The basic steps to relight your water heater's pilot light
If your water heater's pilot light has gone out, you can relight it yourself in most cases. The process takes about five minutes and requires only a long lighter or long matches — no tools. You'll turn the gas control knob to a specific position, hold down the ignition button while you light the pilot opening, and wait for the flame to stay lit on its own.
Before you start, locate your water heater's gas control knob and pilot light opening. On most units, the knob is on the front of the control box at the bottom of the tank, and the pilot opening is a small tube just below or beside it. If you cannot find either, check your water heater's manual or the manufacturer's label on the tank itself.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the gas control knob to "Pilot" before attempting to light the pilot, or the main burner may ignite instead.
- You must hold the ignition button down continuously while lighting the pilot and for 30 seconds afterward, or the flame will go out when ready.
- If the pilot light will not stay lit after three or four attempts, the thermocouple or gas supply may need professional repair.
- Never force the gas control knob or ignition button — if either feels stuck, stop and call a technician.
Step-by-step lighting procedure
Step 1: Turn off the gas. Locate the gas control knob on your water heater's control box. Turn it fully to the "Off" position and wait two minutes. This clears any gas that may have accumulated in the chamber.
Step 2: Switch to Pilot mode. Turn the gas control knob to the position marked "Pilot." Do not turn it to "On" yet — if you do, the main burner will try to ignite instead of the pilot light.
Step 3: Press and hold the ignition button. Most water heaters have a red or black button labeled "Ignition" or "Reset" on the control box. Press it down and hold it. You should hear a clicking sound as the igniter sparks.
Step 4: Light the pilot opening. While holding the ignition button, bring a long lighter or long match to the pilot opening — the small tube below the control knob. You should see a small blue flame appear. If you do not see a flame after 10 seconds, release the button, wait 30 seconds, and try again.
Step 5: Keep the button pressed. Once the pilot light is burning, continue holding the ignition button for another 30 seconds. This allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) to warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open.
Step 6: Release the button and turn to On. After 30 seconds, release the ignition button. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it goes out, wait two minutes and repeat from Step 2. Once the pilot stays lit, turn the gas control knob to "On" to restore heat to your home.
Why the pilot light goes out
The most common reason a pilot light extinguishes is a draft — wind from an open door, a vent, or an air return can blow out a small flame. If your water heater is in a basement or garage, check for open windows or doors nearby and close them before relighting.
A second common cause is a dirty pilot opening. Dust or debris can block the gas flow, making the flame weak or preventing it from lighting at all. If the pilot light will not stay lit even after you hold the button for the full 30 seconds, the opening may need cleaning. This is a job for a professional — do not attempt to clean the pilot opening yourself, as it is a precision part.
If the pilot light goes out repeatedly even in still conditions, the thermocouple may be failing. The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off gas if the pilot flame dies. When it wears out, it stops signaling the gas valve to stay open, and the pilot light extinguishes seconds after you release the ignition button. A technician will need to replace it.
When to call a professional
Stop attempting to light the pilot and call a technician if any of the following happens: the ignition button feels stuck or will not press down, the gas control knob will not turn or feels stuck, you smell gas coming from the water heater, or the pilot light will not ignite after three or four attempts with a working lighter.
You should also call a professional if the pilot light stays lit for only a few seconds after you release the ignition button, even though you held it for the full 30 seconds. This usually means the thermocouple is failing and cannot be fixed by relighting. A technician can diagnose the problem and replace the part if needed.
If you are uncomfortable working near the gas control knob or pilot opening, or if you are unsure whether your water heater uses a pilot light at all (some newer models use electronic ignition instead), call a technician before attempting anything. There is no shame in having a professional handle it — water heater repairs are common and inexpensive when caught early.
Safety reminders while relighting
Never use a regular match or lighter that is too short — your fingers could get too close to the pilot opening or the igniter spark. A long lighter or long fireplace match keeps your hand safely away from the flame.
Do not hold the ignition button for longer than 60 seconds at a time. If the pilot light has not ignited by then, release the button, wait two minutes, and try again. Holding the button too long can flood the chamber with gas.
If you smell gas at any point — either a strong rotten-egg smell or a faint hissing sound — stop when ready, leave the area, and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not try to light the pilot again. A gas leak is a safety hazard that requires professional attention.
What to expect after relighting
Once the pilot light is lit and you have turned the gas control knob to "On," the main burner should ignite within a few seconds. You may hear a soft whoosh as the burner lights. The water heater will then begin heating water normally.
It may take 30 minutes to an hour for hot water to reach your taps, depending on how far your water heater is from the faucet. If you still have no hot water after an hour, or if the main burner will not ignite even though the pilot light is burning, call a technician — the problem is likely beyond a straightforward pilot relight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my water heater has a pilot light?
Check your water heater's manual or the label on the tank. If it says "pilot ignition" or "standing pilot," it has a pilot light. Newer water heaters often use electronic ignition instead, which does not have a visible flame. If you cannot find a pilot opening or ignition button on the control box, your unit likely uses electronic ignition and should not be relit manually.
Can I light the pilot if the power is out?
Yes. Pilot lights use only gas and a spark from a mechanical igniter, not electricity. If your ignition button does not click when pressed, the igniter battery may be dead, but you can still light the pilot with a long lighter or match while holding the button. The main burner will not work without power, but the pilot light itself will stay lit.
What if the pilot light keeps going out after I turn the knob to On?
This usually means the thermocouple is failing. The thermocouple senses heat from the pilot flame and tells the gas valve to stay open. If it is worn out, the valve closes a few seconds after you release the ignition button. Try relighting once more, but if it happens again, call a technician — the thermocouple will need to be replaced.
Is it dangerous to relight the pilot myself?
No, relighting a pilot light is a safe, routine task when you follow the steps and use a long lighter. The only real danger is if you smell gas or if the ignition button or gas knob feels stuck — in those cases, stop and call a professional. Otherwise, millions of homeowners relight their own pilot lights every year without incident.
How long should I hold the ignition button down?
Hold it for 30 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release it too early, the pilot light will go out. If you hold it longer than 60 seconds without the pilot lighting, release it, wait two minutes, and try again.