: AP14698B-1
• Application: Pilot assembly for natural gas-fired water heaters
• Gas Type: Natural Gas
• Assembly Includes: Pilot burner, pilot tube, and ignition components (as configured by model)
• Compatibility: OEM part for specific Rheem tank-type water heater models – refer to unit documentation for cross-reference

Installation Guidelines

The AP14698B-1 is intended for field replacement of the pilot assembly during maintenance, diagnostics, or repair. Installation requires removal of the burner assembly, disconnection from the control valve, and reattachment with new compression fittings and proper routing of the pilot tubing. All gas connections must be leak-tested prior to operation. For safety and code compliance, installation should be performed by a licensed plumbing or HVAC technician.

Service Use Case

Designed for professional use in service and repair settings, this pilot assembly restores OEM flame performance in units experiencing intermittent ignition, pilot dropout, or thermocouple signal issues. The AP14698B-1 supports rapid field replacement without the need for retrofit components or pilot conversion kits.