Steps to Re-Light a Home Water Heater Pilot Light

When you walk into the shower, you expect the water to get nice and hot within a few seconds. If an ice-cold blast 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 the pilot doesn’t require an engineering degree. Follow the easy, step-by-step process from the pros at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing outlined below, and you’ll soon be back to delighting in those hot showers.

Tips on How to Light a Water Heater Pilot Light

First things first, read the user’s manual specific to your water heater model. Instructions differ from brand to brand, and you should see everything you need in the manual. If you can’t find the paper copy that came with the installation, look up the model number online to pull up a digital version. Nevertheless, the following strategies should apply for many gas water heaters:

1. Find the gas shut-off valve, which generally is clearly 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 enable any remaining gas to dissipate.
2. Open the pilot light access cover or door, which is normally found under the gas valve. Sometimes, there isn’t a door; instead, you could possibly see the pilot light burner through a small opening.
3. Arm yourself with a flashlight or headlamp. Next, peer into the pilot light access and find two small gas tubes leading to the burner. Observe this area as you continue with lighting the water heater pilot.
4. Move the gas knob to “Pilot.” This action lets the gas flow, prepping the pilot light for ignition. Some units have a specific red button for pilot mode, which you should press and hold.
5. Ignite the pilot light while still holding down the gas knob or button. Your 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 by hand.
6. Hold down the gas knob or button for roughly 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. Be certain the flame is staying lit. 
7. Switch the gas knob to “On.” You should hear a whump or whoosh sound as the main burner fires up and your water heater sparks back to life.
8. Place the door or access cover back on the unit. Give your water heater about 20 to 60 minutes to warm the water, and you’ll be ready to enjoy that hot shower!

What if {the Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit?

Needing to relight the pilot every now and then is usually not a major cause for concern. Unfortunately, there could be a more serious underlying issue if the water heater pilot light refuses to stay lit. Some typical reasons behind this issue are:

• Faulty thermocouple: The thermocouple is an automatic safety shut-off, stopping gas flow when the pilot light is out. If this element is misaligned, dirty or damaged, you may face frequent pilot light challenges. Reposition the thermocouple slightly and try lighting the pilot once more. If that doesn’t work, you may need to clean it. And if that proves unproductive, it might be necessary to replace the thermocouple, an easy task for a licensed technician.
• Dirty pilot opening: If your pilot light gives off a yellow flame, it’s probably due to a dirty pilot opening. This can restrict the thermocouple’s performance, leading to pilot light instability.
• Weak or malfunctioning gas regulator: Issues with this component might lead to an inadequate gas supply needed to maintain the pilot light. If several gas appliances in your residence have similar issues, check the regulator.
• Drafty conditions: Water heaters frequently share a utility closet with the furnace, which requires fresh air to operate properly. Strong drafts from this air intake can extinguish the pilot light.

Congrats, Your Water Heater’s Pilot Light is Lit. Let Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Keep it That Way!

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