What to Do When Your Water Heater Pilot Light Goes Out
When your shower suddenly turns cold, the culprit could be the water heater pilot light. It’s a small flame, but without it, your entire water heater stops working. Relighting it can be simple, but it’s important to do it right. If something feels off, or the flame won’t stay lit, it’s best to call in a pro.
At Precise Plumbing and Heating, we fix water heater issues all the time. From replacing a water heater gas valve to diagnosing why your water heater pilot light keeps going out, we’ve got you covered and can make sure it’s fixed safely and correctly.
What the Water Heater Pilot Light Actually Does
A pilot light is a small flame that ignites the main burner in a gas water heater. Think of it as the ignition switch for your hot water system. If it goes out, the burner can’t light, which means no hot water. These pilot lights also exist in other gas HVAC appliances, like furnaces and fireplaces.
Common causes of a pilot light going out include:
- A dirty or clogged burner
- A faulty water heater gas valve
- Drafts blowing out the flame
- A bad thermocouple (the small sensor that detects the flame)
If your water heater pilot won’t light, or if it lights but quickly dies out, something might be going on that requires more than a simple relight. But it’s worth trying a relight first, so let’s talk through those steps.
Safety First: Check the Water Heater Shut Off Valve
Before you start troubleshooting, check the water heater shut off valve. When your water heater is functioning, it should be parallel with the gas line for an open position (allowing gas to flow). If it’s perpendicular to the gas line, gas is off and your water heater won’t be able to function.
Never force the valve. If it doesn’t turn easily or you smell gas, don’t proceed. Leave the house and call your gas provider or Precise Plumbing and Heating immediately. Gas issues can be dangerous and aren’t worth guessing on.
How to Light a Pilot Light on a Water Heater (Step-by-Step)
If you’re comfortable handling basic home maintenance, here’s how to light a pilot light on a water heater safely:
1. Turn the Gas Control Knob to “Off”
Find the water heater gas valve. It’s usually a round knob near the bottom of the water heater unit. Turn it to “Off.” This clears any built-up gas and prevents accidental ignition. Wait five minutes before continuing with the next steps.
2. Locate the Pilot Light and Gas Control
Use a flashlight if you need to. You’ll see a small metal tube leading to the water heater pilot light area. This is where you’ll ignite the flame.
3. Turn the Control to “Pilot”
Hold the knob down in the “Pilot” position. This allows gas to flow only to the pilot area.
4. Light the Pilot
Use a long lighter or a built-in igniter button if your water heater has one. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears to allow the thermocouple to heat up.
5. Turn the Knob to “On”
Once the pilot light stays steady, turn the gas control knob to “On.” You should hear the main burner ignite.
If the flame won’t stay lit or goes out immediately, the water heater pilot light keeps going out because something is failing. This is most often the thermocouple or the gas valve itself.
Why Your Water Heater Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
If your water heater pilot light keeps going out, there’s a reason, and it’s usually mechanical. Common causes include:
- Dirty or clogged pilot orifice: Dust and debris block gas flow to the flame.
- Bad thermocouple: The sensor no longer detects heat, so it shuts off the gas for safety.
- Faulty gas control valve: The water heater gas valve might not be regulating flow properly.
- Ventilation issues: Drafts or poor airflow can blow out the flame.
These problems require tools, testing, and expertise. A technician from our team or your chosen plumbing/gas/HVAC company can clean or replace faulty parts and make sure your heater is venting safely.
When the Water Heater Pilot Won’t Light at All
If your water heater pilot won’t light even after multiple attempts, please stop trying and call a professional. Repeated lighting attempts can fill the area with gas, which is dangerous.
This could point to a:
- Blocked gas line
- Defective gas valve
- Broken ignition system
In these cases, it’s time to call Precise Plumbing and Heating. We’ll identify the cause, replace damaged parts, and test everything for leaks and safety compliance.
How Precise Plumbing & Heating Can Help
Relighting a water heater pilot light is simple, until it’s not. When your water heater doesn’t want to cooperate, our licensed technicians can:
- Replace a faulty water heater gas valve
- Inspect and clean the burner assembly
- Test the thermocouple and ignition system
- Ensure the water heater shut off valve and gas lines are secure
- Check for proper combustion and ventilation
We’ve been helping Utah homeowners with plumbing, heating, cooling, drain cleaning, and water heater repair for years. We take pride in getting the job done with precision and safety. Leave it to us.
Preventing Future Pilot Light Problems
You can keep your water heater pilot light burning steadily with some basic upkeep:
- Schedule annual water heater maintenance
- Keep the area around your heater clean and clear
- Don’t ignore small flickers or irregular flame color
- Have your gas connections inspected regularly
A steady blue flame means your pilot light is healthy. A weak or yellow flame signals buildup or poor gas flow.
When in Doubt, Call Precise
If your water heater pilot light keeps going out or won’t light at all, don’t waste time fighting with it. You’ve got better things to do than troubleshoot your gas equipment.
Call Precise Plumbing and Heating. We’ll diagnose the problem, repair it safely, and get your hot water running again, precisely how it should be.
Key Takeaway
A working water heater pilot light is small but important. When it goes out, relighting it the right way is key for safety and performance. If it won’t stay on, there’s a deeper issue that needs a professional touch.
Reach out to Precise Plumbing and Heating, where every fix is done clean, safe, and right the first time.
