Having hot water is something we often take for granted – until suddenly we don’t have it anymore. A common reason your hot water disappears is because the pilot light on your gas water heater has gone out. Don’t panic, relighting a water heater pilot light yourself is a simple DIY task that can usually be done in just a few minutes with minimal tools and effort.
A pilot light is a small, constantly burning flame inside your water heater that ignites the gas burner. It allows instant hot water by eliminating the need to wait for a spark ignition. If this little flame goes out, the burner won’t turn on and heat the water. Thankfully, getting your pilot light going again is a straightforward process you can tackle yourself.
Before You Relight the Pilot
Before attempting to relight your water heater pilot, there are a couple preparatory steps to take for optimal safety and success:
Turn Off the Gas Valve
The first thing you want to do is locate the gas control valve on the water heater and turn it clockwise to the “off” position. This shuts off the gas supply to the unit before you begin lighting the pilot. Gas will still flow to the pilot port, but turning off the main supply is a crucial safety precaution.
Give the Thermocouple a Quick Cleaning
The thermocouple is a small sensor next to the pilot that tells the gas valve when the pilot is lit. Over time, oxidation can build up on the thermocouple. Before relighting, take a bit of fine steel wool and gently polish away any gunk. This can improve the pilot ignition success.
Have Your Tools Ready
To light the pilot, you’ll need either long matches or a long lighter designed for lighting grills and fireplaces. Having a flashlight handy makes it easier to see up inside the water heater to the pilot assembly. It also helps to have your heater’s manual on hand in case the lighting procedure differs from the standard process.
Step 1: Turn Gas Valve to Pilot Setting
The first hands-on step is to turn the gas control knob counterclockwise to the “pilot” setting. This opens the gas flow specifically to the pilot light. If your water heater has a reset button, briefly press this in as well. The reset disables any shutoff sensors while you get the pilot lit.
If Valve Won’t Budge
In some cases, the gas valve may be stuck and not want to turn due to corrosion or mineral deposits. Try dripping some penetrating oil or spray lubricant on the valve stem and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. The oil can help dissolve deposits allowing you to turn the knob to pilot. Avoid excessive force turning the stiff valve.
Step 2: Ignite the Pilot Flame
Using a Manual Lighter
If your water heater has a standing pilot with no electric ignition, you’ll light it manually. Hold a long fireplace lighter or lit match up to the pilot port, continuing to depress the reset button. Keep the flame there for 60 full seconds, letting the thermocouple heat up telling the gas valve there’s a flame. If the pilot light doesn’t stay on at first, simply repeat the process until the pilot remains lit once you remove the lighter or match.
With Electric Spark Igniter
Many newer gas water heaters have an electric spark igniter instead of a standing pilot. Look for a push button ignitor near the pilot assembly. Push and hold the igniter button in for several seconds at a time until you see the pilot light and hold it there until the thermocouple warms up and the pilot stays on.
Troubleshooting Issues
If you’re having difficulty keeping the pilot lit, there are a few potential issues to check. Make sure there are no drafts nearby that could be blowing out the small flame. Try opening the pilot port slightly to increase gas flow. The thermocouple may need replacement if it fails to hold the pilot on. Call a professional for service if problems persist.
Step 3: Return Gas Valve to “On” Position
Once the pilot remains steadily lit, turn the gas valve further counterclockwise to the full “on” position. This will allow the pilot flame to ignite the main burner. You should soon have hot water restored throughout your house again. Doing a quick test of the hot water at a sink is a good confirmation that your water heater is functioning properly again.
If Pilot Won’t Stay Lit
If you follow the relighting steps but the pilot still won’t stay on, start by giving the thermocouple another cleaning. Also ensure the pilot assembly isn’t clogged with dirt. You may need a professional to service the pilot system if it fails to remain lit after multiple relighting attempts. There could be an underlying issue with the thermocouple, gas valve, or igniter.
Relighting a water heater pilot that has gone out is usually a quick and straightforward process. By following our simple 3-step guide, you can avoid the hassle and expense of calling for professional help for a common issue. Just remember to always turn off the gas first, give the thermocouple a cleaning, and have your relighting tools ready. With some patience, the pilot will re-ignite and get your hot water flowing again.
While relighting a pilot is generally safe for DIY-ers, always exercise caution when dealing with gas appliances. Call a professional for assistance if the pilot fails to stay lit after several attempts. Taking a minute to relight your own pilot can mean continuous hot water service for months before having to repeat the process.
Safety Precautions
Before attempting to relight the pilot light, it’s essential to ensure that the area around the water heater is well-ventilated and free from any combustible materials. It’s also crucial to wear protective gloves and goggles to avoid any accidents.
Check the Gas Supply
If you’re having trouble relighting the pilot light, it might be due to a lack of gas supply. Check the main gas line near the water heater and make sure it’s turned on. Additionally, you can try turning off the water heater’s gas valve and waiting for 10-15 minutes to allow any remaining gas to dissipate before attempting to relight the pilot light.
Clean the Burner
Over time, the burner inside the water heater can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris, making it challenging to ignite the pilot light. To address this, you can try cleaning the burner using a soft-bristled brush or a small vacuum cleaner. This can help remove any obstructions that might be preventing the pilot light from igniting.
The thermocouple senses the pilot flame and signals the gas valve to remain open. If the pilot won’t stay lit, the thermocouple may need adjustment or replacement. Try tightening or loosening the thermocouple nut at the valve until you achieve a stable pilot flame. Order a replacement thermocouple if this fails to fix the issue.
With a properly burning pilot flame, you can get hot water for bathing, washing dishes, and all your household needs. Take a few minutes to relight an extinguished pilot and you can avoid the big inconvenience of a cold shower. Just be sure to call a professional if you have any doubts or trouble getting your water heater reignited.
