How to Reignite Your Water Heater's Pilot Light

What is a Pilot Light?

Before diving into how to reignite your pilot light, it's essential to understand what it is. The pilot light is a small flame inside your water heater that ignites the gas burner when needed. Without the pilot light, your water heater won’t be able to heat the water.

If your water isn't heating up properly, or you notice that the water is lukewarm, there’s a chance the pilot light has gone out.

Why Does the Pilot Light Go Out?

There are several reasons why the pilot light on your water heater may go out:

• A strong draft: A gust of wind could blow the flame out if your water heater is in a drafty area.
• Dirty pilot light orifice: Dust or debris can clog the pilot light's orifice, causing the flame to go out.
• Thermocouple problems: The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. If it’s dirty or faulty, it could cause the pilot light to turn off unexpectedly.

If the issue is more severe or you’re unsure, contacting a plumbing service to inspect your water heater is always a good idea. Sometimes, you might need a water heater replacement, especially if your system is old.

Safety First

Before attempting to relight the pilot light, make sure you take a few safety precautions:

• Turn off the gas: Locate the gas valve on the water heater and turn it off. Wait 5-10 minutes for any residual gas to dissipate.
• Ventilation: Ensure that the area around the water heater is well-ventilated. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and call a plumber or your local gas company for help.

Once the area is safe, you can continue reigniting the pilot light.

Steps to Reignite the Pilot Light

Here’s a step-by-step guide to relighting the pilot light on your water heater:

Step 1: Locate the Pilot Light Assembly

Most water heaters have a small door or panel at the bottom where the pilot light and burner assembly are located. You may need to remove a small access panel to reach it.

Step 2: Turn the Gas Valve to “Pilot”

Find the gas control knob on your water heater and turn it to the “Pilot” position. This is usually marked on the control knob, and it's an important step to avoid flooding the area with gas.

Step 3: Press and Hold the Reset Button

You’ll notice a button or knob labeled “Reset” or “Pilot” near the gas valve. Press and hold this button. This will allow gas to flow to the pilot light, but it won’t ignite yet.

Step 4: Light the Pilot

While holding the reset button, use a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot light. You should see a small flame appear. Hold the button for 30-60 seconds to keep the pilot light lit.

Step 5: Release the Reset Button

After holding the reset button for the recommended time, release it. The pilot light should remain lit. If it goes out immediately, there could be an issue with the thermocouple or the gas supply, and you may need to call a plumbing repair service for help.

Step 6: Turn the Gas Valve Back to “On”

Once you’re sure the pilot light is stable, turn the gas control knob from “Pilot” to the “On” position. Your water heater should now be ready to heat the water again.

When to Call a Professional

While many homeowners can reignite the pilot light themselves, there are situations where it’s better to call a professional plumber. If the pilot light doesn’t stay lit, the thermocouple might need to be cleaned or replaced, which requires a plumbing repair service. In other cases, the problem may be a gas leak or a malfunctioning gas valve, requiring expert attention.

If your water heater is older and has frequent issues, consider replacement. Tankless water heater installation is another great option for homeowners looking for a more energy-efficient option. A plumber can help you determine the best choice for your home.

Preventing Future Pilot Light Problems

Here are a few tips to help prevent your pilot light from going out in the future:

• Keep the area clean: Regularly check around your water heater for dust and debris that could clog the pilot light or burner.
• Schedule regular maintenance: Having a plumbing service inspect your water heater annually can help prevent problems and extend the life of your appliance.
• Upgrade when necessary: If your water heater is old or frequently has issues, it may be worth looking into water heater repair options. Upgrading to a tankless water heater installation can also help improve efficiency and reduce future problems.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Reigniting the pilot light on your water heater is often simple and can be done safely by following the steps above. However, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to call a plumbing repair service. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent more significant issues and keep your water heater running smoothly for years.