The basic steps to shut down your pilot light safely
To turn off the pilot light on a gas water heater, locate the control dial on the front of the tank — usually labeled with settings like "Pilot," "Low," and "High." Turn the dial to the "Off" or "Pilot" position, depending on your model. If your heater has a separate ignition switch or button, press it to stop the spark. Wait a few minutes for any remaining gas to clear before you leave the area. The pilot light flame should extinguish within seconds of turning the dial.
Most water heaters have the control dial at the base of the tank or on the side near the burner. If you cannot find it, check your heater's manual — the manufacturer's name and model number are usually stamped on a label on the tank itself. You can often find the manual online by searching the brand name and model number together.
Do not force the dial. If it feels stuck or will not turn, stop and call a licensed plumber or your gas company. Forcing it can damage the valve and create a safety hazard.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control dial on the front or side of your water heater tank to "Off" or "Pilot" to shut down the pilot light.
- Wait a few minutes after turning the dial to let any gas dissipate before leaving the area.
- If the dial is stuck or will not turn, do not force it — contact a plumber or your gas company instead.
- Electric water heaters do not have pilot lights, so this process applies only to gas models.
- Turning off the pilot light does not drain the tank or affect your hot water supply once you turn it back on.
When you might need to turn off the pilot light
You may need to shut down the pilot light if you smell gas near the heater, if the light will not stay lit, or if you are performing maintenance or repairs. Turning it off is also the first step if you plan to move the heater, drain the tank, or have a technician service it.
If you smell gas, turn off the pilot light when ready and open windows to ventilate the area. Do not use electrical switches, lighters, or anything that could create a spark. Leave the house and call your gas company's emergency line from outside. Gas leaks are serious and require professional attention.
Differences between "Off" and "Pilot" settings
Most water heater dials have three positions: "Pilot," "Low," and "High." The "Pilot" setting keeps the pilot light burning but does not heat water — use this if you are away for a short time or during mild weather. The "Off" position shuts down the pilot light completely and stops all heating.
If you turn the dial to "Off," you will need to relight the pilot manually when you want hot water again. This involves holding down the ignition button while you light the pilot with a long lighter or match. If you turn it to "Pilot," the light stays on and you can switch to "High" later without relighting.
Check your manual to confirm which setting your model uses. Some older heaters may have different labels or only two positions.
How to relight the pilot after turning it off
To relight the pilot, first make sure the dial is set to "Pilot." Locate the ignition button — usually a red or black button near the dial — and hold it down. Use a long lighter or long match to light the small opening where the pilot flame normally appears. Hold the button down for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears, then release it slowly. The flame should stay lit.
If the flame goes out when you release the button, wait a few minutes for the gas to clear and try again. If it will not stay lit after three or four attempts, the thermocouple (a safety sensor) may be dirty or faulty. A plumber can clean or replace it.
Once the pilot is lit, turn the dial to "High" to resume normal heating. You should hear the main burner ignite within a minute or two.
Safety steps before and after turning off the pilot
Before you turn off the pilot light, make sure the area around the heater is clear of clutter and that you have good ventilation. Do not turn off the pilot light if you smell gas — instead, leave the house and call your gas company.
After you turn off the pilot, wait at least five minutes before doing any work on the heater or the area around it. This allows any residual gas to dissipate. If you are draining the tank, turn off the water supply valve at the top of the heater first, then turn off the pilot light, then open the drain valve at the bottom.
Never turn off the pilot light and then when ready use an open flame or electrical tool near the heater. Even though the pilot is off, gas may still be present in the lines.
What to do if the pilot light will not turn off
If the dial turns but the pilot flame does not go out, the control valve may be stuck or faulty. Turn the dial back to "Pilot" and call a plumber. Do not leave the heater unattended if the pilot will not shut down.
If the dial will not turn at all, do not force it. The valve inside may be damaged, and forcing it could make the problem worse or create a gas leak. Turn off the gas supply to the heater at the main shutoff valve (usually located on the gas line leading to the heater) and call a licensed plumber or your gas company.
Electric water heaters and pilot lights
Electric water heaters do not have pilot lights. They use electric heating elements inside the tank to warm the water, controlled by a thermostat. If you have an electric heater, there is no pilot light to turn off. To shut down an electric heater, switch off the circuit breaker that powers it in your home's electrical panel.
If you are unsure whether your heater is gas or electric, look at the top of the tank. Gas heaters have a visible burner and control dial at the base. Electric heaters have no burner and have electrical wiring connected to the top or side of the tank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off the pilot light affect my hot water?
No. Turning off the pilot light does not drain the tank or affect the hot water already stored inside. You will still have hot water until it cools down. Once you relight the pilot and turn the dial back to "High," the heater will resume heating new water normally.
How long can I leave the pilot light off?
You can leave it off indefinitely. There is no harm in keeping the pilot off for weeks or months. Just remember that you will need to relight it manually when you want hot water again. If you plan to be away for a long time, turning off the pilot saves a small amount of gas.
What if I smell gas after turning off the pilot?
Leave the house when ready and call your gas company's emergency line from outside. Do not use electrical switches, lighters, or anything that could spark. A gas smell after turning off the pilot may indicate a leak in the valve or gas line, which requires professional repair.
Can I turn off the pilot light myself, or do I need a plumber?
Turning off the pilot light is a straightforward task you can do yourself — it requires only turning a dial. However, if the dial is stuck, will not turn, or the pilot will not shut down, stop and call a plumber. Do not force anything or try to disassemble the control valve.
Is it normal for the pilot light to go out on its own?
No. If your pilot light keeps going out without you turning it off, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing, or there may be a draft blowing it out. Have a plumber inspect it. A pilot that will not stay lit usually means the heater needs service.