If the pilot light on your gas hot water heater has gone out, you’ll need to relight it for the heater to work. Our guide provides easy step-by-step instructions. Turn knob to pilot position, press & hold ignitor button until you see a flame. Relighting the pilot light only takes a few minutes.
The pilot light is a small flame within a gas water heater that ignites the burner when hot water is needed. It plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of a water heater by kickstarting the heating process. When the pilot light goes out, it prevents your hot water system from heating the water.
Therefore, it’s important to know how to safely relight your gas water heater’s pilot if it extinguishes. This article will walk you through the necessary precautions and step-by-step process to get your pilot going again. We’ll also address some common issues that can arise when relighting a stubborn pilot.
With some basic guidance, relighting a dormant pilot light is usually a straightforward DIY task. However, if you have any doubts or the pilot fails to stay lit, it’s best to call a professional for assistance to avoid safety hazards or damage.
When relighting a water heater’s pilot, safety should always be the top priority. Gas leaks or lingering fumes can lead to dangerous situations, so take precautions before getting started.
First, locate the gas control knob on the water heater and turn it clockwise to the 'Off’ position. First, locate the gas control knob on the water heater and turn it clockwise to the 'Off’ position.
This stops the gas flow. Check thoroughly for gas odours before proceeding.
Ensure all flames and ignition sources are absent in the area. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model’s guidelines. Put on safety glasses for protection.
Once the area smells clear and you’ve prepped according to the manual, you can move on to relighting the dormant pilot. However if you detect gas or the pilot fails to hold, call a professional immediately.
The pilot light assembly is typically located at the base of the water heater near the gas control valve. To access it, you’ll need to remove the outer metal access panel which is usually held in place by screws.
While specific locations differ slightly between brands, gas water heaters generally have the pilot assembly positioned in the same area. It contains a small nozzle tube that the flame emerges from.
There may also be an igniter button to create the spark to light the pilot. Newer electronic ignition models ignite automatically when the gas knob is turned, while older pilots need to be lit manually.
Once you remove the access panel, thoroughly inspect inside with a flashlight for the pilot tube, igniter button if equipped, and accompanying gas control knob to turn the pilot on or off.
Familiarise yourself with the layout before moving on to the next step of relighting the dormant pilot flame.
Before attempting to relight the pilot, you need to properly prepare your water heater to avoid any gas buildup or safety hazards.
As mentioned in the safety precautions section, start by locating the gas control knob on the appliance and turning it clockwise to the Off position. This stops any gas flow to the pilot light tube or burner.
Remove the outer access panel so you can access the pilot assembly. Thoroughly ventilate the area and wait at least 5 minutes for any residual gas odours to dissipate before relighting.
Refer to your owner’s manual to see if your water heater model has auto ignition or needs to be lit manually. Locate any igniter buttons and ensure any auto ignition features are turned off before proceeding.
Once the space smells clean and you’ve prepped according to instructions, you can move forward with reigniting the dormant pilot flame.
The gas control knob is the key to relighting your water heater’s pilot. After letting any gas dissipate, locate this knob on the gas valve and turn it counterclockwise to the ‘Pilot’ position. Press the knob down and hold to start the gas flow to the pilot tube.
If your water heater has a piezo igniter button, push it repeatedly to create sparks that will light the pilot. If not equipped with an igniter, use a long barbecue lighter. Continue holding the gas knob down for 30-60 seconds once lit before releasing.
This allows the thermocouple to heat up, signalling to keep the pilot going once you release the knob. The flame should now remain established. Then turn the knob further to the desired temperature setting for your hot water needs.
If the flame goes out when releasing, repeat the process and hold a bit longer. Call for professional help if the pilot still fails to hold after multiple attempts. With some perseverance, the right technique, and safe conditions, you’ll have your relit pilot up and running again.
After turning the gas control knob to the 'Off’ position, it is crucial to wait several minutes before attempting to relight your pilot light. This allows any residual natural gas lingering inside the appliance or combustion chamber to fully dissipate.
Rushing ahead without allowing adequate ventilation time courts danger. Gas fumes can ignite or explode if ignited too soon after shutting off the gas flow. Be patient - 5 minutes is the recommended waiting duration, though some manufacturers advise 10-15 minutes.
Use this venting period to thoroughly inspect for odours and remove the access panel. Do not detect even a faint gas scent before relighting your water heater pilot. An absence of gas odours indicates the environment is safe to proceed.
Err on the side of caution if unsure and allow extra dissipation time. Light your way to safety as a priority. Once confident no gas remains, you can move forward with reigniting the dormant pilot light per the instructions.
When it comes to reigniting a water heater pilot light, there are two main types of ignition systems - manual and electronic.
Manual light pilot assemblies require the use of a long match or lighter to physically light the gas flame. You turn the gas knob to the pilot setting, depress and hold it, then ignite with your match or lighter. These are typically found on older model heaters.
Electronic ignition systems utilise an electric spark to fire up the pilot light. Simply turn the gas knob, push the igniter several times until lit, then hold 30-60 seconds.
They have an igniter button that creates a spark when pushed repeatedly. Some electronic valves automatically strike the lighter when rotated.
If you’re unsure whether your dormant pilot has manual or electric ignition, check for the presence of a distinct igniter button. While methods vary slightly, the process of prepping your heater and releasing the gas knob after the flame holds true is largely similar between ignition types.
Refer to online videos from reputable DIY sources or your manufacturer guidelines for a visual demonstration of how relight your specific pilot valve and ignition setup. The key steps remain ventilation, gas release, ignition source application, flame stabilisation and setting to operating levels.
After relighting the pilot flame, a crucial next step is testing that it remains stable before leaving it unattended. Hold the gas control knob down for 30-60 seconds, continuing to depress the igniter if equipped. This allows time for the thermocouple to fully heat up.
The thermocouple signals the gas valve to keep gas flowing to the pilot once released. If the flame goes out when you release the knob, the thermocouple did not get hot enough. Repeat the lighting process and hold the knob down longer, at least a full 60 seconds.
If holding for a minute does not work, call a professional for assistance. An unstable pilot indicates there may be a thermocouple issue or other maintenance needed in the gas valve or lines.
As covered earlier, the pilot light plays an integral safety function, signalling the need for heat. So you need to ensure it remains reliably and permanently lit after relighting it. Take the time to carefully test this by holding the gas knob depressed for a length of time before leaving the relit pilot unattended.
Once you have confirmed that the pilot light remains steadily lit after holding the gas control knob down for 60 seconds, you can proceed with the final steps to reactivate your water heater.
Turn the gas control knob counterclockwise to the desired temperature setting for your hot water needs. Settings typically range from "Vacation" at the lowest up to "High Demand" for maximum hot water output. Select the appropriate level based on your household requirements.
Replace the metal access panel and secure it back in place with screws. Verify that the small viewing window on the panel (if equipped) shows the indicator light glowing steadily. Observe the main burner flame ignite after a minute through this viewing window.
Allow 15-20 minutes for the water in the tank to come up to temperature. Then check a hot water faucet to ensure satisfactory output. Give the water heater some time to recover after this initial draw.
Keep an eye on the pilot light through the viewing window over the next few days to make sure it remains consistently lit. If it frequently goes out, contact a professional to inspect your unit and gas lines to address the underlying cause.
With the gas control settings properly adjusted, access panel replaced, and pilot holding strong, your water heater can safely resume normal operation.
If you have followed all safety precautions and the proper procedure to relight pilot, yet still have trouble with stability, it is advisable to seek assistance from a professional plumber.
Continued pilot light issues indicate an underlying maintenance problem that needs diagnosis and repair. This could involve thermocouple or valve replacements, gas line checks, or other repairs best left to qualified technicians like those at Petersham Plumbing.
Our experienced staff have serviced every make and model over our 30 years operating in the Petersham area. We are available 24/7 to assess your water heater trouble and get your hot water flowing reliably again.
For pilot repairs, new installations, or general plumbing needs, call Petersham Plumbing on 1300 349 338 or email to book an appointment. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.
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