Relighting your water heater's pilot light is a common household task that can quickly restore your hot water supply. The process involves a series of safety-focused steps to ensure proper gas flow and ignition.
Step-by-Step Guide to Relighting Your Water Heater Pilot Light
Always prioritize safety when working with gas appliances. If you ever smell gas, do not attempt to light the pilot. Immediately ventilate the area, exit the premises, and contact your gas provider or emergency services.
1. Preparation and Locating Components
Before you begin, gather any necessary tools, such as a flashlight, and ensure you have a clear understanding of your water heater's controls.
- Locate the Access Panel: On the lower front of your hot water heater, you'll find a small access panel, usually held by screws or clips. Carefully remove this panel to expose the pilot light assembly and the main gas control knob.
- Identify the Gas Control Knob: This knob is typically a dial with settings that include "OFF," "PILOT," and "ON" (or specific temperature settings).
- Identify the Pilot Igniter (if present): Many modern water heaters have a red or black button that creates a spark to light the pilot. Older models may require a long utility lighter or match.
2. Ensuring Gas Safety
This crucial step prevents the buildup of unignited gas, which could be dangerous.
- Turn Off the Gas: Rotate the gas control knob to the "OFF" position.
- Wait 10 Minutes: It is essential to wait at least 10 minutes. This allows any unburnt gas that may have accumulated in the pilot assembly area to safely dissipate. During this waiting period, ensure you don't smell any gas. If you do, stop immediately, ventilate, and seek professional help.
3. Setting the Control Knob to Pilot
Once the waiting period is over, you can prepare the system for pilot ignition.
- Set to Pilot: Turn the gas control knob to the "PILOT" setting.
- Press and Hold: On most water heaters, you will need to press and firmly hold this knob down. This action manually opens the gas valve, allowing gas to flow to the pilot burner. Keep it held down throughout the lighting process in the next step.
4. Lighting the Pilot
Now, you're ready to ignite the pilot flame.
- Initiate Ignition: While still holding the gas control knob down on "PILOT":
- If your water heater has an igniter button: Press the igniter button repeatedly until you see a small, blue flame appear through the observation window or opening.
- If your water heater requires manual lighting: Carefully use a long utility lighter or a long match. Insert the lit end into the pilot opening until it makes contact with the pilot burner to ignite the flame.
- Hold for Stability: Once the pilot flame is lit, continue to hold the gas control knob down for another 30-60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple – a safety device that senses the pilot flame's heat – to warm up sufficiently. The thermocouple's heat signal tells the gas valve to remain open, keeping the pilot lit.
- Release Slowly: Gently release the gas control knob. If the pilot flame remains lit and strong, you've successfully lit the pilot. If it goes out, repeat steps 3 and 4.
5. Restoring Main Burner Operation
With the pilot light stable, you can now bring your water heater back to full operation.
- Turn to "ON" or Desired Temperature: Rotate the gas control knob from "PILOT" to the "ON" position or to your desired hot water temperature setting.
- Listen for Main Burner: You should soon hear a distinct roar or whoosh as the main burner ignites. This indicates that your water heater is now actively heating water.
- Reattach Panel: Once the main burner is running, replace the access panel you removed earlier.
Pilot Light Ignition Methods
| Method | Description | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Piezo Igniter | A button that creates an electrical spark to light the pilot. | Newer, more convenient water heater models. |
| Manual Lighter | Requires a long utility lighter or match to physically ignite the pilot. | Older or more basic water heater designs. |
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter difficulties, here are some common issues and solutions:
- Pilot light won't stay lit:
- Thermocouple Fault: The most common reason is a faulty or dirty thermocouple. If it doesn't sense enough heat from the pilot flame, it will shut off the gas as a safety measure. It might need cleaning or replacement.
- Weak Pilot Flame: A partially blocked pilot tube can cause a weak flame, which isn't sufficient to heat the thermocouple.
- Drafts: Ensure there are no strong drafts extinguishing the pilot flame.
- Main burner doesn't ignite after pilot is lit:
- Gas Control Setting: Double-check that the gas control knob is fully on the "ON" position and the temperature is set high enough.
- Thermostat Issue: The water heater's thermostat might be faulty or set too low.
When to Call a Professional
It's always best to consult a qualified professional if:
- You cannot light the pilot light after several attempts.
- You smell natural gas at any point during the process.
- The pilot light lights but consistently goes out.
- You are uncomfortable performing this task yourself.
- For any persistent issues or concerns regarding gas appliances, contact a certified plumber or HVAC technician to ensure safety and proper functionality.
