If your home has a gas water heater, chances are it has a pilot light. This tiny flame ignites the burner to heat the water in the tank. If your pilot light ever goes out, don’t panic—it’s easy to relight.
Just follow these steps and you’ll have hot water again in no time.
How To Light Pilot On Water Heater.
- Locate the gas valve for your water heater
- This is usually located near the bottom of the tank
- Turn off the gas supply to the water heater by turning the knob to the “off” position
- Wait 5 minutes for the gas to dissipate from the area around the water heater
- relight the pilot light following the instructions on your water heater
How to Light a Water Heater With Electronic Pilot
If your water heater has an electronic pilot, you may be wondering how to light it. Here are some simple instructions to help you get started.
First, locate the pilot light assembly on your water heater.
There should be a small knob or button near the assembly that says “Pilot.” Press and hold this knob or button while you use a long match or lighter to ignite the pilot light. Once the pilot light is lit, release the knob or button and it will stay lit.
Now that your pilot light is lit, you can adjust the temperature of your water heater by turning the thermostat to your desired setting. Keep in mind that it may take a few minutes for hot water to reach your faucets once you’ve turned on your water heater.

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Can I Relight the Water Heater Pilot Light Myself?
If you have a gas water heater, chances are it has a pilot light. This small flame ignites the burner to heat the water in the tank. If your pilot light goes out, relighting it is usually pretty easy.
Here are some tips on how to do so:
First, locate the pilot light assembly on your water heater. It will be near the bottom of the unit, and will have a small knob or lever that says “pilot” or “light.”
Turn this knob or lever to the “off” position.
Next, use a lighter to ignite the pilot light flame. Hold the flame of the lighter next to the opening where the gas comes out, and push down on the knob or lever until gas starts coming out.
Then, release it and let go of the button on your lighter at the same time. The pilot light should stay lit if everything was done correctly.
If you have an electric water heater, there is no need to worry about a pilot light – they don’t have one!
What Happens If Water Heater Pilot Light Goes Out?
If your water heater pilot light goes out, it could be for a number of reasons. The most common reason is that the thermocouple, which is responsible for igniting the pilot light, has gone bad and needs to be replaced. Other potential causes include a clogged gas line or a faulty gas valve.
If you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, it’s best to call a plumber or HVAC technician to take a look.
How Do I Restart My Pilot Light?
Assuming you have a gas stove, the pilot light is lit by a small flame that is located next to the burner. If your pilot light goes out, it can be relit by following these steps:
1. Locate the knob for your gas stove that turns on the supply of gas to the burners.
This knob is usually located at the front of the stove. Turn this knob to the “Off” position.
2. Wait at least five minutes before relighting the pilot light.
This will allow any built-up gas to dissipate so that there is no danger of an explosion when you relight the flame.
3. Find the ignition button or switch for your stove. This may be located near the gas knob or elsewhere on the stove itself.
Press and hold this button or switch while igniting a match or lighter at the location of the pilot light flame.
4. Hold the burning match or lighter close to where you see a small blue flame coming from inside one of your burner’s tubes (this is wheregas enters). After a few seconds, you should seethe small blueflame grow larger as it lights upthe entire tube; keep holding down both buttons for another minute after this happensto make surethat allof thgas has been burned offbefore release thematchor lighterand turningon thenaturalgassupplywiththeknobyou turnedoffearlier.
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How Do I Turn on the Pilot Light on My Water Heater?
If your water heater uses gas, you’ll need to use a pilot light to ignite the flame. Here’s how to turn on the pilot light on your water heater:
1. Locate the pilot light access panel on your water heater.
This is usually located near the bottom of the unit.
2. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the panel in place.
3. Inside the panel, you’ll see a knob or switch labeled “Pilot.”
Turn this knob or switch to the “On” position.
4. Now it’s time to light the pilot light itself. Use a long match or lighter to reach inside the opening and ignite the gas coming from the pilot light tube.
Once you see a steady flame, continue holding down the knob or switch for about 60 seconds before releasing it. This will give the gas time to build up and maintain a steady flame.
Conclusion
If your water heater’s pilot light goes out, you’ll need to restart it. To do so, first locate the pilot light assembly on your water heater. Once you’ve found it, turn the knob to the “off” position and wait a few minutes before relighting the pilot light.
If you’re having trouble restarting your pilot light, consult your water heater’s manual for specific instructions.