How to Relight Your Water Heater Pilot Light

Waking up to an unpleasant surprise of icy water is never a great start to the day, especially here on the sunny South Jersey Shore!

For homeowners in Egg Harbor Township and across South Jersey an extinguished gas water heater pilot light can quickly turn a warm morning into a cold one. The good news is that relighting your water heater pilot light is often a straightforward fix.

Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is here to explain how to relight the pilot light on your water heater and start the hot water flowing again. We want to help keep your South Jersey home comfortable and safe! For generations, we have served the Marmora, Cape May, and Atlantic County communities.

However, if you feel uncomfortable working with your water heater, leave the hands-on tasks to our experts at Broadley’s. They expertly diagnose blinking status lights on water heaters, cold water from the hot tap, and hard-to-spot pilot lights. Our licensed and experienced plumbers are your trusted choice for all things plumbing.

Let’s read on If you are ready to try the DIY route!

Is My Pilot Light Out?

Before you start tinkering, let’s confirm the pilot light is the culprit. Here are three quick ways to check:

#1. Your Water Is Cold: This is the most obvious indicator. If you have no hot water and have not drained the tank with a series of long showers or laundry loads, the pilot light is a prime suspect. There could be other reasons, but checking the pilot light is always your first troubleshooting step.

#2. Blinking Light or Error Message: Most modern water heaters, even older ones, have a control panel with a status light or display. The light might blink, change colors, or show an error code to signal a problem. If you have your water heater manual, check the codes. There may be a sticker on the unit explaining what the different lights mean. You are on the right track If it points to the pilot light.

#3. You Cannot See the Flame: This is the ultimate confirmation. Look for a small observation window or access panel at the bottom of the unit. Peer inside. If you do not see a small, steady flame where there should be one, especially if the status light indicates an issue, you have found your problem.

Can I Relight My Pilot Light Safely?

Relighting a pilot light is usually straightforward, but safety first!

Crucial First Step: Check for gas leaks. If there is a leak, any flame could cause an explosion.. Before even thinking about a flame, sniff around the water heater for any smell of natural gas (often described as rotten eggs).

If you detect any gas odor, do not attempt to relight the pilot. Immediately open windows, leave the premises, and call your gas company and Broadley’s immediately.

If the air is clear, you can proceed. Keep in mind that specific steps can vary slightly by model, so always consult your water heater’s manual if you have it. However, the general process is similar across most older units:

Locate the Control Knob: Find the gas control knob on your water heater. It usually has temperature settings and positions for “OFF,” “PILOT,” and “ON.” You also typically see an igniter button nearby, which might be red or black.

Turn to “OFF”: Turn the gas control knob to the “OFF” position and wait for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows any residual gas to dissipate for safety.

Choose the “PILOT” Setting: Turn the knob to the “PILOT” setting. Then, firmly press and hold the knob down.

Press the Igniter: While still holding the knob down, press the igniter button repeatedly. You should hear a clicking sound and see the pilot flame through the access opening.

Hold and Release: Once the pilot light appears, continue to hold the gas control knob down for about 30-60 seconds.

Turn to “ON”: Slowly release the knob. If the pilot light stays lit, turn the control knob from “PILOT” to “ON” or your desired temperature setting.

Your water heater should now be ready to start heating water.

When Will I Have Hot Water in Egg Harbor Township?

You will need a little patience.

• The average gas water heater takes 30 to 40 minutes to heat a full tank. This varies slightly, depending  on the tank’s capacity.

• For comparison, an electric water heater typically takes longer, usually 60 to 80 minutes.

If you want a water heater that never keeps you waiting, consider upgrading to a tankless model. They heat water instantly when you turn on the faucet!

Electronic Ignition VS Pilot Lights

It’s worth mentioning that most modern water heaters, especially those installed in recent years, do not even have standing pilot lights anymore! They feature electronic ignition systems or intermittent pilot lights, which are more energy-efficient because they only ignite the main burner when hot water is needed.

If you have a newer unit and no hot water, the troubleshooting steps above for a pilot light will not apply, and it is time to call a professional for diagnosis.

My Pilot Light Keeps Going Out!

If your pilot light is a frequent offender, it usually points to one of two common issues:

Dirt Around the Pilot Assembly: Like anything else in your home, the pilot light area can accumulate dust, dirt, and lint over time. If the flame appears weak, flickery, or has an orange/yellow hue instead of a strong, steady blue cone, it is likely burning dirty air. A weak or dirty flame is not hot enough to adequately heat the thermocouple, causing the pilot to go out.

Faulty Thermocouple: This is a crucial safety component. The thermocouple is a small metal rod positioned directly in the pilot flame. When hot, it generates a tiny electrical current that tells the gas valve it is safe to remain open, allowing gas to flow to the main burner. If the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple cools, the current stops, and the gas valve safely shuts off the gas supply.

A dirty or worn thermocouple may not sense the heat from the pilot flame, prematurely shutting off the gas and the pilot light.

Water Heater Repairs in South Jersey

If your water heater’s pilot light frequently goes out, or if you experience other problems like strange noises, leaks, or simply not enough hot water, call Broadley’s for a diagnosis. Attempting complex repairs on a gas appliance can be dangerous and should always be left to a licensed expert.

Call the Water Heat Experts!

Don’t let a cold shower and a faulty pilot light ruin your day! You now have instructions for relighting your water heater pilot light. If you do not feel comfortable with DIY water heater tasks, let Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning help! Our team of skilled, licensed, and insured technicians has the expertise and tools to quickly diagnose and repair any water heater issue in your Egg Harbor Township home. Call us at 609-246-0960 or request service online.