Steps to Re-Light a Water Heater Pilot Light

When you step into the shower, you know the water will get nice and hot fast. If an icy shower greets you instead, you know something’s amiss. The typical root cause behind this nasty, cold surprise is a water heater pilot light that’s gone out.

Don’t worry—relighting your pilot doesn’t require an engineering degree. Follow the simple, step-by-step plan from the pros at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing outlined below, and you’ll soon be back to enjoying those hot showers.

Ways You Can Easily Light a Water Heater Pilot Light

To start out, read the user’s manual for your water heater model. Instructions differ from brand to brand, and you should get all the details you need in the manual. If you can’t find the printed copy that came with the water heater, look up the model number online to pull up a digital version. Nevertheless, the following steps should apply for many gas water heaters:

1. Look for the gas shut-off valve, which generally is distinctly marked on the lower front part of your water heater. Turn this knob to the “Off” position and wait for five to 10 minutes to allow any lingering gas to dissipate.
2. Open the pilot light access cover or door, which is commonly located beneath the gas valve. Sometimes, there isn’t a door; instead, you may see the pilot light burner through a small opening.
3. Find a flashlight or headlamp. After that, peer into the pilot light access and locate two small gas tubes leading to the burner. Watch this area as you go ahead with lighting the water heater pilot.
4. Turn the gas knob to “Pilot.” This motion lets the gas flow, preparing the pilot light for ignition. Some units have a designated red button for pilot mode, which you should press and hold.
5. Relight the pilot light while still holding down the gas knob or button. Your home’s water heater may have an igniter button, typically red or black. If it doesn’t, you’ll need a long lighter to light the pilot manually.
6. Push down the gas knob or button for roughly 30 to 60 seconds after the flame ignites. Ensure the flame stays lit. 
7. Switch the gas knob to “On.” You should hear a whump or whoosh sound as the main burner lights and your water heater roars back to life.
8. Replace the access cover or door. Give your water heater approximately 20 to 60 minutes to heat the water, and you’ll be able to enjoy that hot shower!

My Home’s Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit?

Needing to relight the pilot every once in a while isn’t a cause for concern. But, there could be a bigger underlying issue if the water heater pilot light will not stay lit. Some common causes of this are:

• Faulty thermocouple: The thermocouple is an automatic safety shut-off, stopping gas flow when the pilot light is not lit. If this component is misaligned, dirty or damaged, you may face frequent pilot light challenges. Reposition the thermocouple a little bit and try lighting the pilot once more. If that doesn’t get the job done, you might need to clean it. And if that proves unproductive, it may be necessary to replace the thermocouple, an easy task for a licensed technician.
• Dirty pilot opening: If your pilot light produces a yellow flame, it’s likely due to a dirty pilot opening. This can inhibit the thermocouple’s operation, and cause pilot light instability.
• Weak or faulty gas regulator: Problems with this component may lead to an inadequate gas supply needed to maintain the pilot light. If more than one of the gas appliances in your residence have similar challenges, take a look at the regulator.
• Drafty conditions: Water heaters commonly share a utility closet with the furnace, which demands fresh air to operate properly. Strong drafts from this air intake can blow out your pilot light.

Got the Pilot Light Lit? Let Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Keep it That Way!

If you’re still having difficulty with your water heater pilot light in the U.S., don’t hesitate to call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our ACE-certified technicians provide fast, helpful remedies to all your comfort woes. Everything we do is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if you’re not delighted with our efforts, we’ll work to make it right. We are leaders in innovation and customer service, with deep community involvement that is a reflection of our commitment to your comfort. Call 866-397-3787 today to reach the qualified staff at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Let us make a big difference in your life, one hot shower at a time.