If your water heater pilot light goes out, you can relight it by turning the gas control knob to “Pilot,” holding it down, igniting the flame, and waiting 30–60 seconds before releasing. That’s the short answer.
The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the main burner in a gas water heater. If it goes out, your water heater cannot heat water.
Pilot lights can go out because of drafts, dirt buildup, or component wear. Safety matters before you attempt to relight it.
In this guide, you’ll learn the exact steps to relight a pilot light, what to do if it won’t stay lit, and when it’s time to call a professional.
Quick Takeaways
- Turn the gas control to OFF and wait 5 minutes before relighting
- Hold the pilot button while igniting the flame
- Continue holding for 30–60 seconds after ignition
- If the pilot won’t stay lit, the thermocouple may be faulty
- Call a professional if you smell gas or the issue repeats
Before You Relight the Pilot Light (Safety First)
Gas appliances require caution. Do not skip safety checks.
- If you smell gas, stop immediately
- Leave the area and contact your gas company
- Do not use electrical switches or open flames
- Turn the gas control to OFF and wait at least 5 minutes
Waiting allows any built-up gas to dissipate. If the smell of gas remains after 5 minutes, do not attempt to relight the pilot. Call a licensed professional.
How to Relight Pilot Light on Water Heater
The following steps apply to gas water heaters with a standing pilot light. If your unit has electronic ignition (covered below), do not attempt manual relighting.
Step 1: Turn the Gas Control to OFF
Locate the gas control knob near the bottom of the tank. Turn it to the OFF position.
Wait at least 5 minutes to clear any gas. Confirm there is no gas smell before continuing.
Step 2: Set the Control Knob to “Pilot”
Turn the knob to the “Pilot” position.
Press and hold the pilot button down. This allows gas to flow to the pilot assembly.
Step 3: Ignite the Pilot Flame
While holding the pilot button:
- Press the built-in igniter button if your heater has one
- If no igniter is present, use a long lighter
- Look through the viewing window to confirm the flame lights
You should see a small, steady blue flame.
Step 4: Hold the Button for 30–60 Seconds
Continue holding the pilot button for 30–60 seconds after the flame ignites.
This allows the thermocouple to heat up. The thermocouple is a safety device that detects flame presence. If it does not heat sufficiently, the gas valve will shut off and the flame will go out.
Step 5: Turn Gas Control to “On”
Release the pilot button slowly.
Turn the gas control knob to the “On” position. Set the desired temperature.
Listen for the main burner to ignite. Within a short time, you should hear a soft whoosh as the burner lights.
If the burner ignites and stays on, your pilot relighting was successful.
Why Your Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
If the pilot keeps going out, the issue is likely mechanical.
Common causes include:
Faulty thermocouple: If the thermocouple fails, it cannot signal the gas valve to stay open.
Dirty pilot tube: Dirt or debris can restrict gas flow and weaken the flame.
Gas supply problem: Low gas pressure or valve issues can interrupt ignition.
Drafts blowing out the flame: Air movement near the heater can extinguish the pilot.
Failing gas control valve: If the gas valve malfunctions, the pilot may not remain stable.
Is It Safe to Relight a Pilot Light Yourself?
In most cases, yes — if you follow proper safety procedures.
It is safe if:
- You do not smell gas
- You follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- The pilot stays lit after relighting
It is not safe if:
- The unit repeatedly shuts off
- You smell gas at any time
- You are unsure about the control settings
Repeated outages indicate a deeper problem that requires professional water heater repair.
Standing Pilot vs Electronic Ignition (Important Difference)
Not all water heaters have a standing pilot light.
Older gas water heaters use a standing pilot that burns continuously. These models can be manually relit.
Newer water heaters use electronic ignition systems. These units do not have a continuously burning flame. They ignite automatically when hot water is needed.
Electronic ignition systems cannot be manually relit. If your water heater does not have a pilot knob or visible flame, do not attempt manual ignition. Call a licensed professional instead.
This distinction matters. Attempting to relight an electronic system can cause damage or create safety risks.
When to Call a Professional for Water Heater Repair
Relighting a pilot once is normal. Repeated failure is not.
Call a professional if:
- The pilot will not stay lit
- You smell gas
- The burner does not ignite after relighting
- You have no hot water even after successful ignition
- Your unit is over 10–12 years old
Water heaters contain gas valves, burners, and safety controls that require trained handling. Addressing small issues early prevents major failures later.
FAQ
Why did my water heater pilot light go out?
Common causes include drafts, a faulty thermocouple, gas interruption, or debris in the pilot assembly. Occasional outages happen, but repeated failure signals a repair issue.
How long should I hold the pilot button down?
Hold the pilot button for 30–60 seconds after ignition. This allows the thermocouple to heat properly so the gas valve remains open.
Can I relight a pilot light without a lighter?
If your unit has a built-in igniter button, you do not need a lighter. If it does not, use a long lighter to safely ignite the flame.
What if I smell gas when trying to relight it?
Stop immediately. Leave the area and contact your gas company or a licensed professional. Do not flip switches or attempt relighting.
How much does it cost to repair a pilot light issue?
Costs depend on the underlying cause. Replacing a thermocouple is typically less expensive than replacing a gas valve or full control assembly. A professional inspection determines the exact repair needed.
Restore Hot Water Safely — Schedule Water Heater Service Today
If your pilot light keeps going out, relighting it is only a temporary fix. The real solution is addressing the underlying cause.
At Comfort Experts, our licensed plumbing professionals provide:
- Professional water heater repair
- Gas valve and thermocouple replacement
- Full safety inspections
- Reliable service throughout Fort Worth, TX and surrounding areas
We approach every repair with precision and safety. That’s why homeowners trust us as their local plumbing genius when hot water problems arise.
Whether your pilot won’t stay lit or your system needs replacement, we handle it correctly the first time. Schedule your water heater service today and restore reliable hot water the smart way.
