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When you step into the shower, you expect the water to get nice and hot within a few seconds. If an icy blast greets you instead, you know something鈥檚 wrong. The typical culprit behind this unpleasant, chilly surprise is a water heater pilot light that鈥檚 gone out.

Don鈥檛 worry鈥攔elighting the pilot doesn鈥檛 require an engineering degree. Follow the simple, step-by-step process from the pros at 91视频 Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing outlined below, and you鈥檒l soon be back to enjoying those hot showers.

Steps to Light a Water Heater Pilot Light

First things first, read the user鈥檚 manual specific to your water heater model. Instructions vary, and you should find everything you need in the manual. If you鈥檝e misplaced the paper copy that came with the installation, look up the model number online to pull up a digital version. Still, the following steps should apply for most gas water heaters:

1. Locate the gas shut-off valve, which you鈥檒l usually find clearly marked on the lower front part of your water heater. Turn this knob to the 鈥淥ff鈥� position and wait for five to 10 minutes to let any lingering gas to dissipate.
2. Open the pilot light access cover or door, which is usually located under the gas valve. Sometimes, there isn鈥檛 a door; instead, you might see the pilot light burner through a small opening.
3. Arm yourself with a flashlight or headlamp. Then, peer into the pilot light access and find two small gas tubes leading to the burner. Keep an eye on this area as you proceed with lighting the water heater pilot.
4. Turn the gas knob to 鈥淧ilot.鈥� This action lets the gas flow, preparing the pilot light for ignition. Some units have a designated red button for pilot mode, which you should press and hold.
5. Ignite the pilot light while still holding down the gas knob or button. Your water heater might have an igniter button, often red or black. If not, you鈥檒l need a long lighter to light the pilot manually.
6. Hold down the gas knob or button for about 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. Ensure the flame remains lit. 
7. Turn the gas knob to 鈥淥n.鈥� You should hear a whump or whoosh sound as the main burner fires up and your water heater sparks back to life.
8. Replace the access cover or door. Give your water heater roughly 20 to 60 minutes to reheat the water, and you鈥檒l be all set to enjoy that hot shower!

What if the Pilot Light Won鈥檛 Stay Lit?

Needing to relight the pilot every once in a while is not a cause for concern. However, there could be a more serious underlying issue if the water heater pilot light refuses to stay lit. Some common causes of this are:

• Damaged thermocouple: The thermocouple is an automatic safety shut-off, preventing gas flow when the pilot light is out. If this component is misaligned, dirty or damaged, you may face frequent pilot light issues. Move the thermocouple slightly and try lighting the pilot again. If that doesn鈥檛 work, you may need to clean it. And if that proves fruitless, it might be necessary to replace the thermocouple, a simple task for a licensed technician.
• Dirty pilot opening: If your pilot light gives off a yellow flame, it鈥檚 likely due to a dirty pilot opening. This can inhibit the thermocouple鈥檚 functioning, leading to pilot light instability.
• Weak or faulty gas regulator: Problems with this component might lead to an inadequate gas supply needed to maintain the pilot light. If multiple gas appliances in your home have similar issues, check the regulator.
• Drafty conditions: Water heaters often share a utility closet with the furnace, which requires fresh air to function properly. Strong drafts from this air intake can extinguish the pilot light.

Got the Pilot Light Lit? Let 91视频 Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Keep it That Way!

If you鈥檙e still having trouble with your water heater pilot light in the U.S., don鈥檛 hesitate to call 91视频 Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our ACE-certified technicians provide fast, effective solutions to all your comfort woes. Everything we do is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if you鈥檙e not thrilled with our services, we鈥檒l work to make it right. We are leaders in innovation and customer engagement, with rich community involvement that reflects our commitment to your comfort. Call 866-397-3787 today to reach the trained staff at 91视频 Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Let us make a meaningful difference in your life, one hot shower at a time.