How to Light a Pilot Light on a Hot Water Tank
If the water in your home suddenly becomes cold, the pilot light on your hot water tank may not be lit. Check the pilot light as a first step in troubleshooting a hot water tank. You can safely relight the pilot light on a hot water heater yourself by following the proper steps. There is no need to call in a professional to relight the pilot light. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Stand next to the water heater to smell for gas. If you do not smell gas, it is safe to light the pilot light. If you do smell gas, contact your gas company immediately.
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2
Turn the temperature control dial to the lowest setting. The temperature control dial is a large knob located toward the bottom of the unit, near the gas supply line. Then turn the "ON/OFF/PILOT" knob to the "PILOT" position. This knob is located just above the temperature control dial. If there are inner and outer access panels on your hot water tank, usually seen in older models, remove them before proceeding. They may simply pop off or you may need to unscrew them.
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Use your finger to press the "Pilot" button. This is located next to the control knob and is usually a red button. Some older models may not have this button. If this is the case, press down on the control knob to while it is set in the "Pilot" position to light the pilot light. Continue to hold down the pilot button or knob while proceeding.
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4
Use a long-stemmed lighter or match to ignite the pilot light. Follow the small, silver tube that extends from the gas control valve. This is the pilot supply tube where you will light the pilot light. On newer models, there is no need for a match or lighter to light the pilot light. Simply press and hold the spark generator, located beside the control knob, until it clicks. This will automatically spark the pilot light.
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Continue pressing down the pilot button for about 30 seconds after the pilot ignites. Release the pilot button slowly.
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Replace the access panels and place the control knob in the "ON" position. Set the temperature control dial to your desired temperature setting.
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