The Basic Steps to Light Your Bradford White Pilot
To light a Bradford White water heater pilot, you turn the gas control knob to the Pilot position, hold down the ignition button while holding a lit match or lighter to the pilot burner opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the knob to the On position. The whole process takes about two minutes if the gas is flowing and the igniter works.
Bradford White heaters have the gas control knob mounted on the lower front of the tank, usually labeled with settings for Off, Pilot, and On. The pilot burner itself is a small opening just below or beside the knob, often with a thin metal tube running to it. You will see a small ignition button next to or on the knob — this is what you press to create a spark.
If you smell gas before you start, turn the knob to Off, open windows, and wait 15 minutes before trying again. Gas smell means either the pilot is not lighting or gas is leaking from the line. Do not use matches or lighters if you smell gas — call a technician instead.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the gas control knob to Pilot, press the ignition button, and hold a flame to the pilot opening for 30 to 60 seconds while keeping the button down.
- Once the pilot flame is steady, release the button and turn the knob to On within a few seconds, or the pilot will go out.
- If the pilot does not light after three attempts, wait five minutes for gas to clear before trying again.
- A working pilot flame is blue with a small yellow tip and should be about half an inch tall.
- If you smell gas or the pilot will not stay lit after multiple tries, stop and contact a licensed technician.
Locating the Pilot Burner and Controls on Your Tank
On most Bradford White models, the gas control knob is a round dial on the front lower section of the tank, usually within 12 inches of the ground. The knob has three positions marked: Off, Pilot, and On. Just below or beside this knob is a small red or black button — this is the ignition button you will press.
The pilot burner opening is a small hole or tube opening located near the gas control knob, often with a thin copper or steel tube running to it. You may need to crouch or use a flashlight to see it clearly. Some models have a small viewing window so you can see the flame without reaching into the tank area.
If your Bradford White is an older model, the controls may be positioned slightly differently, but the knob and button will still be on the front lower section. Check your owner's manual if you cannot locate them — the manual usually has a diagram showing the exact position.
Preparing to Light: Safety and Gas Flow
Before you touch the knob, make sure the area around the water heater is clear of clutter and that you have good access to the pilot opening. Turn off any ceiling fans or open windows that might blow out a small flame. Have your lighter or long matches ready — you want to light the pilot quickly once you turn the knob.
Turn the gas control knob all the way to Off and wait 30 seconds. This clears any stale gas from the line. Then turn the knob to the Pilot position. You should hear a faint hissing sound, which means gas is flowing to the pilot burner. If you hear nothing, the gas supply may be shut off at the tank or at the meter — check that the main gas valve is in the open position (handle parallel to the pipe, not perpendicular).
Do not skip the 30-second wait. If you go straight from Off to Pilot without pausing, you may have too much gas at the burner, which can cause a small pop or flame surge when you light it.
Lighting the Pilot Flame Step by Step
Once the knob is on Pilot and you hear gas flowing, hold a lit match or lighter flame near the pilot burner opening. At the same time, press and hold the ignition button. Keep both the flame and the button in place for 30 to 60 seconds. You should see a small blue flame appear at the pilot opening.
The moment the flame appears, keep holding the ignition button for another 30 seconds. This allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device near the pilot) to warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release the button too soon, the pilot will go out when ready.
After 30 to 60 seconds of holding the button, slowly release it while watching the pilot flame. If the flame stays lit and burns steady, turn the gas control knob to On. Do this within a few seconds — if you wait too long, the pilot may go out. Once the knob is on On, the main burner should ignite within a few seconds, and you will hear a louder flame roaring inside the tank.
What a Healthy Pilot Flame Looks Like
A working pilot flame on a Bradford White is blue with a small yellow or orange tip, about half an inch tall. The flame should be steady and not flicker or dance. If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, the burner may need cleaning, but it will usually still work.
If the flame is very small, barely visible, or white, the gas pressure may be too low or the burner opening may be partially blocked. A flame that is too small will not heat the thermocouple enough to keep the gas valve open, so the pilot will go out as soon as you release the button.
Once the main burner is on, you should hear a steady roaring sound and feel heat coming from the tank. The water heater will now begin heating water. If the main burner does not ignite after the knob is turned to On, turn the knob back to Off and wait five minutes before trying the whole process again.
Troubleshooting When the Pilot Will Not Light
If the pilot does not light after your first attempt, turn the knob to Off and wait five minutes. This clears any excess gas from the burner area. Then repeat the process. Do not try more than three times in a row — if it does not light by the third attempt, stop and wait at least five minutes before trying again.
If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the ignition button, the thermocouple is not getting hot enough. This usually means the flame is too small or the thermocouple is dirty. Try lighting it again and holding the button for the full 60 seconds instead of 30. If it still goes out, the thermocouple may need replacement — this is a job for a technician.
If you smell gas but see no flame, turn the knob to Off when ready and do not try again. Gas is flowing but not igniting, which means either the igniter is broken or there is a gas leak. Open windows and call a licensed technician. Do not use matches or lighters near the tank if you smell gas without seeing a flame.
When to Call a Technician Instead
Stop trying to light the pilot yourself if you smell gas for more than a few seconds, if the pilot lights but the main burner does not ignite after the knob is turned to On, or if the pilot goes out repeatedly even after you hold the button for the full time. These are signs of a thermocouple failure, a gas valve problem, or a leak — all of which require professional repair.
If your Bradford White is more than 10 years old and the pilot will not stay lit, the thermocouple is likely worn out. Replacement is inexpensive and usually takes less than an hour, but it requires opening the tank and handling the gas line, so hire a technician licensed in your state.
Bradford White offers a warranty on parts depending on the age and model of your heater. If your tank is still under warranty, contact Bradford White customer service or your installer before paying for a repair — they may cover the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the ignition button down?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. The longer hold allows the thermocouple to heat up fully. If you release too soon, the pilot will go out. If you hold it for two minutes or more, you are wasting time, but it will not hurt anything.
What if I cannot see the pilot flame even though I hear gas?
The pilot opening may be blocked by dust or debris. Turn the knob to Off, wait five minutes, and try again. If you still cannot see a flame after three attempts, the burner opening may need cleaning or the igniter may be broken. Contact a technician.
Can I use an electric lighter instead of matches?
Yes. Electric lighters work well for pilot lights because they produce a steady flame and are easier to hold near the burner opening. Avoid spray lighters — they can blow out too easily in the confined space near the tank.
Is it normal for the pilot to go out after I turn the knob to On?
No. Once the knob is on On, the pilot should stay lit and the main burner should ignite. If the pilot goes out when you turn the knob, the thermocouple is not signaling the gas valve to stay open. Wait five minutes and try the whole process again, holding the button longer this time.
How often do I need to relight the pilot?
Under normal conditions, the pilot should stay lit continuously. If you have to relight it more than once a month, something is wrong — either the thermocouple is failing, the gas pressure is too low, or there is a draft blowing out the flame. Have a technician inspect the heater.