Heat up your home: how to light a water heater with a gas pilot (for beginners)

If you’re experiencing cold showers or a lack of hot water, it’s likely that your gas water heater needs to be relit. Lighting a water heater with a gas pilot can seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process that you can easily master with the right instructions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step walkthrough on how to light water heater with gas pilot, ensuring you have a reliable source of hot water in no time.

Safety Precautions

Before you begin, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Follow these precautions:

• Shut off the gas supply to the water heater.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves.
• Have a flashlight or lighter nearby.
• Keep children and pets away from the work area.

Tools and Materials

• Flashlight or lighter
• Screwdriver (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Locate the Gas Control Valve

Find the gas control valve on the side or bottom of your water heater. It will typically have a knob or lever.

2. Turn Off the Gas Supply

Turn the gas control valve to the “off” position. This will shut off the gas supply to the water heater.

3. Remove the Access Panel

Locate the access panel on the front of the water heater. It may be held in place by screws or clips. Remove the panel to access the gas pilot assembly.

4. Find the Pilot Light Assembly

Inside the access panel, you will find the pilot light assembly. It consists of a metal tube with a burner and a small flame.

5. Press the Reset Button (If Applicable)

Some water heaters have a reset button on the gas control valve. If your water heater has one, press and hold it for 30 seconds. This will reset the gas valve and prepare it for lighting.

6. Open the Gas Supply

Slowly turn the gas control valve to the “on” position. You should hear a slight hissing sound as the gas flows into the pilot light assembly.

7. Light the Pilot Light

Using a flashlight or lighter, carefully ignite the pilot light. Hold the flame near the burner until the pilot light ignites.

8. Hold the Pilot Light Button

Once the pilot light is lit, hold the pilot light button on the gas control valve for 30-60 seconds. This will keep the gas flowing to the pilot light and prevent it from extinguishing.

9. Release the Pilot Light Button

After holding the button for 30-60 seconds, slowly release it. The pilot light should remain lit. If it goes out, repeat steps 6-8.

10. Replace the Access Panel

Once the pilot light is lit and stable, replace the access panel. Secure it with screws or clips.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while lighting your water heater, try the following troubleshooting tips:

• Pilot light won’t stay lit: Check if the thermocouple is properly positioned. It should be in contact with the pilot light flame.
• No gas flow: Ensure that the gas supply is turned on and that the gas line is not blocked.
• Pilot light keeps going out: Clean the pilot light assembly and burner. Dirt or debris can obstruct the gas flow.

Additional Tips

• If your water heater has a standing pilot light, it will remain lit at all times. However, if you have an intermittent pilot light, it will only ignite when hot water is needed.
• If you smell gas after lighting the pilot light, shut off the gas supply immediately and call a qualified technician.
• For safety, it’s recommended to have your water heater inspected and serviced by a professional annually.

Final Thoughts: Lighting Your Water Heater with Confidence

By following these detailed instructions, you can now confidently light your gas water heater with a gas pilot. Remember, safety is paramount, so always prioritize precautions and seek professional assistance if needed. With a properly lit water heater, you can enjoy a reliable supply of hot water for all your household needs.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I light my water heater with a match?

A: Yes, you can use a match to light the pilot light. However, it’s important to hold the match close to the burner and ensure that the pilot light ignites before releasing the match.

Q: How long should I hold the pilot light button?

A: Hold the pilot light button for 30-60 seconds. This will allow the gas to flow to the pilot light and prevent it from extinguishing.

Q: What should I do if the pilot light keeps going out?

A: If the pilot light keeps going out, clean the pilot light assembly and burner. Dirt or debris can obstruct the gas flow. You can also check if the thermocouple is properly positioned. It should be in contact with the pilot light flame.