Getting Started
Before you begin lighting your water heater, make sure you read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model. Safety should always be your top priority – follow all safety precautions and wear protective gear as necessary.
Now that you’re ready to start, let’s go through the basics of how to light your water heater.
What You Will Need
Here are the tools and materials you’ll need to light your water heater:
| Tools | Materials |
|---|---|
| Long match or lighter | Gas valve |
| Flashlight | Pilot assembly |
| Screwdriver | Thermocouple |
| Wrench | Gas supply |
How to Light Your Water Heater
Follow these steps to light your water heater:
Step 1: Turn Off the Gas Supply
Locate the gas valve on your water heater and turn it off by switching it to the “off” position.
Step 2: Find the Pilot Light
Find the pilot light assembly – this is usually located near the bottom of the water heater.
Step 3: Remove the Cover
Remove the cover from the pilot light assembly by unscrewing it with a wrench or screwdriver.
Step 4: Locate the Thermocouple
Locate the thermocouple – this is a small, copper-colored tube that is attached to the pilot light assembly.
Step 5: Turn the Gas Valve to Pilot
Turn the gas valve to the “pilot” position.
Step 6: Press Down the Pilot Light Button
Press down the pilot light button and hold it down.
Step 7: Light the Pilot Light
Use a long match or lighter to light the pilot light. Hold the flame to the pilot light and continue pressing down the pilot light button for about a minute.
Step 8: Release the Button
After you’ve held down the button for about a minute, release it. The pilot light should stay lit.
Step 9: Turn On the Gas Supply
Turn on the gas supply by switching the gas valve to the “on” position.
Step 10: Replace the Cover
Replace the cover on the pilot light assembly and secure it with a wrench or screwdriver.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Lighting Your Water Heater
Advantages
If you’re able to light your own water heater, you’ll save money on professional services. It’s also a useful skill to have in case of an emergency – if your water heater goes out, you’ll know how to fix it quickly.
Disadvantages
Lighting your water heater can be dangerous if you’re not familiar with the process. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s best to call a professional. Keep in mind that improper lighting could result in gas leakage, which poses a serious safety risk for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to light my own water heater?
As long as you follow all safety precautions and wear protective gear as necessary, it is safe to light your own water heater. However, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s best to call a professional.
How often should I light my water heater?
You should only need to light your water heater if the pilot light goes out. If this happens frequently, it could be a sign of a larger problem and you should seek professional help.
How do I know if my water heater needs to be relit?
If you’re not getting hot water, the pilot light may have gone out and you’ll need to relight it. Check the pilot light assembly and follow the steps outlined in your manufacturer’s instructions.
You should hold down the pilot light button for about a minute, or until the pilot light stays lit on its own.
What should I do if the pilot light won’t stay lit?
If the pilot light won’t stay lit, it could be a problem with the thermocouple. Check the thermocouple and make sure it’s properly connected to the pilot light assembly. If you’re still having trouble, it’s best to call a professional.
Can I use a lighter instead of a match to light the pilot light?
Yes, you can use a lighter instead of a match to light the pilot light. Make sure the lighter has a long handle and is in good working condition.
What should I do if I smell gas when lighting my water heater?
If you smell gas when lighting your water heater, stop immediately and turn off the gas supply. Open windows and doors to allow for ventilation. Call a professional to inspect your water heater and make any necessary repairs.
Should I leave the pilot light on all the time?
It depends on your specific water heater model. Many newer models have an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the pilot light when the water heater is not in use. Check your manufacturer’s instructions to see what they recommend.
Can I light my water heater if it’s leaking?
No, it’s not safe to light your water heater if it’s leaking. Call a professional to repair the leak before attempting to light your water heater.
How often should I have my water heater serviced?
It’s recommended to have your water heater serviced once a year by a professional to ensure it’s working properly and efficiently.
Can I relight my water heater if I smell gas?
No, if you smell gas when attempting to relight your water heater, it’s not safe to continue. This could indicate a gas leak, which poses a serious safety risk. Turn off the gas supply and call a professional immediately.
How do I prevent my pilot light from going out?
The best way to prevent your pilot light from going out is to ensure that your water heater is properly serviced and maintained. This includes checking for any leaks or broken parts.
Is it okay to relight my water heater at night?
It’s best to relight your water heater during the day when there is natural light available. This will help you see what you’re doing and reduce the risk of accidents.
Can I relight my water heater if I’m not home?
No, it’s not safe to attempt to relight your water heater if you’re not home. If something goes wrong, it could result in a serious safety hazard.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to light your water heater, you can do it safely and efficiently. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear protective gear as necessary. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s best to call a professional.
Don’t forget to have your water heater serviced once a year to ensure it’s working properly and efficiently. This will help prevent issues like pilot light outages and leaks.
Take Action Today
Take a few minutes right now to read and understand your water heater manufacturer’s instructions. This will help you feel confident and prepared if you ever need to light your water heater yourself.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult a professional if you’re not comfortable lighting your own water heater.