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Light the Pilot Flame — Turn the Gas Control to "Pilot"

Beginner45 mins

Part of project

How to Safely Relight Your Gas Water Heater Pilot Light · Step 5 of 10

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In this video

To begin relighting the pilot, turn the main gas control knob so the indicator points to the 'PILOT' setting. Next, press and hold the red pilot button down. This action manually opens the valve to allow gas to flow through the pilot tube. While continuing to hold the button, use a long-handled lighter to reach into the burner chamber and ignite the gas coming from the pilot orifice. You should see a small flame ignite.

Goal: Light Pilot

Used in this video

  • Long Grill Lighter — Safely reaching into the burner chamber to light the pilot.
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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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To light a pilot light, first thing you need to do, make sure your gas is on over to the side. The next thing you need to do is make sure this is in the pilot position matching up with the hash mark that's on the front of the gas valve. As you can see, it has a little slot that lines up with that hash mark and it says pilot pointing out towards you to the front. The next thing that you need to do is depress the pilot button. With the pilot button depressed, you hold this down and then you light down in the water heater to light the pilot.

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.