How To Relight the Pilot Light on Your Gas Water Heater

No one likes to step into their shower only to find there is no hot water. When this happens, you need to know how to relight your pilot light fast.

So how do you light a pilot light? Luckily, it’s easy! Let us show you how to get your pilot light back on and your hot water back in no time!

What is a Pilot Light For?

A pilot light is simply a small flame that always burns inside your gas hot water heater and ignites the burner when gas is introduced. If the pilot light is not on, then the burner will not turn on, and the unit cannot heat your water.

There are several reasons that the unit may fail to heat up, including simply a momentary interruption in the gas supply. However, if you smell gas, immediately stop and exit the area before calling for help, including your gas provider.

How to Relight Your Water Heater’s Pilot Light

There are only a few steps to this but always practice caution, also stop and seek help if at any point you smell gas.

Step 1: Shut Off the Gas

Find the shut-off valve for gas located on the water heater. There should be prominent labeling indicating this and turn this to the off position. You will need to wait at least five minutes, and sometimes even longer, to ensure that any remaining gas has cleared out.

Locate the pilot light access, which is generally located underneath the gas valve. If there is a cover, open it and look inside using a flashlight. Find the burner and two gas tubes inside.

Once you find them, return to the gas valve and switch it to the “pilot” setting. In some cases, there will be a button to engage the “pilot” setting instead. If this is the case, depress the button instead. Once it is engaged, the gas will begin flowing. Keep the pilot on while you use an extended lighter to ignite the pilot. Once it is lit, you should keep the pilot on for about a minute, then slowly release it and see if the flame remains lit. If the flame goes out, repeat the process after waiting a few minutes to let any gas dissipate.

Once the pilot light is on, return to the gas valve and switch the knob to the “on” position. Typically, there will be a noticeable sound that will let you know the main burner is running.

Reseal the access cover and, after a bit of time, check the water temperature and see if it has returned to normal.

What If the Pilot Light Keeps Going Out?

When the pilot light keeps going out or does not ignite, there is likely a problem with your hot water heater. Often the problem is a damaged thermocouple, also known as a flame sensor. This isn’t difficult to replace, but keep in mind that a typical water heater is only designed to last for 8-12 years, and if it is starting to reach the end of its service life, it may be a better choice to just have it replaced.

Final Thoughts

Losing your hot water is never fun, but relighting your pilot light doesn’t have to be difficult. Once you learn how to do it, you will typically find that the process can be done in a snap. So, just practice caution, try to follow these steps, and you will get the job done in no time.

Contact Us

If your water heater won’t ignite or you are in need of a new unit, call J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. Our team has the experience to get your hot water up and running in no time. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.