Electric water heaters don't have pilot lights to light manually
An electric water heater has no pilot light at all. Instead, it uses electric heating elements — metal rods that warm up when electricity flows through them, similar to the coil in a toaster. When you turn on the thermostat or raise the temperature dial, electricity powers those elements directly. There is nothing to light, strike, or ignite.
If you arrived here from a page about pilot lights, you may have a gas water heater instead. Gas models do have a pilot light that needs lighting. Electric models skip that step entirely — they turn on and off by themselves based on the temperature you set.
Key Takeaways
- Electric water heaters use heating elements powered by electricity, not a flame, so there is no pilot light to light.
- If your water heater has a dial or digital display for temperature, it is electric and will heat water automatically once powered on.
- If your water heater has a gas burner and a pilot light assembly, you have a gas model, which requires a different lighting procedure.
- When an electric water heater stops producing hot water, the problem is usually a tripped breaker, a blown heating element, or a faulty thermostat — not an unlit pilot.
How to tell if you have an electric or gas water heater
Look at the bottom and sides of your water heater tank. An electric model will have a metal panel or access cover on the side, usually held on by one or two screws. Behind that panel is a thermostat dial and sometimes a reset button. You will not see any burner, flame, or gas line.
A gas water heater has a burner chamber at the bottom of the tank, visible from underneath or from the front. You will see a gas line running to it and a pilot light assembly — a small tube with a spark igniter or a standing pilot flame. If you see a flame or a spark electrode, you have a gas model.
What to do if your electric water heater isn't heating
If your electric water heater is not producing hot water, the issue is not a missing pilot light. Start by checking the circuit breaker. Go to your electrical panel and look for the breaker labeled for the water heater — it is usually a double-pole breaker (wider than a standard breaker). If it is in the OFF position or in the middle, flip it fully to ON.
If the breaker trips again when ready or within a few hours, the water heater has an electrical fault — usually a failed heating element or a short circuit inside the tank. This requires a professional electrician or plumber to diagnose and repair. Do not keep resetting the breaker yourself.
If the breaker stays on but the water is still cold, the thermostat dial (behind the access panel) may be set too low or may have failed. Raise the dial to a higher setting — usually between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit — and wait 30 to 60 minutes for the tank to heat. If nothing changes, the heating element itself may have burned out, which also requires professional replacement.
The reset button on an electric water heater
Some electric water heaters have a red or black reset button on the thermostat panel. This button cuts power to the heating element if the water temperature climbs dangerously high — a safety feature. If the button has popped out, press it back in once and wait for the tank to heat again.
If the reset button pops out repeatedly, the thermostat is malfunctioning and needs replacement. Pressing it over and over is a temporary fix at best and does not solve the underlying problem. A plumber can replace the thermostat or the entire heating element assembly.
Why electric water heaters are simpler than gas models
Because electric heaters have no flame, pilot light, or gas valve, they have fewer parts that can fail. You do not need to worry about a pilot blowing out, a gas line clogging, or an igniter misfiring. The trade-off is that when the heating element fails, it usually cannot be repaired — it must be replaced entirely.
Electric water heaters also take longer to heat a full tank than gas models do, and they cost more to operate in most regions because electricity is more expensive per unit of heat than natural gas. But for simplicity and safety, they are hard to beat.
When to call a professional
Call a plumber or electrician if the breaker keeps tripping, if the reset button pops out repeatedly, or if the water stays cold after you have raised the thermostat dial and waited an hour. These are signs of a failed heating element, a faulty thermostat, or an electrical problem inside the tank — all of which require professional tools and parts to fix safely.
Do not attempt to open the tank or replace internal parts yourself. Electric water heaters store high-temperature water under pressure, and the electrical components carry live current even when the breaker is off. A licensed plumber has the right equipment and knows how to drain the tank safely and test the heating elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I light the pilot on an electric water heater?
No. Electric water heaters have no pilot light. If you see a pilot light assembly on your water heater, you have a gas model, not an electric one. Check the type of heater you own before looking for a pilot to light.
What does the thermostat dial do on an electric water heater?
The dial sets the target temperature for the water inside the tank. When the water cools below that setting, the heating elements turn on automatically. When it reaches the target, they turn off. Most homes set it between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is it normal for an electric water heater to make noise?
Some popping or crackling is normal as the heating elements warm the water. Loud banging or rumbling usually means sediment has built up inside the tank and is being heated. Draining the tank once a year can reduce this noise and extend the heater's life.
How long does it take an electric water heater to heat a full tank?
Most electric water heaters take two to four hours to heat a full tank from cold. This varies based on the tank size, the wattage of the heating elements, and how much hot water you have already used. Gas heaters typically heat faster — usually 30 to 60 minutes.
What temperature should I set my electric water heater to?
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 120 degrees Fahrenheit for most homes. This balances comfort with energy savings and reduces the risk of scalding. Some people prefer 130 to 140 degrees, but higher temperatures cost more to maintain and increase burn risk.