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Light the Pilot — Release the Gas Control Knob and Check the Pilot

Beginner45 mins

Part of project

How to Safely Relight Your Gas Water Heater Pilot Light · Step 8 of 10

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In this video

Turn the control knob on the gas valve to the 'PILOT' setting. Press and hold the red pilot button. This allows gas to flow to the pilot. Use a long-nosed lighter to ignite the gas, creating a small pilot flame. You must continue to hold the red button down for about 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up sufficiently to send a signal to the gas valve, telling it to stay open.

Goal: Light pilot and heat thermocouple

  • Holding the pilot button down for a full minute is crucial for the new thermocouple to heat up properly.

Used in this video

  • Lighter (brand: Unspecified) — Igniting the pilot flame.
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FAQs

What should I do if I smell gas strongly before or during the relighting process?

This is a critical safety concern. If you smell gas, immediately stop, evacuate everyone from the house, and call your gas company's emergency line from outside. Do not attempt to relight the pilot, use any electrical switches, or operate anything that could create a spark.

Can I use a standard match or a short lighter instead of the recommended long flexible lighter?

While it might seem possible, it's highly recommended to use a long, flexible lighter like the Bernzomatic LTR220. This keeps your hands safely away from the burner area and any potential flare-ups, significantly reducing the risk of burns. Prioritize safety with the right tools.

My pilot light lights up, but goes out as soon as I release the gas control knob. What could be wrong?

This usually indicates a faulty thermocouple, which is a safety device that senses the pilot flame. Try holding the knob in longer (up to 60 seconds) to ensure the thermocouple heats sufficiently. If it still won't stay lit, the thermocouple likely needs replacement, which is a slightly more advanced DIY task or a job for a professional.

How long does this project typically take for a beginner, and is it truly considered 'beginner' difficulty?

For a true beginner, this project generally takes about 30-45 minutes, especially if you take your time with all the safety steps. It is considered beginner-friendly because it primarily involves following clear instructions and basic tool use, with the main challenge being careful adherence to safety protocols.

Transcript
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the gas back on. Now we'll make sure that the pilot is currently in the opposition. We'll put the switch to pilot right here and we can depress the red button and try to light the pilot and see if it stays lit after approximately a minute. So we'll hold this for a minute. See if it heats up the thermal couple. So that's probably been about a minute. So we're going to release the red button and see if the pilot remains lit. So it looks like that's been successful. So now we're going to turn

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.