How To Relight A Gas Water Heater - ERNIEGRAVES | Process Measurement & Control

How To Relight the Pilot Light in Your Gas Hot Water Heater

When the hotwater heater in your home fails, duties such as showering, doing laundry, cleaning dishes, and other household chores come to a grinding halt. If you have a gas-powered hot water heater, it is possible that the pilot light has gone out, which is the root cause of the problem. In most circumstances, if you relight the pilot, you should be able to go back into the air again. In this post, we’ll demonstrate how simple it is to complete the task yourself.

What does the pilot light do?

The pilot light of your gas hot water heater is a tiny, continuously burning flame that serves to start the burner of the appliance. To put it another way, if the pilot light goes out, the unit will be unable to heat water. It is possible for a pilot light to be extinguished for a variety of causes, including something as simple as a short stoppage in the gas line or an air bubble in the gas line. Warning: If you smell gas at any stage throughout the process, leave the area immediately and contact your energy supplier as soon as possible.

Steps to relight the pilot light.

Remove your foot from the gas pedal. Find the gas shut-off valve on your hot water heater and turn it off. The knob should be labeled in a clear and understandable manner. Turn the switch to the “Off” position and wait 5-10 minutes to ensure that all of the gas has been expelled. Locate the pilot light access point. Most of the time, this will be under the gas valve. To locate the burner and two gas tubes, open the pilot cover (if one is present) and use a flashlight to peer inside the hole to locate the burner and two gas tubes
Return to the gas valve and turn the knob to the “Pilot” position. By depressing the knob all the way down, you will begin to feed gas to the pilot. There are certain hot water heaters that include a separate pilot button
If this is the case, press that instead. While maintaining control of the knob or button, reach into the access and ignite the pilot with an extended lighter while still keeping it down. Once the pilot light comes on, keep the knob/button down for about one minute. Release the knob/button carefully after that period of time, and make sure that there is still a flame emanating from the pilot. Return to the gas valve and turn the knob to the “On” position. Typically, a noise will be heard to indicate that the primary burner is lighting
After giving the heater enough time to restart, replace the access cover and inspect the hot water supply.

What happens if the pilot light goes out again?

The fact that the pilot won’t light or that it keeps going out is a clue that you may be experiencing another problem with your hot water heating system. The most typical issue we encounter is a thermocouple that is twisted, fractured, or filthy (also called a flame sensor). Because the typical service life of a hot water heater is 12-15 years, it may be a wiser investment in some situations to replace the unit rather than spend money fixing your existing unit. if your water heater isn’t producing enough heat, call Reidelt Plumbing Inc.

Our professional plumbers will come out to your home, assess the situation, and provide recommendations on how to restore hot water flow in your home.

This entry was published on April 30, 2020, under the category Water Heaters.

How to Light the Pilot for a Gas Hot Water Heater

When the water in the tank needs to be heated, tank-type gas water heaters utilize a pilot light to ignite the gas burner, which then heats the water. The cold water flowing from the hot water tap is usually the first sign that your pilot light has gone out, so keep an eye out for it. Even if the equipment is not malfunctioning, a pilot light might go out for a variety of causes, including sudden swings in gas main pressure. If the pilot light on your heater goes out, you may relight it by yourself.

1.

Find the gas regulator valve on the water heater and turn it on. It is positioned on the exterior of the water heater, near where the gas line enters the device, and it is controlled by a knob on the outside. The gas supply to the pilot burner beneath the hot water tank is controlled by this valve. To turn the valve off, turn the knob all the way to the left. Wait five minutes before continuing. Locate the pilot burner, which is located beneath the natural gas water heater. Remove or unsnap any access cover that is preventing you from getting to the burner. Make use of the flashlight to illuminate the pilot burner

2.

Turn the knob on the gas regulator valve to “Pilot,” press down on it, and keep it pressed down. The flow of gas to the pilot burner is initiated by pressing this button. To start the pilot burner gas flow on some water heater types, you must push and hold down a separate red button for a period of time. Find a red or black button labeled “Ignition” on the top or side of the gas valve if your heater has a piezoelectric spark pilot igniter built in. To start the pilot, press the button on the control panel. As the igniter ignites, you will hear a click sound. If you must manually ignite your heater, a long-necked barbeque lighter is the most secure type of lighter to use. Light the pilot burner with a lighter flame and turn it on.

3.

After the pilot has been ignited, keep the regulator valve knob firmly depressed for at least one minute. This permits the pilot flame to heat the thermocouple safety sensor, which detects the presence of a live pilot flame, allowing the pilot flame to heat the sensor. Reduce the pressure on the regulator valve knob gradually. When the pilot light continues to glow after you have released the knob, turn the knob to the “On” position. During the ignition of the primary burner, you should hear a muffled “whoomp” sound.

Things You Will Need

Look for a label on your gas water heater that provides particular pilot lighting instructions for the model of water heater you have installed.

Warning

If you smell gas in the vicinity, it is not a good idea to attempt to relight a water heater pilot light (or to do any other maintenance on the device). When you are outside the home, dial 9-1-1.

How to light a gas water heater

If your water heater is not heating up, it is possible that the pilot light has gone out. No matter what sort of water heater you have, the process of lighting it is straightforward. The majority of contemporary versions of gas water heaters are equipped with a straightforward ignition switch.

The water heater is turned on in a matter of seconds, no trouble. If you’ve moved into an older home, on the other hand, it’s possible that your water heater is the type that requires manual activation. Here’s how to turn on both types of water heaters at the same time.

Do you have a manual water heater?

There is a straightforward technique to determine if your gas water heater is automated or manual. Take a look at the box that protrudes from the side of the water heater and has two distinct dials. Automatic vehicles will feature a little ignition button adjacent to the large On/Off/Pilot dial, indicating that it is an automatic. If it is a manual, there will be no button to press. The On/Off/Pilot dial is normally located on the top of the box, whereas the temperature dial is typically located on the side of the box, as shown.

Taylor Martin is a contributor to CNET.

How to light an automatic water heater

The first step is to switch off the gas by looking for the knob labeled On/Off/Pilot on the control panel. You’ll want to move the knob past thePilot position and into theOff position. Allow for a five-minute dissipation of any built-up gas that may be present in the system. It’s time to start the lighting procedure at this point. Turn the water heat dial to Low and the On/Off/Pilot dial to Pilot to complete the process. Then, while simultaneously pressing the igniter button and turning the On/Off/Pilot dial down, turn the On/Off/Pilot dial up.

You should hear a “whoosh” sound as soon as the gas is turned on.

If it is lighted, conclude by closing the door and turning the dial fromPilottoOn, as well as changing the water temperature dial from Low to the temperature you like.

How to light a manual water heater

To fire this style of water heater, I recommend using a long barbeque lighter like this one. In any other case, getting in touch with the pilot will be difficult. To begin, remove the plate that is located beneath the dial-equipped box on the side of the water heater. There may also be an inner plate that you will need to shift to the side in order to complete the installation. Following that, you should notice a pipe or pipes heading to a burner. Then, in the box labeledOn/Off/PilotpastPilot, turn the knob to the Off position until it is completely off.

Turn the water temperature dial to the lowest setting and the On/Off/Pilot dial to the Pilot position.
Hold the barbeque lighter over the end of the pipe near the burner for a few seconds.
Continue to press thePilotdial downward for about 30 seconds, after which move the dial fromPilottoOn.
Important: If the burner does not come to life within a few seconds, repeat the operation until the burner does.

Is the energy efficiency of your home high? Here are five different methods to find out. CNET’s Guide to Smart Livingis a one-stop shop for tips, techniques, and how-to guides that can help you live a more intelligent life.

How to Light a Water Heater Pilot Light

Prev PostNext PostWhen the pilot light on a water heater goes out, it is typically because of a natural fluctuation in gas pressure, which extinguished the flame. The most obvious indicator that a pilot light has gone out is the one that everyone dreads: the water will not heat up properly. In the event of a damaged flame sensor, it’s critical to know how to relight the pilot light on your water heater so you can get the flame going as quickly as possible. This will not only allow you to get your hot showers back, but it will also ensure that no gas is unintentionally discharged into the home.

However, for the vast majority of gas-powered water heaters, you should begin by locating the gas shut-off valve on the water heater, which is generally plainly labeled on the front lower section of the water heater, before proceeding.

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. It will be reached by two little gas tubes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it while you’re at work. Turn the gas knob to the “Pilot” position and push and hold the button. This will initiate the flow of gas, allowing you to ignite the flame. Some water heaters feature a separate pilot mode button, which is commonly a red button, which you must push and hold in order to activate it. While keeping the gas pedal depressed, ignite the pilot light. Certain water heaters feature an igniting button that is red or black, while others must be lighted manually with a long lighter
Some models include a red or black igniting button. Maintaining pressure on the gas knob or button for a full minute after the flame is ignited is critical. Then slowly release it while checking to see if the light is still on. Turn the gas knob to the “On” position and listen for the unmistakable “whump” or whooshing sounds that indicates the main burner has ignited. Enjoy your hot shower when you’ve replaced the lid.

Despite the fact that a single extinguished pilot light is normally caused by a natural fluctuation in gas pressure, recurrent faults suggest a more serious problem with the water heater itself. The most typical problem that causes repeated pilot outages is a filthy or bent thermocouple, which is a thin copper wire and rod that detects the presence of a flame and immediately switches the gas off when it detects a lack of flame detection.

What is a Thermocouple?

A thermocouple is sometimes referred to as a flame sensor in contemporary water heaters because of the way it detects flames. Your thermocouple is most likely twisted, filthy, or damaged if the pilot light continues to go out after you have completed the above-mentioned lighting procedures. For those who find that their pilot light is twisted and not near the burner, they may simply turn off the gas, shift it over, and attempt lighting the pilot again. It may be necessary to clean the water heater gas valve and the main gas line near the heater if this does not solve the problem.

The burner is typically simple to remove by simply sliding it out.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, you may get a new thermocouple for less than $15 at any hardware store or home improvement center.
Rooter Plumbing to help you get hot water back into your home again.
The use of hot water is simply one component of a great showering experience.
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How to relight a gas water heater pilot light

When one of our customers, Theresa, requested that we give some basic instructions on how to securely relight the pilot light on a gas water heater, we gladly obliged. Theresa, thank you for your proposal; we are pleased to assist you.

Step 1

Turn the dial on the gas valve to the “Off” position and wait a few minutes.

Step 2

Turn the gas valve to the “Pilot” position and depress the valve button (or, instead, if there is a red button beside the valve, push it down). Maintain pressure on the button to begin the flow of gas via the gas supply tube.

Step 3

Continue to press the button down and wait for the indication to light up on the screen. Some water heaters need the use of a manual light switch. If this is the case, fire the gas at the end of the supply tube using a grill lighter.

Step 4

Maintaining the hold on the control button for another minute or two after the pilot is lighted is recommended. Then press and hold the control button for a few seconds.

Step 5

Alternatively, if the pilot continues to glow after you remove the control button, set the dial to “on.” If the pilot goes out again or if the light does not come on, start over at Step 1 and repeat the procedure. It’s quite OK to give something a couple of tries. However, if your pilot won’t light or won’t stay lighted after a few of tries, it’s better to contact a professional for assistance.

Step by Step Guide: How to Light a Water Heater

Get your hot water heater up and operating in a safe and efficient manner. Get quotations from as many as three professionals! Enter your zip code below to get matched with top-rated professionals in your area. You should examine your hot water heater first if your hot shower has turned into freezing rain after you have turned on the hot water. Homes using gas water heaters should check their pilot lights to be sure they haven’t been turned off accidentally. The age of your heater may determine whether or not you may use an ignition button or a lighter to relight the pilot light on it.

The following tools and materials will be required:

How to Relight a Gas Water Heater’s Pilot Light

To relight a hot water heater, just follow the instructions outlined in the following section.

1. Safety First

Even though the vast majority of homeowners are capable of relighting a pilot light on their own, it’s crucial to use caution when working with a gas-powered hot water heater. When relighting a pilot light, you should always proceed with caution since the gas used to power your hot water heater is volatile and possibly deadly. If you smell gas at any time, you should turn off the gas valve immediately and open the windows to let the gas escape. Do not switch on any lights. Leave your home and call the gas company or the fire department for assistance.

2. Turn Off the Gas

First and foremost, you must switch off the gas supply before re-igniting the pilot light.

Locate the gas valve on your hot water heater and turn it to the “off” position to turn the water off. Hold off for around 10 minutes; this will give any gas in the region time to clear, which is vital because the gas is very combustible, so patience is required.

3. Access the Pilot Light

It is customary for the pilot light to be situated directly beneath the gas valve. In certain circumstances, a door or cover may be placed over the light to prevent it from being seen. While you are doing this procedure, use a flashlight to ensure that you can see everything clearly and accurately.

4. Turn the Gas Valve to ‘Pilot’

It is common for the pilot light to be situated directly beneath the gas valve. In some circumstances, a door or cover may be placed over the light to provide further protection. While you are conducting this procedure, use a flashlight to ensure that you can see everything.

5. Light the Pilot

The method you use to relight the pilot on your gas water heater is determined on the age of the appliance. Gas water heaters manufactured during the last eight years are not required to include manual illumination. Instead, these water heaters are equipped with an electric spark generator, similar to that found in a gas grill. To ignite the pilot light on a water heater that has a pilot light ignition button, you should press the button until the pilot light illuminates. If your water heater does not have such a button, you’ll have to manually ignite it with a long lighter if it does not have one.

6. Turn On the Gas

Once the pilot light has been lighted, re-ignite the gas supply.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask a Professional

Turn the gas back on when the pilot light has been lit.

FAQs About Hot Water Heaters

Photograph by Hmzalldesign/iStock / Getty Images Plus courtesy of Getty Images If your water is barely lukewarm, it is possible that your hot water heater is malfunctioning. It might be a sign that your water heater is going to malfunction, that sediment has accumulated, or that the temperature has been adjusted improperly. In order to establish the specific nature of the problem, you need consult with a water heater repair professional.

How much does it cost to repair a hot water heater?

The cost of repairing a hot water heater can range from$225 to $960 depending on the model. The cost of repairing a water heater varies based on where you reside and what is wrong with it. In certain circumstances, it may be more cost effective to replace your hot water heater rather than repair it.

How do I maintain my water heater?

Some things you can do to keep your hot water heater in good working order include examining it on a regular basis and flushing it out of the tank.

How to Relight the Pilot Light on Your Water Heater

Several factors might contribute to a pilot light on a water heater being turned off. The front of most water heaters will contain instructions on how to relight the pilot light, and this will usually be on the right side of the water heater. The first step is to turn off the gas to your water heater by turning off the gas control valve on the tank. Then follow these instructions to re-ignite the pilot light on your water heating system:

Remove the access panel for the water heater
Check to see if the gas valve is open (on most valves, this indicates that the valve is in line with the pipe)
And Make sure that the gas control valve on the water heater is in the pilot position. Hold the knob on the front in and press it in. For a flame to emerge on the screen, hold down the ignitor button (the black square button below the knob). Keeping the knob pressed in until the indicator light starts blinking is recommended. Using the knob, adjust the temperature to your liking.

Remove the access panel for the water heater. Inspect to ensure that the gas valve is open (on most valves, this implies that the valve is in line with the pipe); and Set the pilot position on the gas control valve of the water heater. Hold down the knob on the front of the machine. Using your finger, press the ignitor button (the black square button below the knob) until you see a flame emerge. The knob should be held in place for as long as the indicator light continues to blink. Using the knob, adjust the temperature to the appropriate level.

The 25th of August in the year 2021 All of the posts

How to Light a Water Heater

Documentation Download Documentation Download Documentation You may see cold water flowing from your hot water faucet if you reside in a home that has a natural gas water heater. This is a good indication that your pilot light has gone out. It is not necessary to hire a professional in most circumstances; you will have hot water again in a matter of hours if the pilot is re-ignited correctly. While having your water heater’s instruction manual on hand is a good idea, it is not fully required because most gas water heaters need a similar process for relighting the pilot light, as described in this article.

1 Make that the pilot light is working properly. You will most likely need to remove a tiny panel at the bottom of the tank, known as an access panel, in order to determine whether or not the pilot light is truly turned off. If you do not see a little flame flickering, this indicates that your pilot light has failed.

Depending on your water heater model, it is conceivable that your panel is not detachable and that you must observe your pilot light via a transparent window. It is possible that your pilot light has gone out if you are unable to see a flame burning through the glass in this situation.

2 Check to see whether there is any gas leaking. Never attempt to restart your pilot light if there is gas leaking from your water heater, as this is highly harmful to both you and your property. Instead, call 911 immediately. If there is any evidence of leaking, perform a basic smell test before trying to ignite the pilot again.

Standing near to your water heater, sniff the air to see if you can notice any strange aromas. After that, get down on your knees and smell around any valves on the front and sides of the tank. Naturally, natural gas has no odor. To make it noticeable to humans, gas companies add an ingredient known as mercaptan to the mixture. When gas leaks, it has a sulfuric or rotten egg smell to it
If you notice gas leaking in either of these locations (even in a faint scent), do not attempt to relight the pilot light. Remove yourself from the vicinity of the water heater and contact your gas provider immediately
They will advise you on what to do next. Also keep an ear out for a hissing sound near the water heater, which might indicate a gas leak

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s3 Instructions may be found on the inside of the door panel of your water heater. Detailed instructions for your specific water heater model may be available here, and following them may assist you in the process of relighting the pilot for your unique water heater. Advertisement

Step 1: Lower the temperature control setting to the lowest possible setting. 2Find the regulator valve, which is normally situated on the front of a box on the outside of the water heater
3Find the pressure relief valve. In most cases, this valve is positioned on the same box as the temperature control, but it is more likely to be on top of the box
It regulates gas flow to the pilot burner beneath the hot water tank. To turn the knob off, turn it to the “Off” position. Wait 10 minutes after turning off the knob before proceeding to ensure that any remaining gas from the tank has cleared the air before continuing. The importance of safety cannot be overstated. 4 Determine the type of water heater that you have installed. Gas hot water heaters are often classified into two categories: “new” and “ancient.” Traditional heaters will require you to relight the pilot with your own flame, however newer design tanks are fitted with a pilot light igniter built in into the tank.

However, while the specific appearance of the buttons on modern design tanks may vary, many of them include a red igniter button that is located a few inches away from the temperature and regulator valves.

5 Gather any lighting items that may be required. The pilot light on an old-style water heater must be re-lit with a “wand” lighter or fireplace matches since the pilot is too lengthy to reach with a standard lighter.

Please avoid re-igniting a pilot using a standard lighted matchstick or miniature cigarette lighter, since doing so will force you to place your fingers in a small, tight position too near to the open flame, putting you at risk of being burnt

Please avoid re-igniting a pilot using a standard lighted matchstick or miniature cigarette lighter, since doing so will force you to place your fingers in a small, tight position too near to the open flame, putting you in danger of being burned

Do not attempt to relight a pilot with a conventional matchstick or a small cigarette lighter since doing so will force you to place your fingers in a small, tight position too near to the open flame, putting you in danger of being burned

Find a red control button near the gas valve on your water heater if the gas valve on your water heater does not press down properly. Hold this button down for a moment.

2 Light the pilot burner with a match. The pilot gas valve or the red button will be held down with one hand while the other hand will be used to swiftly light the pilot.

To use this button, make sure you have a new model water tank with a built-in ignition switch installed. You should be able to hear a clicking sound until the pilot burner comes on. If you have an old-fashioned heater, ignite the pilot burner with a wand lighter or match and wait a few minutes. Because you will be using one hand to push the valve/red button while using the other hand to ignite the pilot, you may require the assistance of another person to carry a flashlight for you if you require additional lighting. Make an effort to get assistance in advance so that you do not go halfway through a procedure only to be forced to halt because you are unable to see what you are doing

1 Minute after the pilot light has been ignited, keep the gas valve or control button down by pressing it down one more time. In this case, the thermocouple will be heated, which is a sensor that turns off the gas when the pilot is not lit. 4Remove the valve knob/control button from the valve. Check to check if the pilot light is still illuminated after a minute by releasing the valve and pressing the control button. 5Replace the access panels with new ones. When checking to see if the pilot light is still glowing, replace the access panel (if you had to remove it first) to ensure that no flames are escaping into your home. 6Re-ignite the main burner if necessary. Turn the main gas valve back to the “On” position and set the temperature control to the appropriate temperature. The main burner under the tank should be turned on and the water in the tank should begin to heat. When turning the knob to “on,” take care to keep your head away from the burner area. 7Set the thermostat to the temperature you wish. Remember not to heat the water to a boiling point, since you might scald your hands or body accidently when washing or bathing. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends a temperature of 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit). Advertisement

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If this procedure does not provide results, check to see that the pilot light’s base is not filthy or blocked. If it is, clean it well and repeat the process after 10-15 minutes. You may also try holding the valve/control button for an additional 30-45 seconds after the pilot light has been ignited. If this technique does not work, it might be due to a lack of gas pressure or a defective gas valve. If you are unable to light the water heater after many efforts, contact an appliance repair person, a plumber, or your gas provider. You may have a faulty thermocouple if the pilot light does not come back on after being re-lit or if it goes out soon after being re-lit. It is possible to see the thermocouple in the pilot light flame region because it extends from the temperature control into the flame area. The cost of one is pretty low, and you can do it yourself.

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If you detect the scent of gas anywhere in your home, contact your gas provider right once. Even a “little quantity of gas” is too much
Do not re-open the gas valve until you have completed the replacement of the access panels and doors. It is possible that a flame will come out of the water heater if this is done.

About This Article

Summary of the Article Set the temperature control to the lowest setting and turn the gas regulator valve to the “Off” position to begin lighting an electric water heater. X Then, by adjusting the gas valve to the “Pilot” position and pressing down on it, you may begin to pump gas into the system. After that, press the red ignitor button, which is located near the gas valve, to ignite the pilot burner. Hold down the pilot button for 1 minute longer than you think it should be and check to see whether the pilot is lit.

Continue reading for helpful hints on how to prepare for and light your water heater.

The writers of this page have together authored a page that has been read 388,769 times.

Did this article help you?

No one enjoys the feeling of stepping into their shower and discovering that there is no hot water. When this occurs, you must be prepared to relight your pilot light as soon as possible. So, what is the proper way to ignite a pilot light? Fortunately, it is simple! Allow us to demonstrate how to quickly reactivate your pilot light and restore hot water to your home. What is the purpose of a pilot light? When gas is put into your gas hot water heater, a pilot light is merely a little flame that is always there and ignites the burner when gas is added.

Several factors, including a brief stoppage in the gas supply, might contribute to the failure of the unit to heat up properly.
Instructions on how to relight the pilot light on your water heater There are only a few stages to this, but always proceed with caution, and if you smell gas at any time, stop and call for help immediately.
Locate the gas shutoff valve, which is usually situated on the water heater.
After five minutes, and sometimes even longer, you should check to see whether any lingering gas has been expelled from the house.
If there is a cover, open it and examine inside with a flashlight if there is one.
Once you’ve located them, go back to the gas valve and turn it to the “pilot” position.
If this is the case, instead of pressing the button, push the button.

Ensure that the pilot is still lit while you use an extended lighter to ignite the pilot flame.

If the flame goes out, repeat the procedure after allowing a few minutes for any gas to disperse before proceeding.

Most of the time, there will be a significant sound to let you know that the primary burner is operating.

What Happens If the Pilot Light Continues to Fade?

A faulty thermocouple, also known as a flame sensor, is frequently the source of the problem.

Concluding Remarks Even though losing your hot water is never pleasant, re-igniting your pilot light does not have to be complicated.

To sum it up, use prudence and make an effort to follow these procedures, and you will complete the task in no time.

Our crew has the knowledge and experience to have your hot water back up and running in no time. Call us at 781-520-1212 or visit us on Facebook to learn more about us.

How to Relight Your Water Heater Pilot Light (For Every Major Brand!)

The pilot light on your hot water heater has great influence on your life. Anyone who has walked into their shower on a frigid winter morning, with their body freezing and their teeth chattering as they wait for hot water that never arrives, knows what I’m talking about. In the case of a natural gas water heater, this might indicate one of two problems. There are two possibilities: either (1) the gas supply has been switched off or (2) your pilot light has gone out. We should first address the likelihood that your gas supply has been interrupted (and as fast as possible).

1. How to Make Sure Your Gas Supply is On

The pilot light on your hot water heater has great influence over your daily life and activities. Anyone who has walked into their shower on a frigid winter morning, with their bodies freezing and their teeth chattering as they wait for hot water that never arrives, knows what I’m talking about. There are two possibilities when it comes to your gas water heater. There are two possibilities: either (1) the gas supply has been turned off, or (2) your pilot light has gone out. Consider the likelihood that your gas supply has been turned off initially (and as fast as possible).

The pilot light on your hot water heater has immense control over you. Anyone who has walked into their shower on a frigid winter morning, with their body freezing and their teeth chattering as they wait for hot water that never arrives, knows what I’m talking about. There are two possible outcomes if you have a gas water heater. Either the gas supply has been turned off, or the pilot light has gone out. Consider the likelihood that your gas supply has been cut off initially (and as promptly as possible).

2. How to Light Your Pilot Light Water Heater

Depending on the manufacturer, re-igniting a pilot light may need a different procedure. Fortunately, there are just a few number of producers. The first step should be to check for the installation instructions, which are normally fastened to the water heater. Don’t be concerned if you can’t locate them. Specific brand-by-brand instructions are provided in the section below. Instructions in this video are “generalized,” as the title indicates. Scroll down to the bottom of this page for instructions unique to your brand of water heater.

How to Light a Rheem Hot Water Heater Pilot Light

Each manufacturer has a somewhat different procedure for re-igniting a pilot light. Fortunately, there are only a few number of manufacturers available. You should start by looking for the installation instructions, which are normally fastened to the water heater. Please don’t be concerned if you are unable to locate the required documents. Brand-specific instructions are included in the section below, which is broken down per manufacturer. The directions in this video are “generalized.” Scroll down to the bottom of this page for specific instructions for your brand of water heater.

The procedure for re-igniting a pilot light varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Fortunately, there are just a small number of suppliers. The first thing you should do is seek for the instructions, which are normally affixed to the side of your water heater. Don’t be concerned if you are unable to locate them. Specific brand-by-brand instructions are included in the section below. Instructions in this video are “generalized.” Scroll down to the bottom of this page for instructions unique to your water heater brand.

How to Light an A.O. Smith or State Water Heater Pilot Light

AO Smith water heaters andState water heaters, including the Conservationist model, are equipped with a piezoelectric igniter mechanism that lets you to light the pilot by pressing the ignition button on the water heater.

Disconnect the access panel from the side of the A.O. Smith or State water heater and place it somewhere out of the way
To turn off the gas supply, turn the control knob on the water heater’s side to the “OFF” position and let the room air out for roughly 10 minutes. The “Pilot Light” setting on the gas control knob should be selected. The red button should be pressed down (this will allow the gas to flow to the burner assembly)
And While maintaining pressure on the red button, press down on the ignitor button until the pilot light illuminates. It is possible that you may have to press down on the ignitor button two or three times before the hot water heater pilot light turns back on. Continue to hold down the red button for approximately 60 seconds after the pilot is lighted, then gently release the button. Make sure the gas is turned on by turning the control knob to “ON.” Replacing the access panel on the side of the water heater is necessary.

How to Light a Bradford White Water Heater Pilot Light

Control panel for the Bradford White water heater should be turned off
Allow the water heater to stand for 5 minutes to allow gas to escape from the system. Change the mode of the control switch to pilot light mode. Press the red control button in for a few seconds, then press the button every few seconds while continuing to press in
Listen for a click, and the water heater status light should begin flashing to indicate that the water heater is operational. Allowing the red control button to be released
Make sure that the red control button is in the “hot” position. If the pilot light does not stay lighted or does not relight after being extinguished, it is possible that a more serious problem is causing your lack of hot water. For emergency assistance, contact your plumber.

Resources

Control panel for the Bradford White water heater should be turned off Wait five minutes for the gas to escape from the water heater’s system before using it. Make that the pilot light mode is selected on the control switch
To begin, push the red control button in for a few seconds, then press it every few seconds while continuing to press it in. Pay close attention for a click, after which the water heater status light should begin flashing. Allowing the red control button to be released is recommended. Change the hot location of the red control button
It is possible that a larger problem is causing your lack of hot water if the pilot light does not stay lit or will not relight. For emergency assistance, call your plumber.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

It might be rather frightening to experiment with the gas in your house. Don’t be concerned, we’ll have you back in a warm shower in no time! Please do not hesitate to contact us or call 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237). Regardless of the nature of the emergency plumbing, drainage cleaning and drain clearing, or water damage situation, we will respond quickly. This includes excavation of subterranean water pipes and sewage main lines.

How to light the pilot light on your gas hot water storage tank

Whenever you notice that your hot water is suddenly becoming cold, the first step in resolving the issue is to make sure that the pilot light on your hot water heater has not been extinguished.

If this has happened, it is something you can easily correct. Whenever the tank requires heating, the pilot light ignites a tiny flame that keeps the main burner running. The pilot light should always be on.

Before you start

It is simple to check to see whether your pilot light has gone out and to relight it; but, as with any home improvement project, exercise extra caution while attempting to relight your pilot light. Before you begin, be certain that there are no open fires or ignition sources near the water heater, and that there is no odor of gas in the vicinity of the water heater. Always remember to put on your safety glasses and to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the appliance.

If you want more assistance, a video of this procedure is also accessible on the Rheem website.

How to light your pilot light

You may take off the access panel by lifting the cover vertically and dragging it in the direction of your body. Inside of the cover, you should find the directions for relighting the pilot, which should be quite clearly stated. As far as you can, turn the gas control knob clockwise until it reaches the off position. Depending on the kind of heater you have, the sign for off may be a line or a little dot. Never use a tool to turn this knob
Always turn it by hand. Wait five minutes after switching the switch to the off position to allow any unburned gas to escape. This is a critical step in ensuring your safety, and failing to do so might result in an explosion. It is okay to proceed once five minutes has passed. The pilot should be re-lit by turning the knob to the pilot position. On the majority of hot water heaters, this is represented by a little flame or spark sign. Once the control knob is in the pilot position, press it all the way down and hold it there for 30 seconds. Continue to push the igniter button repeatedly for about 40 seconds while keeping the control button pressed. Immediately following the push of the igniter button, the pilot should be lit
Nevertheless, continue to keep the control knob down for another 20 seconds. Release the knob after 40 seconds and look to verify whether the pilot is still lit
There should be a blue flame visible.

Then, if the method doesn’t work, switch off the gas valve and wait another five minutes before starting the process over from the beginning. Once the pilot has been properly ignited, turn the control knob anticlockwise until it reaches at least number five and replace the access panel with the new one. If you are unable to ignite your pilot light, please contact Pro-Action Plumbing on 0419 314 505 and one of our expert professionals will be able to come to your home to assist you with your problem.

Relighting Hot Water Heater Pilot Light

After starting your bath and discovering that the water is cold, you may have arrived to the conclusion that your water heater’s pilot light has been extinguished. And you’re most likely correct. But before you walk down to the basement and start staring at your water heater, it’s a good idea to learn how to do it and why it could have gone out in the first place in the first place. While you could always ask for assistance or contact your parents, there are times when it’s best to just put on your boots, locate a torch, and search up a decent instruction online and do it yourself.

Now is the time to reclaim your independence and prepare to soak in a hot bath!

What Causes the Pilot Light to Go Out?

One solution does not fit all situations, although it is generally the thermocouple that is the source of the problem. When the two wire ends of this gadget contact, the temperature of the water may be measured with this instrument. If your pilot light is not working because the thermocouple is filthy, it is possible that the problem is with the pilot light itself. If this is the case, the simple solution is to switch off the pilot light and use a piece of sandpaper to carefully wipe the thermocouple, as shown below.

Another possibility for why your pilot light isn’t working is that the thermocouple has been twisted or is somehow damaged.

If it is damaged, on the other hand, you will be required to replace it.

Always remember to put your safety first, regardless of the situation. Avoid trying to restart your water heater if you detect the scent of gas. If you smell gas, it’s possible that there’s a gas leak somewhere. Remember to exit the premises and call the relevant services, such as 911, if necessary.

Locate the Gas

In order to relight your pilot light, you won’t need many tools at all, if any at all. Simply having a decent concept of what you’re doing, as well as a flashlight and a grill lighter, should suffice to complete the task. Locating the gas regulator will be the first step you’ll need to do. Most of the time, there will be a knob that is the gas regulator, which is normally positioned just outside of the gas line that leads to the water heater and is easily accessible. If you find yourself in a dark situation, flash your light around to signal for help.

Find the pilot burner, which is located beneath the water heater.

Lighting the Pilot Light

Finally, locate the gas regulator and turn it to the “pilot” position while holding the button down on your keyboard or mouse. On some models, you’ll discover a piezoelectric pilot igniter that has already been installed. If your model does not come with this function, then bring out your BBQ lighter and hold the end over the burner until it ignites, then repeat the process. In order to prevent this from happening, you must hold down the knob for the regulator valve for at least one minute. The thermocouple will be able to heat up as a result of this.

If you remove your finger from the knob and the flame continues to burn, change the switch from “off” to “on.” If everything goes according to plan, you should hear a sound that sounds similar to a woosh.
Always exercise caution while dealing with household repairs and other fix-it projects.
Remember to take into consideration who you’re employing when you’re searching for services to perform work that are similar to lighting a pilot light.
You can ensure you and your family are in the finest possible hands by using internet review sites that allow you to check at the locals’ profiles.
Whenever possible, avoid starting a project until you’ve determined how to address the problem.
Before commencing a project, make sure you’re prepared with emergency supplies.

With that in mind, you’re ready to get your hands on some hot water again! Make sure you don’t let your basement intimidate you into taking ice cold showers.

How to Relight Your Water Heater’s Pilot Light

An Overview of How to Turn on a Water Heater Pilot Light

Step 1: Turn off the gas
Step 2: Put the controls in “pilot mode.” Step 3: Press the control button and the light button simultaneously. Step 4: Bring the water temperature back to normal. Step 5: Reinstall the lid.

Don’t freak out if you find yourself without hot water for no apparent reason. It’s possible that the pilot light on your gas water heater has gone out. Despite the fact that this little blue flame should always be burning, it can go out for a variety of reasons. The good news is that, in the majority of situations, relighting is a simple process. This Might Also Be of Interest to You: Using These 5 Simple Steps, You Can Relight Your Furnace Pilot Light Please see the following steps for relighting the pilot light on your gas water heater.

How Do I Know If My Pilot Light Is Out?

In the event that you turn on a faucet and the water comes out cold, no matter how long you let it run, it is likely that your pilot light is out. You’ll need to get to the water heater in order to examine it. Most water heaters have a pilot light that is situated at the bottom of the machine, below the gas control valve, which makes it easy to find. Look into the burner chamber by opening the access panel or entrance to the chamber. The pilot light tube may be found in this location, and it should have a continuous blue flame.

Can I Relight the Pilot Light by Myself?

In many circumstances, you will be able to relight the pilot light on your water heater by yourself. First, check sure there isn’t a gas leak in the area where you’re trying to relight the pilot light. Usually, a simple whiff will suffice to do this. Natural gas is usually scented by the utility companies in order to make it easier to discover leaks in your house. Most of the time, the scent is comparable to that of garlic or rotten eggs. If you suspect that you are smelling gas, do not attempt to relight the pilot light.

For further information, contact your natural gas utility.

Gas hissing and blowing noises may also signal the presence of a gas leak.

Additional Related Articles:

The pilot light on your water heater is often easy to relight on your own. Check to see if there is a gas leak before attempting to relight the pilot light. In most cases, a simple whiff will be sufficient. In order to make it easier to identify a leak in your house, most utility providers smell natural gas. When it comes to scent, it’s usually comparable to that of garlic or rotten eggs. Avoid relighting the pilot light if you suspect you are inhaling gas. The alternative is for everyone in the family to evacuate the premises immediately. For further information, contact your gas company. If you hear any weird noises near your water heater, you should investigate these as well. Soundings such as hissing and blowing may also signal a natural gas leak. As long as none of these warning indicators are present, you should be safe in your attempt to relight your pilot light on your own to ensure proper operation. Articles that are related:

What Do You Do When the Pilot Light Goes Out?

Re-lighting the pilot light according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your equipment should be attempted if at all possible. The procedure, on the other hand, is very consistent across different kinds of gas water heaters. To begin, establish if your water heater is equipped with an automated or manual ignition system. A glimpse at the control dial should be enough to notify you, according to Mullen Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling of West Virginia. If you have an automated igniter, it is likely that you have an ignition button.

It will be necessary to manually relight your pilot light.

How to Light a Pilot Light on a Water Heater Without an Automatic Igniter

Using the access cover, switch the gas control valve to the “off” position to cut off the gas supply. Allow about 10 minutes for any gas that has gathered to disperse. The “pilot” position is reached by turning both the control and the water temperature knobs. To activate the control knob, depress it. To re-ignite the pilot light, hold the button down while using a wand lighter or long match to ignite it. A continuous flame should be visible once the pilot light has been turned on. For a full minute, continue to keep the knob down to force air out of the line that has accumulated over the course of time. Turn the knob to the left
Set the temperature of your water heater back to the appropriate level by turning the control knob. Remove the access cover and replace it.

How to Light a Pilot Light on a Water Heater With an Automatic Igniter

Using the access cover, shut off the gas supply by turning the gas control valve to “off.” Let any stored gas evaporate for approximately 10 minutes. Set the control and water temperature knobs to the “pilot” positions
Turn on the water heater. Activate the control knob by depressing it slightly. To re-ignite the pilot light, hold the button down while using a wand lighter or a long match. A continuous flame should be visible once the pilot light has been ignited. For a full minute, continue to keep the knob down to force air out of the line that has built up. Toss the knob to the side. Set your water heater’s temperature control knob to the appropriate setting once more. Remove the access cover and replace it with something else.

Your pilot light should remain bright if it was accidentally turned off due to a draft or similar one-time problem. If it doesn’t work the first time, wait 10 minutes before attempting to ignite it yourself again after that. Having trouble with your water heater’s pilot light? It’s possible that your device requires expert maintenance or repair. Because we are spending more time at home than ever before, it is critical to be prepared for unexpected home repairs with a plan from HomeServe.

The knowledge that you can easily call our 24-hour repair hotline in the event of a covered breakdown provides you more peace of mind. Explore the options that are available in your community.