Starting a Honeywell Water Heater with a Pilot Light

To start a Honeywell water heater, you light the pilot light first, then turn the gas control knob to the "On" position. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the main burner when you need hot water. Most Honeywell models follow the same sequence, though the exact location of controls varies by model year and tank size.

The process takes about five minutes and requires only a long lighter or long match—never use your hand or a short match near the burner area. If the pilot light won't stay lit after two or three attempts, the thermocouple (a safety sensor) may need replacement, or the gas supply may be interrupted.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the gas control knob to "Pilot," hold down the ignition button, and light the pilot flame with a long lighter while the button is pressed.
  • Keep the ignition button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot lights so the thermocouple heats up and holds the gas valve open.
  • Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the gas control knob to "On" to allow the main burner to fire when the tank temperature drops.
  • If the pilot light goes out when ready after you release the button, the thermocouple is likely faulty and needs replacement by a technician.
  • Check that the gas supply valve (usually at the base of the tank) is fully open before you attempt to light the pilot.

Locate the Gas Control Knob and Pilot Assembly

On most Honeywell water heaters, the gas control knob is mounted on the front of the tank near the bottom, usually inside a metal box or behind a removable cover. The knob has three positions: "Pilot," "On," and sometimes "Off." Next to or below the knob, you will see a small red or black button labeled "Ignition" or "Reset"—this is the ignition button you will press while lighting the pilot.

The pilot burner itself is a small opening, usually about the size of a pencil tip, located just below or beside the gas control box. You may need to remove a metal access panel or cover to see it clearly. Before you begin, make sure the area around the pilot is dry and free of debris, and that you have a long lighter or long match within arm's reach.

Turn the Knob to Pilot and Press the Ignition Button

Turn the gas control knob clockwise to the "Pilot" position. You should hear a faint hiss as gas flows to the pilot burner. Now press and hold the ignition button firmly—do not release it yet. You may hear a clicking sound as the ignition sparks, or you may see a small spark near the pilot opening.

While holding the button down, bring your long lighter or match to the pilot opening and light the flame. The pilot should ignite within a few seconds. Once you see the blue flame, keep holding the ignition button for another 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensitive safety device) to warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release the button too soon, the pilot will go out.

Release the Button and Confirm the Pilot Stays Lit

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the ignition button. Watch the pilot flame closely. If it stays lit and burns steadily with a blue color, the thermocouple is working correctly. If the flame goes out within a few seconds of releasing the button, the thermocouple has likely failed and will need to be replaced by a may have access to technician—do not attempt to replace it yourself.

A healthy pilot flame should be about half an inch tall, blue at the base, and steady. If the flame is yellow or orange, or if it flickers constantly, there may be dust in the pilot opening or a problem with the gas supply. In that case, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again.

Turn the Knob to On and Test the Main Burner

Once the pilot is burning steadily, turn the gas control knob counterclockwise to the "On" position. You should hear the main burner ignite with a soft whoosh sound. The burner flame will be much larger than the pilot—typically two to four inches tall and bright blue. The burner will run until the water inside the tank reaches the temperature set on the thermostat dial, then it will shut off automatically.

Listen for the burner to cycle on and off over the next 10 to 15 minutes as the tank heats. This is normal operation. If the burner ignites when ready and stays on, the tank was cold and needed heating. If the burner does not ignite at all, turn the knob back to "Pilot" and check that the pilot flame is still lit before trying again.

Troubleshoot If the Pilot Won't Light

If you cannot get the pilot to light after three attempts, first check that the main gas supply valve is open. This valve is usually located at the base of the tank or on the gas line leading to it, and it should be turned so the handle points in the same direction as the pipe (parallel, not perpendicular). If the handle is perpendicular, the gas supply is shut off—turn it parallel and try again.

If the gas supply is on but the pilot still won't light, the ignition electrode may be wet or dirty. Turn the knob to "Off," wait five minutes, and try again. If the pilot lights but goes out when ready when you release the button, the thermocouple is faulty. Do not attempt to repair it yourself; contact a licensed plumber or the water heater manufacturer for a replacement part and installation instructions.

Adjust the Thermostat After Startup

Once the main burner is running and the tank is heating, you can adjust the temperature using the thermostat dial, usually located on the front of the gas control box. Most Honeywell models have a dial marked with temperatures ranging from 90°F to 140°F, or with labels like "Low," "Medium," and "Hot." The factory setting is typically 120°F, which is hot enough for most household uses and reduces the risk of scalding.

Turn the dial slowly to your desired temperature. The burner will cycle on and off to maintain that temperature. Do not set the dial above 140°F unless you have a specific reason—higher temperatures increase the risk of burns and waste energy. Allow the tank to heat for at least 30 minutes before using hot water, so the entire tank reaches the set temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button before releasing it?

Hold the button for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot lights. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too soon, the pilot will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine—just do not hold it for more than two minutes.

What does it mean if the pilot light is yellow or orange instead of blue?

A yellow or orange flame usually means dust or debris is in the pilot opening, or the air-to-gas ratio is off. Turn the knob to "Off," wait a minute, and try lighting again. If the color does not change, the pilot opening may need cleaning by a technician.

Can I light the pilot with a regular match instead of a long lighter?

A long lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame and the burner area. A regular match can work, but you risk burning your fingers. Never use your bare hand or try to light the pilot without a tool between your hand and the flame.

Why does the main burner turn off after a few minutes?

The burner turns off once the water inside the tank reaches the temperature you set on the thermostat dial. This is normal. The burner will turn back on automatically if the water cools below the set temperature, such as when you use hot water or the tank loses heat overnight.

Is it safe to leave the water heater on all the time?

Yes, Honeywell water heaters are designed to run continuously. The thermostat automatically cycles the burner on and off to maintain the set temperature. Turning the knob to "Off" when you leave for an extended trip (more than a week) can save energy, but for normal daily use, leaving it on is safe and standard.