How do you fix a pilot light on a gas water heater?
Matthew Perez
Updated on April 04, 2026
How do you fix a pilot light on a gas water heater?
How to Fix the Pilot Light of Your Water Heater
- The first step is to open the cover or door of the pilot light access.
- With the help of a flashlight or headlamp, identify the burner inside.
- Now, turn and press the knob to ‘Pilot’, and hold it for some seconds.
Why is my gas hot water heater not working?
The other less common problem would be the gas valve. A bad gas valve will not allow any gas to go to the burner or pilot light. If the pilot light lights and then shuts off it is not the gas valve. If it won’t light at all, see the article, ‘ Fixing Hot Water Heater Gas Valves ‘ for the issues surrounding this device.
What to do if your water heater won’t ignite?
If the minimum inlet pressure is not present, the unit might not ignite. Gas connection. Check gas connections to the heater and from the gas control valve to the combustion chamber. If there is moisture in the connecting tube, the gas valve needs to be replaced.
Where is the ignition on a hot water heater?
The heat exchanger is located in the combustion chamber, where the main gas burner with the ignition is also placed (below). The gas is coming from the gas supply through the gas line and gas valve. When the user opens the hot water tap, the electronics in the tankless unit reacts, allowing the ignition to start, generating the sparks.
Why does my water heater pilot light but not the burner?
If I understand correctly, your pilot flame is lighting correctly. But the main burner won’t turn on because the electronics in the Gas Control Valve don’t acknowledge the pilot is lit. There are two likely faults: Circuit Board in the Gas Control Valve is defective. To test for case 1, use a multimeter to measure the Thermopile output.
How do you troubleshoot a gas hot water heater?
If troubleshooting a gas water heater, make sure that the gas is on, then relight the pilot flame with a BBQ lighter at the base of the water heater. If troubleshooting an electric heater, make sure the heater is receiving electricity, then reset the thermostat by pressing down the red reset button on top of the thermostat.
What’s wrong with my gas water heater?
Gas hot water heater problems are sometimes very obvious. A faulty valve itself may cause a leak from the pressure release valve. If this is the case, replace the pressure release valve immediately. A faulty pressure relief valve can cause serious damage to your water heater, including the possibility of it exploding.
Is your water heater not heating water?
A water heater that produces no hot water may not be getting power, or it may have a tripped limit switch or one or more failed heating elements . First, check the water heater’s circuit breaker in the service panel to make sure it hasn’t tripped. If the breaker has tripped, switch it off, then switch it back on again.
How do I Light my gas water heater?
Turn the gas knob to “Pilot,” press and hold it down. This will start the flow of gas so you can light the flame. Some water heaters have a separate button for pilot mode, usually a red one, which you’ll press and hold. While still holding the gas down, light that pilot.