How to Relight a Water Heater

Before relighting your water heater, make sure to turn off the gas and ventilate the area well. Identify if your heater uses a pilot light or electronic ignition. To relight, turn the gas knob to “Off,” wait five minutes, then switch to “Pilot” while igniting the flame with a long lighter. Hold the knob for 30 seconds before setting it to “On.” If it won’t light or stays out, there are key troubleshooting steps and safety tips to explore further.

Safety Precautions Before Relighting Your Water Heater

Before you relight your water heater, make sure you’ve turned off the gas supply and waited long enough for any lingering gas to dissipate. This step is crucial to prevent accidental ignition, which could cause a dangerous flare-up.

Next, open a window or door to ventilate the area thoroughly. You want fresh air circulating to clear out any residual gas fumes. Avoid smoking or using open flames near the heater while you work.

Also, check for any signs of damage, like rust, dents, or unusual smells, which might indicate a bigger problem.

Wearing gloves and safety glasses can protect you from unexpected sparks or debris. Taking these precautions ensures you’re keeping yourself and your home safe before proceeding with relighting.

Identifying Your Water Heater Type

Since water heaters come in different types, identifying yours correctly helps ensure you follow the right steps to relight it safely.

First, check if your water heater is gas or electric. Gas water heaters usually have a vent or flue pipe on top, while electric models lack this feature.

Next, look for the pilot light assembly, which only gas models have. Some gas heaters feature an electronic ignition instead of a pilot light.

Also, note whether your water heater is tank-style or tankless; tankless units are smaller and mounted on walls.

You’ll often find a label or plate on the side indicating the model and type.

Knowing these details prevents mistakes and ensures you handle your specific water heater properly when relighting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Relighting a Pilot Light

Now that you’ve identified your water heater type, you can focus on relighting the pilot light if your unit has one. First, turn the gas control knob to the “Off” position and wait five minutes to clear any lingering gas.

Next, locate the pilot light assembly, usually near the bottom. Turn the knob to “Pilot” and press it down to start the gas flow. While holding the knob, use a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot.

Keep holding the knob for about 30 seconds after the pilot lights, then slowly release it. If the pilot stays lit, turn the knob to the “On” position.

Finally, replace any access panels and monitor the heater to ensure it operates correctly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Relighting

If your pilot light won’t stay lit or the burner won’t ignite, you’re likely facing common issues that can be fixed without calling a professional. First, check the thermocouple—it might be dirty or misaligned. Clean it gently with fine sandpaper and ensure it’s positioned correctly near the pilot flame.

Next, inspect the gas supply valve to confirm it’s fully open. If you smell gas, turn off the supply immediately and ventilate the area before proceeding.

Sometimes, air trapped in the gas line can prevent ignition; try turning the gas off and on again to clear it.

Also, make sure the pilot orifice isn’t clogged—use a small needle to clear debris carefully.

These steps usually solve ignition problems and get your heater running smoothly.

When to Call a Professional for Help

While many pilot light and ignition issues can be resolved with some basic troubleshooting, certain situations require professional expertise.

If you smell gas, immediately turn off the gas supply and call a professional—never attempt to relight the heater yourself.

Also, if your pilot light won’t stay lit despite multiple tries, or if you notice unusual noises, leaks, or corrosion around the unit, it’s time to get expert help.

Faulty thermocouples, gas valve problems, or venting issues can pose serious safety risks and need specialized tools and knowledge.

When in doubt, don’t risk your safety or cause further damage. Calling a licensed plumber or technician ensures your water heater gets repaired correctly and safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Relight My Water Heater Pilot Light?

You should only relight your water heater pilot light when it goes out. If it keeps going out frequently, you should get it checked. Otherwise, it’s not a routine task you need to do regularly.

Can Relighting the Pilot Light Improve Water Heater Efficiency?

Relighting the pilot light itself won’t improve your water heater’s efficiency, but keeping it lit ensures your heater runs properly. If the pilot light goes out often, you should check for issues affecting performance.

What Tools Do I Need to Relight a Water Heater Pilot?

You’ll need a long lighter or match, a screwdriver to access the pilot, and possibly pliers. Make sure you have a flashlight handy for visibility and always follow safety precautions while working with gas appliances.

Is It Safe to Relight a Water Heater After a Gas Leak?

You shouldn’t relight a water heater after a gas leak until a professional inspects it. Gas leaks are dangerous, and trying to relight it yourself could cause fire or explosion. Always prioritize safety and call an expert.

How Long Does the Pilot Light Typically Stay Lit After Relighting?

The pilot light typically stays lit indefinitely once you relight it, as long as the thermocouple works properly and there’s no gas interruption. If it keeps going out, you’ll need to check or replace parts.

Conclusion

Relighting your water heater can be straightforward if you follow safety precautions and understand your heater type. By carefully following the step-by-step guide, you can usually get your pilot light burning again quickly. If you run into issues or feel unsure at any point, don’t hesitate to troubleshoot common problems or call a professional. Staying safe and knowing when to seek help ensures your water heater works efficiently and keeps your home comfortable.