Waking up to an ice-cold shower is a universal sign of a bad day ahead. Let’s be honest, few things are as jarring. More often than not, the culprit is a simple one: an extinguished pilot light on your gas water heater. Before you start dreading a hefty plumber’s bill, I’m here to tell you that learning How To Light The Pilot On A Gas Water Heater is a skill well within your reach. As a senior tech at Water Heater World, I’ve walked countless homeowners through this process, and today, it’s your turn. This guide will turn that cold-water frown upside down and get the hot water flowing again, safely and efficiently.
Before You Begin: Safety is Not Optional
Working with natural gas demands respect. While lighting a pilot is a routine task, we must prioritize safety above all else. The first and most important step is to check for the smell of gas.
Crucial Safety Warning: If you smell gas (often described as rotten eggs or sulfur), STOP immediately. Do not touch any electrical switches, do not use your phone, and do not create any sparks. Leave the house immediately, and from a safe distance, call your gas company’s emergency line. Do not proceed with any of the following steps.
If you don’t smell gas, you’re clear to proceed. Just ensure the area around your water heater is clear of flammable materials like paint cans, gasoline, or old rags.
What Tools Will You Need?
The good news is you probably won’t need a sprawling toolkit. Most modern water heaters are designed for easy pilot lighting. However, having these on hand will make the job smoother:
- A long-stemmed lighter or a barbecue lighter: This keeps your hand safely away from the pilot assembly.
- A flashlight: The area around the pilot assembly can be dark and hard to see. Your phone’s flashlight will work in a pinch.
The Step-by-Step Guide: How to Light the Pilot on a Gas Water Heater
Alright, let’s get that flame going. Find the gas control knob on the front of your water heater. It’s usually a black or red dial with settings like “ON,” “OFF,” and “PILOT.” You’ll also see a red or black button nearby, which is the igniter.
- Turn the Gas Control Knob to “OFF”. Rotate the main control knob to the “OFF” position. This is a critical safety step that stops the flow of gas. Wait for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows any residual gas that might have accumulated in the combustion chamber to dissipate completely. Don’t skip this waiting period.
- Locate the Pilot Assembly. Look for the access panel at the bottom of the water heater. You may need to remove a small metal or plastic cover. Inside, you’ll see a couple of small tubes. This is where the magic happens. The pilot is a small gas nozzle, and right next to it is the thermocouple, a thin copper sensor.
- Turn the Knob to the “PILOT” Setting. Now, rotate the control knob to the “PILOT” position. You usually have to push down on the knob slightly to turn it to this setting.
- Press and Hold the Control Knob. Push the control knob down and hold it there. This action manually opens the gas valve, allowing a small amount of gas to flow to the pilot light assembly. You must continue holding this knob down through the next step.
- Light the Pilot. While still holding the knob down, it’s time to introduce the flame.
- For heaters with an igniter button: Press the red or black igniter button. You should hear a “click” and see a spark inside the chamber that lights the pilot gas. You may need to press it several times.
- For heaters without an igniter (older models): Use your long-stemmed lighter to carefully reach in and light the end of the pilot tube. You should see a small, steady blue flame appear.
- Continue Holding the Knob. This is the step where most people get tripped up. Once the pilot is lit, do not immediately let go of the knob. You need to keep holding it down for a full 30-60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple enough time to heat up. The thermocouple is a safety device; when it’s hot, it tells the gas valve that a flame is present and it’s safe to keep the gas flowing. If it’s cold, it shuts the gas off.
- Slowly Release the Knob. After a minute, slowly release the control knob. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it does, congratulations! If it goes out, don’t panic. Wait a few minutes and repeat steps 3-7. It can sometimes take a couple of tries.
- Turn the Knob to “ON”. Once the pilot is stable, turn the control knob from “PILOT” to the “ON” position. You should hear a “whoosh” sound as the main burner ignites. Set the temperature dial to your desired setting (120°F or 49°C is recommended for safety and efficiency).
What if the Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit?
So, you’ve followed the steps perfectly, but the moment you release the knob, the flame dies. It’s a common frustration. This almost always points to an issue with the thermocouple.
The thermocouple is like a safety guard at a gate. When it’s hot, it holds the gate open for gas to flow. If it gets dirty or fails, it thinks there’s no flame and slams the gate shut.
- A Dirty Thermocouple: Soot and debris can build up on the thermocouple, preventing it from sensing the flame’s heat properly. Sometimes, a gentle cleaning with a soft cloth or fine-grit sandpaper can solve the problem.
- A Faulty Thermocouple: These parts do wear out over time. A replacement thermocouple is inexpensive and relatively easy to install for those comfortable with basic DIY, but when in doubt, call a professional.
- A Draft: A strong draft from a nearby window, vent, or even a poorly sealed access panel can be enough to blow the pilot out.
Why Did My Pilot Light Go Out in the First Place?
Understanding the cause can help prevent future cold showers. Here are the usual suspects:
- A Strong Draft: As mentioned, a gust of wind can extinguish the small pilot flame.
- Dirty Pilot Orifice: The small opening where the pilot gas comes out can become clogged with dust or sediment, leading to a weak or flickering flame that’s easily blown out.
- Thermocouple Issues: A failing or dirty thermocouple can intermittently shut off the gas supply.
- Gas Supply Interruption: Work being done on the gas lines in your neighborhood can temporarily interrupt the supply.
“In my 20 years as a plumber, the number one reason a pilot won’t stay lit is a dirty or old thermocouple. It’s a small part that does a big job. Before you assume the worst, always check the thermocouple first. A quick cleaning can save you a service call.”
— John Carter, Master Plumber
When to Call a Professional
While learning how to light the pilot on a gas water heater is a great skill, it’s equally important to know your limits. It’s time to put down the lighter and pick up the phone to call a certified technician if:
- You smell gas at any point.
- The pilot light will not stay lit after several attempts and cleaning the thermocouple.
- The pilot flame is yellow or sooty instead of a crisp blue. This indicates a combustion problem.
- You see any signs of rust, corrosion, or leaking water around the base of the tank.
- You are simply not comfortable performing the task. There is no shame in prioritizing your safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it dangerous to relight a pilot light on a water heater?
A: It is not dangerous if you follow the safety procedures carefully. The most critical step is to turn the gas off and wait 5-10 minutes before you start, and to stop immediately if you smell gas.
Q: What color should the pilot light be?
A: A healthy pilot flame should be a strong, steady blue color, possibly with a tiny yellow tip. A mostly yellow, weak, or flickering flame indicates a problem that needs professional attention.
Q: How do I know if my thermocouple is bad?
A: The classic sign of a bad thermocouple is a pilot light that ignites when you’re holding the control knob down but goes out as soon as you release it.
Q: Why does my water heater have an igniter button instead of a place to use a lighter?
A: Most modern gas water heaters use a piezoelectric igniter. It creates a spark to light the gas, which is safer and more convenient than using an external flame source like a match or lighter.
Q: How often should I have to relight my pilot light?
A: Ideally, never. A properly functioning water heater’s pilot light should stay lit continuously. If you find yourself having to relight it more than once a year, it’s a sign of an underlying issue that should be investigated.
Your Path to Consistent Hot Water
Mastering how to light the pilot on a gas water heater is more than just a handy DIY skill; it’s about taking control of your home’s comfort and saving yourself from unnecessary stress and expense. By following these steps and always putting safety first, you can confidently tackle this common household issue. Remember to keep the area around your water heater clean and to have it professionally inspected periodically to ensure it’s running safely and efficiently for years to come. Now, go enjoy that well-deserved hot shower.