Steps to Re-Light Your Water Heater Pilot Light

When you get into the shower, you expect the water to get nice and hot within a few seconds. If a freezing rain greets you instead, you know something’s not right. The typical root cause behind this nasty, cold surprise is a water heater pilot light that’s gone out.

Don’t worry—relighting a water heater pilot doesn’t require an engineering degree. Follow the quick, step-by-step process from the pros at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing laid out 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 for your water heater model. Instructions vary, and you should get all the details you need in the manual. If you’ve misplaced the original copy that came with the water heater, look up the model number online to find a digital version. Still, the following actions should apply for many gas water heaters:

1. Look for the gas shut-off valve, which you’ll usually find plainly 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 allow any lingering gas to dissipate.
2. Open the pilot light access cover or door, which is commonly positioned below the gas valve. Occasionally, there isn’t a door; instead, you could possibly see the pilot light burner by peering into a small opening.
3. Find a flashlight or headlamp. Then, peer into the pilot light access and locate two small gas tubes leading to the burner. Monitor this spot as you proceed with lighting the water heater pilot.
4. Move the gas knob to “Pilot.” This move lets the gas flow, readying 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 home’s water heater may have an igniter button, often red or black. If it doesn’t, you’ll need a long lighter to light the pilot physically.
6. Push down the gas knob or button for approximately 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. Ensure the flame remains lit. 
7. Rotate the gas knob to “On.” You should hear a whump or whoosh sound as the main burner ignites and your water heater roars back to life.
8. Put the access cover or door back on. Give your water heater about 20 to 60 minutes to reheat 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 from time to time is usually not a major cause for concern. Unfortunately, there could be a more severe underlying issue if the water heater pilot light won’t stay lit. Some frequent reasons behind this issue are:

• Faulty thermocouple: The thermocouple is an automatic safety shut-off, shutting off gas flow when the pilot light is out. If this feature is misaligned, dirty or damaged, you may face frequent pilot light problems. Move the thermocouple just a tiny bit and try lighting the pilot a second time. If that doesn’t do the trick, you may need to clean it. And if that proves fruitless, it might be necessary to replace the thermocouple, a simple task for a trained technician.
• Dirty pilot opening: If your pilot light produces a yellow flame, it’s very likely due to a dirty pilot opening. This can restrict the thermocouple’s performance, causing pilot light instability.
• Weak or faulty gas regulator: Trouble with this component could lead to an inadequate gas supply needed to maintain the pilot light. If more than one of the gas appliances in your dwelling have similar problems, check the regulator.
• Drafty conditions: Water heaters commonly share a utility closet with the furnace, which demands fresh air to operate properly. Stiff drafts from this air intake can extinguish a water heater 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 issues 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, helpful solutions to all your comfort troubles. Everything we do is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if you’re not thrilled with our work, we’ll work to make it right. We are leaders in innovation and customer service, with rich community involvement that is a sign of our commitment to your comfort. Call 866-397-3787 today to reach the professional staff at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Let us make a meaningful difference in your life, one hot shower at a time.