At Plus Plumbing, we understand that losing hot water can be frustrating, especially when the issue is as simple as the pilot light going out on your gas hot water tank. Luckily, reigniting the pilot light is a task that many homeowners can handle themselves with proper guidance.

This detailed article will take you step-by-step through the process of safely lighting the pilot light on a gas hot water heater. We’ll cover the tools you need, safety precautions, and troubleshooting tips, all in simple, easy-to-follow language.

Understanding the Pilot Light

The pilot light on your gas hot water heater is a small flame that ignites the main burner when the water needs heating. The flame is fed by a steady stream of gas controlled by a gas control knob and a thermostat. If the gas pilot light goes out, your gas water heater will stop producing hot water because the burner cannot ignite.

In most cases, a pilot light goes out due to a fluctuation in gas pressure, debris blocking the pilot, or a faulty thermocouple. Whatever the reason, it’s essential to know how to relight it safely to restore your hot water supply.

Safety First

Before attempting to light the pilot light, there are several safety steps to take to ensure you avoid accidents:

• Turn off the gas supply: Locate the gas shutoff valve on the water heater and turn it off. This will prevent any gas from building up while you work on the pilot light.
• Ventilate the area: Open windows or doors around the water heater to let fresh air circulate. Gas fumes can build up if the pilot light is not functioning correctly.
• Check for gas leaks: Before proceeding, ensure there is no smell of gas in the area near the gas water heater pilot light. If you detect a strong odour of gas, stop and call a professional immediately.

At Plus Plumbing, we always emphasise safety when dealing with gas appliances. If you’re ever in doubt, contact us for professional assistance.

Tools You’ll Need

To relight the pilot light on your gas water heater, you’ll need the following tools:

• A long-nose lighter or long matches can be used to light a pilot light.
• A flashlight or headlamp
• Safety glasses (optional but recommended)

Having the right tools ensures that the process is both safe and efficient.

Step-by-Step Guide to Lighting the Pilot Light

Here’s a detailed guide to lighting the pilot light on your gas hot water tank.

Step 1: Turn Off the Gas Supply

Locate the gas control valve on the water heater, usually positioned near the bottom of the unit. Turn the gas valve to the “Off” position. This ensures no gas is flowing into the system while you’re working on it. Wait for at least 5 minutes to allow any residual gas to dissipate before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Access the Pilot Light Assembly

Remove the access panel or cover located at the bottom of the water heater. Use your flashlight to locate the pilot light and the burner assembly. You will see two small gas tubes leading to the burner area.

Step 3: Turn the Gas Valve to ‘Pilot’

Once you’ve accessed the pilot light, turn the gas control valve to the “Pilot” setting. This position allows a small amount of gas to flow into the pilot light assembly without turning on the main burner.

Step 4: Press and Hold the Pilot Button

While holding the gas valve in the “Pilot” position, press down the pilot button or lever. This button releases gas to the gas pilot light. Hold it down for 30 seconds to let the gas flow.

Step 5: Light the Pilot

Using your long-nose lighter or match, ignite the pilot light by holding the flame close to the pilot tube. Continue to hold the pilot button for an additional 30 to 60 seconds after the flame has ignited. This allows the thermocouple (a safety device that detects the flame) to heat up and confirm that the gas hot water pilot light is lit.

Step 6: Check the Pilot Flame

Once the gas pilot light is lit, release the pilot button. Check to see if the pilot flame remains lit. You should see a small, steady blue flame from the gas hot water system. If the flame goes out, repeat the process, holding the pilot button for a longer period.

Step 7: Turn the Gas Valve On

After confirming that the pilot light is stable, turn the gas control valve to the “On” position. You may hear a “whooshing” sound as the main burner ignites. Replace the access panel to protect the gas pilot light assembly from drafts.

Step 8: Check for Leaks

After relighting the pilot, it’s a good idea to check for gas leaks around the control valve and gas lines. You can do this by applying a soapy water solution to the connections. If you see bubbles forming, there may be a gas leak, and you should immediately turn off the gas supply and call Plus Plumbing for assistance.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Sometimes, despite following the steps carefully, the pilot light may not stay lit. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

1. Dirty Pilot Tube

Dirt and debris can accumulate in the pilot tube, preventing gas from flowing properly to the pilot light. If this happens, you can clean the tube with a soft brush or compressed air. Always turn off the gas supply before attempting any cleaning of the gas control knob.

2. Faulty Thermocouple

The thermocouple is a safety device that senses whether the pilot light is on. If the thermocouple is bent or dirty, it won’t detect the flame and will shut off the gas supply. If this is the issue, the thermocouple may need adjustment or replacement. This is best left to a professional, so contact Plus Plumbing if you suspect a faulty thermocouple.

3. Gas Pressure Issues

Changes in gas pressure can cause the pilot light to go out. If you experience this issue frequently, you may need to have your gas supply checked by a professional.

Regular Maintenance for Your Gas Hot Water Heater

Performing regular maintenance on your hot water system can prevent future problems with the pilot light. Here are a few tips for maintaining your system:

• Inspect the pilot light: Check the pilot light regularly to ensure it is burning steadily. A weak or flickering flame may indicate an issue that needs attention.
• Flush the tank: Over time, sediment can build up at the bottom of the tank, affecting the efficiency of your water heater. Flushing the tank annually can prevent this.
• Check the thermocouple: Make sure the thermocouple is clean and properly aligned with the pilot flame.

At Plus Plumbing, we recommend scheduling regular maintenance to keep your system running efficiently and extend its lifespan.

Conclusion

Relighting the pilot light on your gas hot water tank can seem like a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and safety precautions, it is something that many homeowners can do themselves. Following these steps will help you safely and effectively relight your pilot light, ensuring that your hot water is restored quickly.

However, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable with any part of the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to Plus Plumbing. We’re here to help with all your gas water heater needs, whether it’s relighting a pilot light or performing regular maintenance. Remember, your safety is always the top priority!