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Turn to 'ON' — Turn the Gas Water Heater On

Beginner45 mins

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How to Relight a Gas Water Heater Pilot Light: A Step-by-Step Guide · Step 4 of 5

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In this video

If the pilot light is not lit, turn the gas control knob to 'OFF' and wait 5 minutes. Then begin the lighting process again. If the pilot is lit, turn the control knob anticlockwise to at least 6 to allow the main burner to light when the water needs heating.

Goal: Activate the main burner

  • Remove your face from directly in front of the combustion chamber opening.
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Roger Wakefield Plumbing Education

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FAQs

What should I do immediately if I smell gas at any point during this relighting process?

If you detect any gas odor, stop immediately. Turn off the main gas supply valve to your water heater and evacuate the area. Do not attempt to continue the relighting process, and contact your gas company or a qualified plumber for professional assistance to locate and fix the leak.

I've lit the pilot, but it goes out as soon as I release the control knob. What's the problem?

This common issue typically points to a faulty or insufficiently heated thermocouple. Try holding the control knob in for the full 60 seconds (or even a little longer) to ensure the thermocouple has enough time to heat up. If the pilot still won't stay lit, the thermocouple may be dirty, misaligned, or need to be replaced.

Do I need the specific Husky screwdriver and Scripto lighter mentioned, or can I use different tools?

No, the specific brands mentioned are just examples. Any standard Phillips or flathead screwdriver that fits your water heater's access panel screws will work. For lighting the pilot, any long-reach lighter, such as a BBQ lighter or even a long wooden match, is suitable.

The project is marked 'beginner' and '45 minutes,' but I'm finding it difficult or it's taking much longer. What should I do?

The difficulty and time estimates are averages; it's perfectly fine if it takes you longer, especially if it's your first time. If you're struggling with any step, feel unsafe, or simply can't get the pilot to light after several attempts, don't hesitate to pause and call a qualified plumber for assistance. Safety is paramount.

Transcript
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position once the pilot is all lighted it's important for your safety that you remove your face from directly in front of the combustion chamber opening then turn the control knob anticlockwise to at least six this will allow the main burner to light whenever the water needs heating when the main burner lights up it can be a little noisy for the first 2 to 5 Seconds this is perfectly normal it will very soon settle down to a quiet flame you can now

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.