Electric water heaters don't have pilot lights to light manually
An electric water heater has no pilot light. Unlike gas water heaters, which use a small flame to ignite the main burner, electric models heat water with electric resistance elements inside the tank. There is nothing to light, and nothing that can go out. If your electric water heater is not producing hot water, the problem is not a dead pilot—it is something else entirely.
If you arrived here looking for how to relight a pilot, you likely have a gas water heater, not an electric one. The two types look different and work in completely different ways. Checking which type you own takes 30 seconds and will point you toward the real solution.
Key Takeaways
- Electric water heaters use electric heating elements, not gas flames, so there is no pilot light to light or relight.
- If your electric water heater is not heating water, the problem is usually a tripped breaker, a blown heating element, or a faulty thermostat—not a dead pilot.
- You can tell whether you have an electric or gas water heater by looking for a gas line connection and a vent pipe running to the roof or outside.
- Resetting a tripped breaker is safe to do yourself; replacing a heating element or thermostat requires a licensed plumber or electrician.
How to tell if you have an electric or gas water heater
Look at the bottom and sides of your water heater. A gas water heater has a metal pipe running from the bottom (the burner) down to a gas line connection, and a vent pipe running up and out through the roof or an exterior wall. You may also smell natural gas or see a small window where a blue flame is visible.
An electric water heater has no gas line and no vent pipe. Instead, you will see thick electrical wires or a conduit running into the top or side of the tank, connected to a breaker in your electrical panel. The tank itself is smooth on the bottom with no burner assembly underneath.
If you are still unsure, check your utility bill or the paperwork from your home inspection. Your bill will list whether you are charged for natural gas service. If you have no gas service at all, you have an electric water heater.
Why your electric water heater is not producing hot water
When an electric water heater stops heating, the cause is almost always one of three things: a tripped circuit breaker, a burned-out heating element, or a faulty thermostat. None of these involve a pilot light.
A tripped breaker is the most common cause and the easiest to fix. Go to your electrical panel and look for a breaker labeled "water heater" or "hot water." If it is in the OFF position or in the middle (tripped), switch it fully OFF, wait five seconds, then switch it back ON. If the breaker trips again when ready, stop and call a licensed electrician—this signals a short circuit or overload.
A burned-out heating element happens after years of use. The element corrodes inside the tank and stops working. You will notice the water is lukewarm or cold even after the breaker is on and the thermostat is set correctly. Replacing a heating element requires draining the tank and opening it, which is a job for a licensed plumber or electrician.
A faulty thermostat can fail to signal the heating element to turn on, even though the element itself is fine. This is also a job for a professional, as it involves electrical testing and replacement inside the tank.
When to call a professional
If resetting the breaker does not restore hot water, or if the breaker trips again within a few days, do not keep resetting it. Call a licensed electrician or plumber. Repeated tripping means there is an electrical fault that needs diagnosis.
Do not attempt to open the tank, replace the heating element, or test the thermostat yourself. The tank holds pressurized water and is connected to live electrical wires. A mistake can cause burns, electrocution, or tank rupture. A professional can diagnose the problem in one visit and fix it safely.
How electric water heaters work (no pilot needed)
An electric water heater heats water by running electricity through a metal coil or rod called a heating element. The element sits inside the tank, submerged in water. When you turn up the thermostat or the breaker is on, electricity flows through the element, making it glow hot like the coil in a toaster. The heat transfers to the surrounding water, warming it up.
Most electric water heaters have two heating elements—one near the top and one near the bottom of the tank. A thermostat senses the water temperature and turns the elements on and off to keep the water at your set temperature, usually 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is all automatic. There is no flame, no pilot, and nothing that needs to be lit by hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I light the pilot on my electric water heater?
No. Electric water heaters have no pilot light. If you see a water heater with a pilot light window or a gas connection, you have a gas water heater, not an electric one. Check your utility bill or look for the gas line connection at the bottom of the tank.
What if I smell gas near my electric water heater?
If you smell natural gas, you have a gas leak, not a water heater problem. Leave the area, do not use any electrical switches or open flames, and call your gas company's emergency line or 911. A gas smell is a safety hazard and needs when ready attention from a professional.
Is it safe to reset the breaker myself?
Yes, resetting a tripped breaker is safe. straightforward switch it fully OFF, wait five seconds, then switch it back ON. If it trips again right away, stop and call an electrician. Repeated tripping means there is an electrical problem that needs professional diagnosis.
How long does it take an electric water heater to heat water after the breaker is reset?
If the tank was completely cold, it can take 30 minutes to two hours to heat a full tank of water, depending on the tank size and the wattage of the heating elements. You should feel warm water at the tap within 10 to 15 minutes.
What temperature should I set my electric water heater to?
Most households set the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough for cleaning and bathing but low enough to prevent scalding. Check your water heater's manual for the exact location of the thermostat dial or adjustment screw.