Relight a water heater pilot the safe way
Cold shower on a Tuesday? Before you call anyone, check the pilot — carefully, and by the book.
What you need
- Flashlight
- Long lighter (older units only)
- The label on the tank
- 1
Smell before you touch anything
If you smell gas at all, stop. Leave the house, then call the gas utility from outside. No exceptions, no debate, no relighting.
- 2
Read the tank's own instructions
Every water heater has a printed sequence on the side. Follow that one, not a video for a different model.
- 3
Set the gas control to Pilot
Turn the knob to Pilot and wait five full minutes for any lingering gas to clear before you attempt ignition.
- 4
Ignite and hold
Press and hold the control while clicking the igniter. Keep holding 30 seconds after the flame catches so the thermocouple heats and holds the valve open.
- 5
Return to On and confirm the burner
Turn the knob back to On and set the thermostat to 120 degrees. Listen for the main burner and check for hot water in about 30 minutes.
Plumber's tip
Flush a few gallons from the drain valve twice a year. Utah's hard water lays down sediment that steals capacity and shortens tank life.
Stop and call us if
The pilot will not stay lit, you see rust-colored water, you hear popping from the tank, or there is any gas odor.
Call Pando Plumbing