Relighting a water heater pilot light takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires no tools
A water heater pilot light is a small flame that ignites the main burner when your tank needs heat. When it goes out, your water heater stops working—you'll notice the water runs cold. You can relight it yourself by following the manufacturer's steps on the tank, which almost always involve turning a dial to "Pilot," holding down a button, and using a long lighter or match to ignite the flame.
The process is the same whether your heater is gas or propane. Electric water heaters do not have pilot lights and do not need this repair. Before you start, locate the access panel on the front or bottom of your tank—this is where you'll find the control dial and ignition button.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control dial to "Pilot" and hold the ignition button down while lighting the flame with a long lighter or fireplace match.
- Keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple senses the heat and stays lit.
- If the pilot light goes out within minutes of relighting, the thermocouple may be failing and will need replacement by a technician.
- Never force the access panel open or use excessive pressure on the dial—both can damage the control unit.
- If you smell gas before or during the process, stop when ready, leave the house, and call your gas company from outside.
Locate the pilot light assembly and control dial
Open the access panel on your water heater by unlatching or unscrewing the cover. You will see a metal box with a dial labeled with settings like "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Below or beside the dial is a red or black button—this is the ignition button. Near these controls is a small opening or tube where the pilot light flame sits. Some tanks have a window you can look through; others require you to feel for the flame with your hand.
If you cannot find the control dial or ignition button, check the manufacturer's label on the tank itself. Most heaters have a diagram printed directly on the access panel showing where each part is. If the label is missing or unreadable, the model number is usually stamped on the tank—you can search online for the manual using that number.
Turn the dial to "Pilot" and prepare to light
Turn the control dial clockwise or counterclockwise (depending on your model) until the pointer aligns with "Pilot." Do not force the dial—it should turn smoothly. Once it is set to "Pilot," you are ready to ignite. Gather a long lighter or a long fireplace match before you proceed; a regular match or lighter will be too short and may burn your hand.
If your heater has an electronic ignition button, it may light automatically when you press it. If it has a manual ignition, you will need to hold the flame near the pilot opening while pressing the button. Check your tank's label to see which type you have.
Press the button and light the flame
Press and hold the ignition button down with one hand. While holding it, bring the flame of your lighter or match to the pilot opening. You should see a small blue flame appear within a few seconds. If nothing happens after 10 seconds, release the button, wait 30 seconds, and try again. Do not hold the button for more than 30 seconds at a time—this can flood the chamber with gas.
Once the flame appears, keep the button pressed down for another 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) to warm up and signal the control unit that the pilot is burning. If you release the button too soon, the flame will go out when ready.
Release the button and turn the dial to "On"
After holding the button for 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release it while watching the pilot flame. The flame should stay lit. If it goes out as soon as you release the button, wait a minute and repeat the process. Sometimes it takes two or three attempts for the thermocouple to heat fully.
Once the pilot light stays on, turn the control dial from "Pilot" to "On." You should hear a soft click or hum as the main burner ignites. The flame will grow larger and change color slightly—this is normal. Close the access panel and wait 10 to 15 minutes for the water to begin heating. You can test it by running a hot-water tap; the water should gradually warm up.
What to do if the pilot light will not stay lit
If the pilot light goes out within a few minutes of relighting, the thermocouple is likely worn out and needs replacement. A thermocouple is an inexpensive part (usually $15 to $30) but requires a technician to install safely. Do not attempt to replace it yourself unless you have plumbing experience—the connection involves a small nut that is straightforward to overtighten or strip.
Another common cause is a blocked pilot opening. Dust or debris can clog the small hole where gas flows to the pilot. If you suspect this, turn the dial to "Off," wait five minutes, and try relighting. If it still will not stay lit after two or three attempts, contact a water heater technician. Repeated failed attempts can waste gas and create a safety hazard.
Safety steps to follow during the process
If you smell gas at any point—before, during, or after relighting—stop when ready. Turn the dial to "Off," leave the house, and call your gas company from outside or from a neighbor's phone. Do not use your phone indoors, flip light switches, or create any spark. A gas leak is a serious hazard and requires professional attention.
Never use a regular match or lighter that is too short—you risk burning your hand or arm. Always use a long lighter or fireplace match designed for this purpose. Do not force the control dial or ignition button; if either feels stuck or damaged, stop and call a technician. Finally, keep children and pets away from the water heater while the access panel is open.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I expect to relight the pilot light?
A healthy pilot light should stay lit indefinitely once you turn the dial to "On." If you find yourself relighting it more than once or twice a year, the thermocouple is likely failing. A thermocouple that fails frequently is a sign you need a replacement, not that relighting is normal maintenance.
Can I use a regular lighter instead of a long lighter?
A regular lighter is too short and will burn your fingers or hand. Always use a long lighter or fireplace match. These are inexpensive and available at any hardware store or supermarket.
What if the ignition button does not click or feel like it is working?
If the button feels broken, stuck, or makes no sound, do not force it. The control unit may be damaged. Stop and contact a technician—forcing a broken button can cause further damage or create a gas leak.
Is it normal for the pilot flame to be yellow or orange instead of blue?
A healthy pilot flame is blue with a small yellow tip. If the entire flame is yellow or orange, the burner may be dirty or the air-to-gas ratio may be off. This usually does not prevent the heater from working, but a technician can clean the burner if the flame looks very wrong.
How long does it take for hot water to return after relighting?
After you turn the dial to "On," the main burner ignites and begins heating the tank. You should feel warm water at a tap within 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how much cold water is in the pipes. Full tank temperature may take 30 to 45 minutes.