
How to Light a Water Heater Pilot Light
- Open the door or cover that provides access to the pilot light. In most cases, this will be positioned under the gas valve
- However, some water heaters will just have an open gap where you can see the pilot light burner instead. Locate the burner within the container using a flashlight or a headlamp. ...
- Some models include a red or black igniting button. ...
How do you turn on a gas water heater?
Turning On a Gas Hot Water Heater
- Close any open faucets or valves.
- Turn on the cold water supply.
- If the gas was completely off, re-lite the pilot light.
- If the gas valve was turned to ‘Pilot’, turn it to ‘On’. ...
How to light the pilot light on a gas heater?
How to Light a Water Heater Pilot Light. Open the door/cover over the pilot light access. Use a flashlight or a headlamp to find the burner inside. Turn the gas knob to “Pilot,” press and hold it down. While still holding the gas down, light that pilot. When the flame ignites, continue to hold the gas knob or button down for a full minute.
How do I relight a gas water heater pilot light?
To relight your water heater, follow these steps:
- Remove the burner compartment cover, which should expose the glass window.
- Try to smell for gas and if you get that scent, leave the heater for around five minutes for the leaked fuel to disperse. ...
- Twist the gas control knob from the “off” to the “pilot” position.
- Press and hold down the control knob to let the gas flow to the pilot light burner.
How to start the pilot light on my water heater?
How to Start the Pilot Light on My Water Heater
- Check the Pilot Light. First, check that the pilot light has indeed gone out by removing the access panel at the bottom of your tank water heater.
- Check for Gas Leaks. Before you attempt to relight the pilot, you should always check for a gas leak. ...
- Find an Ignition Source. ...
- Lighting the Pilot. ...
- Restarting Your Gas Water Heater. ...

How do I ignite a gas water heater?
Turn the water heat dial to Low and the On/Off/Pilot dial to Pilot. Then, turn the On/Off/Pilot dial downwards and push the igniter button at the same time. Let go of the igniter button, but keep pressing the Pilot dial downward for around 30 seconds. You should hear a "whoosh" sound when the gas is lit.
How do you light a gas water heater with electronic pilot?
All you have to do is hold the pilot knob down for 30 seconds and hold the ignition button at the same time. You do not need to use a lighter. Your pilot light will turn on!
Can I relight the pilot light by myself on the water heater?
In many cases, you can relight your water heater's pilot light yourself. Before attempting to relight the pilot light, make sure there isn't a gas leak. You can usually do that with a simple sniff.
Can I manually light my gas water heater?
Some water heaters have a separate button for pilot mode, usually a red one, which you'll press and hold. While still holding the gas down, light that pilot. Some water heaters have a red or black igniting button, and others need to be lit manually with a long lighter.
Can I relight the pilot light by myself?
Relight the pilot light. Turn the knob to “Pilot,” and let gas to flow to the pilot. Light a lighter or match, then push in the reset button. Hold your flame to the pilot light's opening. Keep the reset switch depressed until the pilot light is burning steadily.
Will the gas company light My pilot?
Absolutely! We can send a gas service technician to light your pilot, and conduct a gas safety check of your gas fireplace or any other gas appliance to ensure your safety. Click here get started.
Do I need to turn gas off if pilot light goes out?
These important safety tips can be followed in both our workplaces and homes: If the pilot light of an appliance goes out, turn off the gas at the appliance for several minutes before attempting to re-light it. Instructions should be attached to the appliance.
What if pilot light goes out on water heater?
When the water heater pilot light goes out, first try relighting it, following the directions on the water heater label. If the pilot doesn't relight, if it goes out right after lighting or if it goes out repeatedly, by far the most common cause is a bad thermocouple.
Should the pilot light always be on in a gas water heater?
What Does it Do? Gas and propane fueled water heaters use a small flame to ignite the burner. This small flame is called a pilot light and it stays lit at all times. When the water heater needs to heat the water within the tank, it ignites the gas burner with the help of the pilot light.
Should water heater be set to on or pilot?
You should set the water heater to “pilot”. If, however, your water heater is also the boiler for your central heating, then you'll want to leave the heating running as normal so that your house doesn't get damp as a result of cold and condensation.
How do you light a pilot light on a gas heater?
0:001:25How To Light The Pilot Light On A Gas Heater - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe pilot button down for at least a minute to heat up the sensor.MoreThe pilot button down for at least a minute to heat up the sensor.
How do I know if my pilot light is out?
How to Tell If the Pilot Light Is OutLocate the front cover panel on your furnace. It should be a little door that's easily visible. ... If your pilot light is on, it should be easy to see – your eyes will be drawn to the little flame.If you don't see a flame, your pilot light is out.If there is a flame, check the color.
How does electronic ignition work on water heater?
Electronic ignition only utilizes energy when the furnace, boiler, or water heater calls for heat. Most modern electronic ignition systems use direct ignition to the main burner. However, there are indirect electronic ignition systems that will automatically light a pilot.
Can you manually light a gas furnace with electronic ignition?
Never attempt to light a furnace by a flame manually, especially if the furnace has an electronic igniter. A furnace equipped with an electronic igniter cannot be lit manually. Call for the services of a professional heating and cooling technician when the igniter is not working properly.
How do you light a water heater with electronic pilot Honeywell?
1:255:19Light the pilot on a gas water heater with a Honeywell electric igniterYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd hold in gas control knob immediately press igniter button until you hear a click sound thenMoreAnd hold in gas control knob immediately press igniter button until you hear a click sound then release. So this is telling you press the igniter and release. It as soon as you hear the click.
Does an electrical water heater have a pilot light?
There's no gas or pilot light involved in electric water heaters. If the power to your electric water heater is off, you may have an electrical issue requiring professional assistance. You will not need to reignite the water heater if you have a newer model equipped with an automatic pilot light.
How to heat water in a gas tank?
Reignite the main burner. Turn the main gas valve back “On” and adjust the temperature control to your desired setting. The main burner under the tank should light and begin heating the water in the tank .
Why won't my water heater light?
Low gas pressure or a malfunctioning gas valve may also be to blame if this process doesn’t work. Contact an appliance repair person, a plumber, or your gas company if you are unable to light the water heater after several attempts.
What is the difference between a new and old gas water heater?
There are two basic styles of gas hot water heaters, “new” and “old.”. Old style heaters will require you to use your own flame to relight the pilot, while new style tanks come equipped with a pilot light igniter.
How to turn on pilot light on gas valve?
Turn the gas valve to the "Pilot" setting and push down on it. Doing this starts the flow of gas into the tube that supplies the pilot light.
How long to hold down gas valve?
Continue holding down the gas valve or control button for 1 minute after the pilot light has been lit. This will heat the thermocouple, which is a sensor that shuts the gas off when the pilot is out.
What happens if a pilot light doesn't relight?
If the pilot light doesn’t relight or goes out immediately after relighting, you may have a bad thermocouple. The thermocouple extends from the temperature control into the flame area of the pilot light. They are relatively cheap, and you can install one yourself.
What happens if you don't see a flame burning in your water heater?
If you do not see a small flame burning, then your pilot light has gone out. If you have a newer water heater, it is possible that your panel is not removable and that you view your pilot light through glass. In this case, if you cannot see a flame burning through the glass, then your pilot light is out.
How much does it cost to repair a hot water heater?
The cost to repair a hot water heater ranges from $225 to $960. Costs vary depending on where you live and what’s wrong with your water heater. In some cases, you may want to replace your hot water heater instead of repairing it.
Where is the pilot light located?
The pilot light is typically located right underneath the gas valve. In some cases, there may be a door or cover over the light. Use a flashlight while completing this process to make sure you can see everything clearly.
What to do if your shower is freezing?
If your hot shower has turned into freezing rain, one of the first places you should check for issues is your hot water heater. For homes with gas water heaters, you should check your pilot light to make sure it didn’t go out. Depending on the age of your heater, you may be able to relight the pilot using an ignition button or a lighter.
Can you relight a pilot light on a gas water heater?
Most homeowners can relight a pilot light themselves without any issue, but it’s important to be safe when dealing with a gas-powered hot water heater. You should always proceed with care when relighting a pilot light, since the gas used to power your hot water heater is flammable and potentially dangerous.
What is the pilot light on a water heater?
The pilot light on hot water heater is the source of energy and warmth in your water heater. When the pilot light on the water heater is on, it is able to ignite the gas burner located in most gas water heaters, which heats the water inside your tank.
What do you need to ignite a pilot light?
A lighter – In many cases, you will need a lighter to ignite the pilot light.
How long does it take for hot water to flow?
After you relight the pilot light, it might take a while for the water to be fully heated, but in about 40 minutes to an hour, your hot water should be flowing as if nothing ever happened.
How to make sure pilot light stays lit?
When the flame is lit, continue to press down on the gas button for a minute or so to make sure that the pilot light on hot water heater would stay lit.
