How to Relight a Water Heater: A Complete Guide to Restoring Hot Water

If you’ve suddenly run out of hot water, your gas water heater’s pilot light may have gone out. Luckily, relighting it is often an easy, do-it-yourself solution. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to safely relight your water heater, avoid common mistakes, and get your hot water flowing again.

What Is a Pilot Light and Why Does It Go Out?

The pilot light on a gas water heater is a small flame that ignites the gas burner, which heats your water. It can go out for several reasons, such as any of these:

• A draft blowing it out.

• A thermocouple malfunction.

• Issues with the gas supply.

Understanding the basics of how your water heater works will help you relight it and prevent future issues.

Safety Tips Before Relighting Your Water Heater

Safety should always come first when working with gas appliances. Follow these precautions before attempting to relight your water heater:

1. Check for Gas Leaks: If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and call your gas provider or a professional plumber. Do not light matches or use electrical devices in the area.

2. Turn Off the Gas: Locate the gas control valve on your water heater and turn it to the “Off” position. Wait at least five minutes for any residual gas to dissipate.

3. Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions: If you have the owner’s manual, refer to the specific relighting instructions for your water heater model.

Tools You May Need

To relight your water heater, you may need these tools:

• A flashlight to see inside the pilot light assembly.

• A long-reach lighter or matches for manual ignition.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Relighting a Water Heater

Follow these steps to safely relight your water heater.

1. Locate the Pilot Light Assembly

Find the pilot light assembly near the base of your water heater. It’s typically behind a small access panel. This area contains the pilot light, the thermocouple, and the burner.

2. Identify the Gas Control Knob

The gas control knob is usually located on the front of the water heater. It will have settings like “Off,” “Pilot,” and “On.” Turn the knob to the “Pilot” position.

3. Press and Hold the Gas Control Knob

Hold the gas control knob down to start the flow of gas to the pilot light.

4. Light the Pilot Flame

• For Water Heaters with an Igniter: Press the igniter button while holding the gas control knob. You may need to press it several times to light the pilot.

• For Manual Ignition: Use a long-reach lighter or match to ignite the pilot flame while holding the gas control knob.

5. Hold the Knob for 30-60 Seconds

Once the pilot light is lit, continue holding the gas control knob for 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and ensure the flame stays lit.

6. Check the Pilot Light

Slowly release the gas control knob. If the pilot light goes out, repeat the process, making sure you hold the knob long enough.

7. Turn the Knob to “On”

After confirming the pilot light is stable, turn the gas control knob to the “On” position. This will allow the burner to ignite when the water heater calls for heat.

8. Replace the Access Panel

If you removed an access panel to reach the pilot light, securely replace it before leaving the area.

9. Test Your Water Heater

Turn on a hot water faucet and wait a few minutes to ensure the water heater is functioning correctly. You should hear the burner ignite, and hot water should return shortly.

What If the Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit?

If your pilot light won’t stay lit after several attempts, there may be an underlying issue, such as any of these:

• A faulty thermocouple.

• A problem with the gas valve.

• A clogged pilot tube.

In these cases, it’s best to contact a licensed plumber to inspect and repair your water heater.

Tips to Prevent Future Pilot Light Issues

1. Schedule Regular Maintenance: Have your water heater inspected annually to ensure it’s running safely and efficiently.

2. Keep the Area Clear: Avoid storing items near your water heater to reduce fire risks and improve ventilation.

3. Protect Against Drafts: If drafts are a recurring issue, consider installing a draft shield or repositioning your water heater.

Final Thoughts

Relighting your water heater is a straightforward process that can be done with a bit of patience and attention to detail. Understanding how your water heater works and following the steps carefully can help you avoid future issues.

If the pilot light keeps going out or if you’re unsure about any part of the process, it’s a good idea to contact a professional. Regular maintenance and early attention to problems can extend the life of your water heater and ensure you always have hot water when you need it.