How do I light the pilot on my water heater?
The pilot light is the source of warmth and energy in your gas water heater. To safely light the pilot on your water heater, follow these ten simple steps or check the owner’s manual.
If you have an older gas water heater, it may have a pilot light. To light the pilot light, you’ll want to:
- Turn the gas cock knob clockwise to the “off” position.
- Turn the temperature dial counterclockwise to the lowest setting.
- Wait 5 minutes to clear out any gas. If you smell gas DO NOT continue.
- Remove the outer door from the water heater. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE INNER DOOR.
- Locate ignitor striker. It should be directly to the right of the gas control.
- Turn the gas cock knob counterclockwise to the “pilot” position.
- Push down on the red button until it comes to rest on the top control.
- Hold the red button down and press the ignitor striker several times until the pilot is lit. There should be a small glass window showing the flame.
- Continue to hold the red button for about 1 minute after the pilot light is lit.
- Release the red button and it will pop back up.
You can always check the owner’s manual or side of the tank for instructions on how to properly relight it.
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How do I light the pilot on my water heater? IN VANCOUVER WA AND PORTLAND OR
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