Electric water heaters do not have pilot lights to light manually
An electric water heater has no pilot light and no flame. Instead, it uses electric heating elements powered by your home's electrical circuit. If your electric water heater is not producing hot water, the problem is not a dead pilot — it is a tripped breaker, a failed heating element, or a thermostat issue.
If you arrived here looking for pilot light instructions, you may own a gas water heater instead. Gas models have a pilot light you can relight by hand. Electric models do not. The distinction matters because the troubleshooting steps are completely different.
Key Takeaways
- Electric water heaters use electric heating elements, not a pilot light or flame of any kind.
- If your electric water heater is not heating, check the circuit breaker in your electrical panel first — a tripped breaker is the most common cause.
- If the breaker is on, the thermostat dial may be set too low or the heating element may have failed and need replacement.
- Gas water heaters have pilot lights; electric ones do not — confirm which type you own before troubleshooting.
How to tell if you own an electric or gas water heater
Look at the bottom of your water heater tank. A gas model has a burner compartment underneath with a small opening where you can see the pilot light or flame. An electric model has no opening, no burner, and no visible flame — just a smooth metal base.
Check the top of the tank. Gas models have a gas line running to them; electric models have only electrical wiring. If you see a metal pipe connected to your water heater, it is gas. If you see only wires, it is electric.
What to check first if your electric water heater is not heating
Go to your home's electrical panel and look for the breaker labeled for the water heater. It is usually a double-pole breaker (two switches side by side). If the switch is in the middle or off position, flip it fully to the on position. Wait 30 minutes and check whether hot water is running from your taps.
A tripped breaker is the single most common reason an electric water heater stops producing hot water. Breakers trip when the circuit draws too much power or when there is a short. Flipping it back on restores power to the heating elements. If the breaker trips again when ready, stop and call a licensed electrician — a repeated trip means a wiring or element fault that needs professional repair.
Checking the thermostat if the breaker is on
If the breaker is already in the on position, locate the thermostat dial on the side of the tank. It is usually a round dial with a temperature scale marked in degrees Fahrenheit. The standard setting is 120 degrees. If the dial is set lower than that, turn it clockwise to 120 degrees and wait two hours for the water to heat.
Some thermostats have a small access panel you must remove to reach the dial. If yours does, use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry off the plastic cover. Do not force it. Once you adjust the dial, replace the cover and wait before testing the water temperature again.
When the heating element may have failed
If the breaker is on, the thermostat is set to 120 degrees, and you still have no hot water after several hours, one of the heating elements inside the tank may have burned out. Electric water heaters have two heating elements — an upper and a lower — and either one can fail independently.
A failed heating element requires replacement by a licensed plumber or electrician. This is not a repair you can do yourself because it involves draining the tank, opening the tank, and working with high-voltage electrical connections. Call a licensed professional to inspect the tank and replace the element if needed.
Gas water heater pilot light instructions
If you confirmed you own a gas water heater, the pilot light is the small flame you see through the opening at the bottom of the tank. To relight it, turn the gas control knob to the off position and wait five minutes for any gas to clear. Then turn the knob to the pilot position.
Hold a long lighter or long match to the pilot opening while pressing the ignition button (or holding down the knob, depending on your model). The pilot should light within 15 seconds. Once it is lit, keep holding the button or knob for 30 seconds, then release. Turn the gas control knob to the on position. If the pilot goes out when you release the button, repeat the process — it may take two or three attempts.
When to call a professional
Call a licensed plumber or electrician if the breaker trips repeatedly, if adjusting the thermostat does not restore heat after several hours, or if you smell gas near your water heater. Do not attempt to repair the heating element yourself or to work inside the tank. Water heaters operate under pressure and at high temperatures, and improper repair can cause injury or property damage.
If you own a gas water heater and the pilot light will not stay lit after three attempts, the thermocouple (a safety device that detects the pilot flame) may have failed. This also requires professional replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I light an electric water heater pilot light myself?
No. Electric water heaters do not have a pilot light. They use electric heating elements powered by your home's electrical circuit. If your electric water heater is not heating, check the circuit breaker and thermostat setting instead.
What does a tripped breaker look like?
The breaker switch will be in the middle position or fully off, rather than fully on. It is usually a double-pole breaker (two switches together) labeled "water heater" in your electrical panel. Flip it fully to the on position to restore power.
How long does it take for an electric water heater to heat up after the breaker is reset?
It typically takes 30 minutes to one hour for an electric water heater to produce hot water after the breaker is turned back on. If you still have no hot water after two hours, the thermostat may be set too low or a heating element may have failed.
Is it safe to adjust the thermostat dial myself?
Yes. The thermostat dial is a straightforward adjustment you can make without tools or special knowledge. Turn it clockwise to raise the temperature or counterclockwise to lower it. The standard setting is 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
What should I do if my water heater smells like gas?
Leave the area and call your gas company or a licensed plumber when ready. Do not light any flames or use electrical switches. A gas smell near the water heater can indicate a gas leak, which is a serious safety hazard.