An HVAC technician works on a gas water heater

If you have a gas water heater and no hot water, you may be wondering how to light a hot water heater. In some cases, it’s possible that your gas water heater is in perfectly fine shape, and the pilot light has simply gone out. In this blog from Haller, we’ll discuss a few steps and precautions to take when lighting a gas water heater. Let’s get started.

  1. Turn Off the Gas and Open the Pilot Light Access Door/Cover
    • First, turn off the gas to your hot water heater for about 5 minutes.
    • Then, check your owner’s manual to find the pilot light access door or cover and open it.
    • This is usually located right below the gas valve.
  2. Find the Burner Inside
    • You will want a flashlight or headlamp to identify the pilot light burner. You’ll see two small gas tubes leading to it.
  3. Turn the Gas Knob To “Pilot”
    • In some gas water heaters, this may be done using a separate button, usually colored red, which you’ll need to press and hold as you light the pilot light.
  4. Light the Pilot Light
    • Some units may have an igniter button. If this is the case, use it. This will usually create a small electrical short that ignites the pilot light.
    • If your unit does not have this, you can use a long gas grill lighter or a long grill match. Don’t try to use a short cigarette lighter or match, or you’re likely to burn yourself.
    • While holding down the pilot button or keeping the gas knob open, carefully place the flame near the pilot light.
    • Once the pilot light is fully lit, continue to hold the knob or gas valve open for at least a minute. Release it slowly, and make sure the light is still lit.
  5. Turn the Gas Back on Completely
    • Turn the gas to your gas hot water heater back on completely, and listen for the “whump” or “whoosh” sound of the main burner igniting.
    • This will be familiar if you’ve ever used a gas-powered grill or fireplace.
  6. Replace the Pilot Light Access Door or Cover
    • Close or replace the pilot light access door or cover completely. Your pilot light is fully lit – you’ve just learned how to light a hot water heater!

Got Gas Water Heater Problems? Contact Haller

A pilot light can be extinguished by natural changes in gas pressure, but if your pilot light keeps going out, this likely means there’s an issue like a bent or dirty thermocouple, a small device that detects flame outages and automatically turns the gas off when the pilot light turns off.

If your gas hot water heater is acting up, Haller is here to help. Our certified, experienced, and professional techs are ready to help out with all your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical needs. Contact us online or click here if you’re ready to schedule service.

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