Ignite Your Water Heater Pilot Light in 5 Minutes
Having no hot water can be frustrating. Maybe you've noticed your showers getting cooler, dishes not getting clean, or even your morning coffee coming out lukewarm. An extinguished pilot light on your water heater is often the culprit behind these inconvenient issues.
Relighting a stubborn pilot that won't stay lit might seem daunting. But with this straightforward guide, you can get your hot water flowing again in as little as 5 minutes. No experience necessary!
Symptoms of an Extinguished Pilot Light
How do you know if your pilot light has gone out? There are a few key indicators to be aware of:
- No hot water - Turn on the hot tap and get only cold water
- Water takes longer to get hot - You have to wait ages for it to warm up
- Not as hot water as usual - Lukewarm showers or dishes that don't get clean
If you notice any of these issues, there's a good chance your water heater's pilot light needs relighting.
Before Relighting the Pilot
Check the Gas Supply
Before attempting to relight the pilot, it's important to check:
- The gas line shut-off valve is fully open
- There are no leaks or damage in the gas line supplying your water heater
Confirming proper gas flow sets you up for pilot lighting success.
Switch Off Power (Electric Water Heaters)
If you have an electric water heater:
- Locate the breaker for your water heater in your main circuit breaker box
- Flip the switch firmly to the "Off" position
This allows the tank to fully reset when you relight the pilot.
Close Water Outlets
Make sure any faucets, showerheads or other water outlets fed by your water heater are completely closed.
Relighting the Pilot - Gas Water Heaters
Accessing the Pilot Assembly
The steps to relight your pilot light vary slightly depending on if you have an open combustion or sealed combustion unit:
Sealed Combustion Chamber
Modern gas water heaters have a sealed combustion area. All pilot lighting controls are built into the control module mounted to the tank exterior.
Open Combustion Chamber
Older tanks have an open burner assembly inside the body. You'll need to remove a metal cover plate to physically access the pilot.
Lighting the Pilot Flame
To ignite the pilot flame:
- Hold a long match/lighter near the pilot thermocouple/thermopile
- Press and hold the gas control knob fully in
- Keep holding knob while lighting until pilot stays lit on its own (may take 30+ seconds)
Releasing the Gas Knob
After the pilot flame stays lit:
- Keep the gas knob depressed for an extra 60 seconds
- Release knob slowly and check that pilot remains ignited
- If pilot goes out, repeat steps until it continues burning
Turning Gas Supply Back On
Finally:
- Turn gas control knob counter-clockwise to the "On" position
- Adjust temperature setting using hot water taps
You should now have hot water again - congratulations!
Relighting the Pilot - Electric Water Heaters
Accessing Reset Button and Controls
On an electric water heater:
- Locate the exterior control panel and remove the protective cover
- The reset button and thermostat will be exposed
Press Reset Button
Hold down the red "reset" button for at least 10 seconds.
This will restart the ignition process, signalling the heating elements to fire up.
Give Time to Heat Back Up
It takes 15+ minutes for water in an electric system to fully reheat.
Have patience and check temperature after 20 minutes.
Adjust Temperature
Consider lowering your thermostat to around 120degF to save energy and prevent scalding.
Troubleshooting Issues
Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit
If you've followed proper relighting steps but the pilot still goes out, there could be:
- Thermocouple failure - Not sending correct signal
- Moisture buildup - Causing ignition failure
- Gas line problems - Insufficient fuel flow
Professional troubleshooting or repairs may be needed in these cases.
Pilot Goes Out Frequently
If your pilot works initially but needs frequent relighting, the issue may be:
- Air drafts around heater - Blow out the flame
- Dirty pilot assembly - Blocked gas ports
- Faulty gas control valve - Not working correctly
Seeking professional service can help resolve these types of problems.
When to Call for Service
While a simple pilot light is generally safe for DIY repairs, more complex electrical or gas issues are best left to licensed technicians to avoid safety risks.
Professional service averages $75-$150. Tank replacement ranges from $500-$1500 installed.
With a few simple tools and these step-by-step instructions, you can save money by relighting your own water heater pilot light.
Monitor your pilot and call for professional repairs if problems persist. But in most cases, you'll be relaxing under steaming hot showers again in no time.