How to Light the Pilot Light

Before You Start

Do not attempt to relight the pilot if:

• You smell gas strongly
• You hear hissing near the unit
• The area feels unusually warm
• You’ve already tried and failed multiple times

If you smell gas, leave immediately. Don’t flip switches, don’t light anything. Call your gas utility or call us from outside.

If everything smells normal and the area is ventilated, proceed.

How It Works

The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the main burner when hot water is needed. The gas control valve has three positions:

• OFF — No gas flows
• PILOT — Gas flows to the pilot only (when you press the knob)
• ON — Normal operation

When you hold the knob down in PILOT mode, you’re manually allowing gas to flow. Once the thermocouple senses heat from the flame, it signals the valve to stay open.

1. Turn to OFF and Wait

Rotate the control knob to OFF and wait 2-3 minutes. This lets any residual gas clear from the combustion chamber. Skipping this step is how you lose your eyebrows.

2. Set to PILOT

Turn the knob to PILOT. Check the label on your water heater—if the instructions there differ from this guide, follow those.

3. Press and Hold the Knob

Push the knob all the way in and hold it. This opens gas flow to the pilot. If it’s quiet, you might hear a faint hiss.

4. Access the Pilot

Remove the combustion chamber cover at the bottom of the water heater. It’s usually held by clips or a few screws. Set it aside. Be careful—internal components may still be hot.

5. Light It

While holding the knob down:

• Use a long lighter or match
• Insert the flame through the access opening
• Light the pilot at the tip of the supply tube

You should see a steady blue flame. Yellow or flickering means something’s off.

6. Keep Holding (30-60 Seconds)

Don’t release the knob yet. The thermocouple needs time to heat up and generate enough current to keep the gas valve open. Count to 60 to be safe.

7. Release and Check

Slowly release the knob.

• Pilot stays lit — You’re good. Move to step 8.
• Pilot goes out — Wait a few minutes and try again.

If it won’t stay lit after 2-3 attempts, stop. The thermocouple or gas valve may need attention. Give us a call.

8. Turn to ON

Turn the control knob to ON. Replace the access panel. Your water heater should now heat water normally.

What Success Looks Like

• Steady blue pilot flame
• Main burner ignites when you use hot water
• No gas smell
• Quiet operation

If anything seems off, trust your instincts and shut it down.

Why Pilots Won’t Stay Lit

Common causes:

• Failing thermocouple — Most common, cheap to replace
• Dust or debris in the pilot assembly
• Drafts blowing out the flame
• Faulty gas control valve

All fixable. None require forcing parts to work.

When to Call Us

Stop and call us if:

• The pilot won’t stay lit after multiple attempts
• You smell gas at any point
• The flame looks yellow, lazy, or uneven
• You feel unsure at any step

We’d rather check it out than have you dealing with something unsafe.