How to Light the Pilot Light on a Hot Water Heater
Gas water heaters can be fueled by natural gas or propane and require a pilot light for correct operation. The gas burner in the base of the water heater is thermostatically controlled and only lights when the water in the tank needs to be brought up to the temperature dialed in on the thermostat. This is where the pilot light comes in. The pilot light's small flame stands at the ready to light the gas burner as needed. If your gas is turned off for any reason, you will have to relight the pilot light in your water heater. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Turn the temperature adjustment knob near the bottom of the hot water tank to the lowest setting.
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Rotate the pilot control knob to the "pilot" setting.
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Remove the burner access panel at the base of the water heater by taking out the holding screws with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Remove the inner access panel (if equipped) by lifting it up slightly by hand and maneuvering it out of the burner cavity.
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Press down and hold the pilot control knob (or a pilot button if equipped). Locate the pilot supply tube that comes out of the gas control valve and follow to where it terminates in the burner cavity. Light the pilot supply tube with a long match or a butane fireplace lighter.
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Continue to hold the pilot control knob (or pilot button) down for 30 seconds. Release the control knob or button gradually.
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Push the control knob or button back down and relight the pilot light if it does not stay lit. Hold the control knob or button down for up to two minutes to bleed air from the gas line if the gas has been turned off for a period of time. Release the control knob or button gradually.
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Replace the inner (if equipped) and outer access panels and reinstall the screws. Turn the control knob to the "on" position and set the temperature control to your desired setting.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have a newer water heater, it may have a spark igniter for the pilot light. The steps for lighting this type of pilot are the same as above except that there are no access panels to remove. When you are ready to light the pilot, press the igniter button instead of lighting it with a match. Verify that the pilot is lit by looking into the observation glass.
If you smell gas, do not attempt to light your pilot light. Turn the control knob on your water heater to "off" and call your gas company.
Always replace the burner access panels before turning the control knob back on after lighting the pilot light. You could be burned if the flame comes out of the opening when the burner lights up.
