If you have ever had your water heater’s pilot light go out, you know it can be a serious inconvenience. The worst part is that you might not know the pilot light has gone out until you try turning on the shower or start doing dishes.
Gibson Plumbing & Mechanical takes pride in helping all of our customers through large projects and simple projects like relighting the water heater pilot light. Here is a step-by-step tutorial that you can use to guide you as you light your water heater’s pilot light.
1. Locate the Water Heater’s Pilot Light
The first step is to find and identify the pilot light assembly on your water heater. This will be a small knob near the bottom of the unit with a small hole in the center. The pilot light itself is a tiny flame that is always burning.
2. Open the Gas Valve
Now that you have located the pilot light assembly, you need to open the gas valve. This is usually done by turning the knob to the right. If you are having trouble identifying which way to turn the knob, consult your water heater’s manual.
3. Light the Pilot
Now it is time to actually relight the pilot light. To do this, you will need a long match or a lighter. Hold the flame up to the hole in the pilot light assembly and turn on the gas by turning the knob to the left. The pilot light should ignite within a few seconds. If it does not, repeat this step.
4. Close the Gas Valve
Once the pilot light is lit, you can close the gas valve by turning the knob to the right. Make sure the valve is fully closed.
5. Wait for the Pilot Light to Heat the Water Heater’s Tank
Now it is simply a waiting game. The pilot light needs time to heat up the water in the heater’s tank. This process usually takes about an hour. You can speed it up by turning on a hot water faucet somewhere in your home, which will help draw hot water from the tank faster.
6. Turn on Hot Water and Test
Once the waiting period is over, you can turn on your hot water and test it out. If everything is working properly, the hot water should flow just like it did before the pilot light went out.
Contact Gibson Plumbing & Mechanical Today
If you have any questions or concerns about relighting your water heater’s pilot light, we are always available to help. Our service offerings include the repair and installation of various plumbing systems, including water heaters, toilets, faucets, and pipes. We also repair, install, and maintain heating and cooling systems in Reno and the surrounding area. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
