How To Relight The Pilot On Your Water Heater?

Before your gas water heater can begin heating again, you must relight the pilot light if the gas has been shut off for any reason. The purpose of the pilot light in gas water heaters is to ignite the gas entering the unit so that it may burn and heat the water. The water heater won't function if the pilot isn't lit because the gas can't ignite. Here's all the information you need to relight the pilot, which is normally a pretty easy procedure to complete. In this article, we discuss about how to relight the pilot on your water heater?

Determining the Pilot Light Type

​Finding out what kind of ignition system your water heater has is the first step. All water heaters used to have what is referred to as a standing pilot light. This is the only kind of pilot light that ever needs to be relit; it is a little flame that burns continuously to allow the gas to be ignited whenever needed.

The word automatic or intermittent pilot light is found on a large number of contemporary water heaters. An intermittent pilot lights only when the unit needs to burn gas, as opposed to having a steady flame. The pilot automatically activates when the unit needs to heat up and turns off again when the heating cycle is over. Consequently, intermittent pilots never require relighting because they are not always on.

Some water heaters also use a direct spark ignition system. Instead of igniting a pilot light, the unit uses a small spark to ignite the gas right at the burner. This is similar to the spark ignition system on most propane barbecue grills except that the spark happens automatically.

Hot Surface Ignition Method

​Hot-surface ignition is another method used by some water heaters. This ignition mechanism uses a tiny metal probe that resembles a lightbulb filament in place of a spark or flame. Electricity enters the probe when the water heater needs to run a heating cycle, nearly instantaneously turning it red hot. The gas valve opens when the probe reaches a temperature of 100°C, igniting the gas.

Ignition Mechanism of Water Heater Pilot Light

​Consult your owner's handbook if you're unsure about the kind of pilot light or ignition mechanism your water heater employs. When your device is operating, you can also determine this by glancing at it. You don't need to worry about relighting your water heater if there isn't a steady flame to indicate that it has a pilot light that isn't a standing one.

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Location of Pilot Light

Finding the gas knob and pilot light should be your first task. This can occasionally be found inside an access panel, but it can also occasionally be visible outside close to the unit's bottom. When you locate the pilot, open it up and observe a tiny tube that exits the gas valve. The gas supply for maintaining the pilot light's flame is provided by this pilot tube.

​In addition, a little metal probe will be visible next to the pilot tube. The safety sensor that determines whether the pilot light is on is called a thermocouple. The thermocouple will immediately cut off the gas supply to prevent gas leakage and possible explosion if it detects that the pilot light is not burning.

Near the gas knob on the majority of water heaters is an electric igniter button. This button, when pressed, releases a spark that ignites the pilot light. To ignite the pilot, use a match or stick lighter if your unit lacks an igniter button or if the igniter isn't sparking.

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Relighting the Standing Pilot Light in your Water Heater

While the steps involved in relighting a pilot light may differ slightly throughout water heaters, the fundamentals should always remain the same. Your owner's manual should contain comprehensive instructions if you are unsure. The instructions are typically written on the water heater itself somewhere. The instructions are usually located someplace on the tank, although they are typically on the inside of the access door where the pilot is located.

​Turn the gas knob to off and give the device about five minutes to settle before attempting to relight the pilot light. In addition to ensuring that there is no more gas in the line, this aids in cooling the thermocouple. Next, move the knob to the "pilot" position. You shouldn't worry because there won't be any gas leakage yet.

​After the knob is in the pilot position, fully depress and keep the knob down. Press the ignite button several times with your other hand until the pilot light comes on. To manually light it in the absence of an igniter button, insert a match or lighter into the pilot hole. Hold the gas knob down for about 30 seconds after lighting the pilot. When you let off of the knob, the pilot should continue to glow and the knob should rise to its starting position. Proceed with step one again if the pilot will not stay lighted.

Turn the gas knob to the ON position after lighting the pilot. After that, you can adjust the thermostat once more to the appropriate setting.

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​Reasons Pilot Light Not Staying on

If your pilot light won't remain on, there may be a malfunction with the device. A thermocouple problem is the most frequent cause of this phenomenon. The thermocouple may not be able to detect that the pilot light is burning if it becomes dirty. Consequently, the pilot light will extinguish instantaneously and the thermocouple will cut off the gas supply. Usually, this issue can be resolved by lightly cleaning the thermocouple with a tiny piece of fine sandpaper to remove any dirt or debris. The thermocouple will need to be replaced if it is bent or otherwise damaged, so proceed with extra caution.

If this resolves the problem, there's a chance the thermocouple is broken or malfunctioning. Replacing it is the only way to fix this problem. Even while you might be able to do this yourself, it's usually preferable to leave it to the experts.​

Something obstructing the pilot gas line could potentially be the reason your pilot light won't remain lit. Use a tiny needle to try to clear any debris out of the tube to determine whether this is the problem.

It is probably time to get some expert assistance if your pilot still won't stay lit. It is most often the case that a replacement of the control valve or thermocouple is required due to malfunction.

With years of experience working on various types of water heaters, AC Repair Burke can typically solve most issues. We may also assist with installing a new water heater in your home if the problem cannot be resolved. For over 18 years, we have been offering Virginia area top-notch HVAC Contractor services. Our team of HVAC specialists can also handle any heating or air conditioning requirements. Please give us a call now if you're experiencing problems getting your pilot light to ignite or stay lit. We'll be happy to assist you.

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Frequently Asked Questions - (FAQ's)

Is it safe to relight water heater pilot?

​A pilot light going out once in a while is quite common because of typical variations in gas pressure. But after you relit it, it ought to work properly once more for a considerable amount of time.

How do you relight the pilot light on a heater?

​To allow gas to flow to the pilot, turn the knob to "Pilot." After lighting a match or lighter, press the reset button. Hold your flame against the opening of the pilot light. Until the pilot light burns persistently, keep the reset switch down.

Can you manually light a water heater with electronic pilot?

​To light the gas, they use an electrical ignition device. Never try to manually start an electrical ignition system by hand. If there is no pilot light glowing, then: Try to relight the pilot light by adhering to the directions on your water heater.

How do you manually light a pilot light?

​To reset, press and hold the button. Light the lighter if the reset button doesn't work. When the pilot light valve ignites, hold down the reset button and touch it with a long match or grill lighter. Turn the valve to the "on" position as soon as the pilot light continues to burn.