Switch your gas regulator valve from “Off” to “Pilot.” STEP 6: Light the pilot light. STEP 5: Turn the gas regulator valve to the pilot position. If your water heater has an ignitor, you will not need to apply a separate flame. The red button will be labeled “Pilot ignition” or something similar. If your water heater is a little newer, look for a red button or switch near the regulator valve. In that case, you’ll want a butane barbecue lighter or fireplace match that’s long enough to reach the pilot without exposing your hand to the flame. Some older water heaters require you to apply a flame to light the pilot. STEP 4: Assess the type of pilot ignition. On some water heaters, the lowest setting is labeled for pilot lighting. Near the gas regulator valve, you’ll find the temperature control valve. Turn the valve to the “Off” position, and then wait for five minutes to allow any residual gas to clear from the pipe. You’ll find a small gas regulator valve near the bottom of the water heater. STEP 2: Turn the gas regulator valve to “Off.” Depending on your model, it might simply snap on and off, or you might need to use a screwdriver to remove the panel. Most water heaters have a small access panel covering the pilot light. If your water heater doesn’t have directions, this basic method works for most models. Photo: Relight a Gas Water Heater’s Pilot Lightįorget about suffering through a freezing shower! If your water heater’s pilot light is out, check for relighting instructions fastened to the appliance. Instead, leave the house and call your local gas company or 911. One caveat, however: If you detect the strong smell of natural gas, do not attempt to light the pilot. But if your older appliances still sport flames, it’s helpful to know how to light the pilot light should they ever get snuffed. Keep reading for the steps to follow in relighting pilot lights in a gas furnace, water heater, oven, or stove. Most of today’s gas appliances have electric starters, rather than pilot lights.

The pilot light is a small gas light meant to burn continuously in order to light a larger burner when needed, but it may go out if a draft extinguishes the light, its valve is dirty, or the thermocouple (the safety device that shuts off gas to the appliance when it detects no pilot light) is faulty. If your home’s gas-powered appliances are older than a decade or so, the problem might be as simple as a pilot light that’s gone out-and that’s something any homeowner can handle on their own. While all of these annoyances might cast a damper on your morning, there’s no need to call a repair person just yet.

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