Introduction
Welcome to our guide on how to relight a gas water heater. As the weather gets colder, it’s important to know how to relight your gas water heater in case it goes out. If you’ve never relit a gas water heater before, don’t worry! We’ll guide you through the process step-by-step.
Before we begin, it’s important to note that if you smell gas or notice any signs of a gas leak, turn off the gas supply immediately and call a professional. This guide is for relighting a gas water heater that has gone out due to a pilot light outage or similar issue.
Now, let’s get started.
How to Relight a Gas Water Heater
Step 1: Turn Off the Gas Valve
The first step in relighting your gas water heater is to turn off the gas valve. This valve is typically located near the bottom of the unit, and will have a red handle. Turn the handle so it is perpendicular to the gas line. This will ensure that the gas supply to the heater is turned off.
Step 2: Wait for Gas to Dissipate
Next, you’ll want to wait a few minutes for any remaining gas in the line to dissipate. This will help ensure your safety when relighting the pilot light.
Step 3: Locate the Pilot Light
The pilot light is a small flame that is located near the bottom of the water heater. It is typically located behind a small door or panel. Once you’ve located the pilot light, turn the knob on the gas control valve to the “pilot” position. This will allow you to light the pilot light.
Step 4: Light the Pilot Light
To light the pilot light, you’ll need to hold a flame source (such as a match or lighter) near the pilot light while pressing down on the gas control valve. This will allow gas to flow to the pilot light, which should ignite. Hold the gas control valve down for a few seconds to ensure the pilot light stays lit.
Step 5: Turn on the Gas Valve
Once the pilot light is lit, turn the gas control valve to the “on” position. This will allow gas to flow to the burners and heat the water in your tank.
Step 6: Replace the Panel
Finally, replace the small door or panel that covers the pilot light. This will help keep the flame protected and ensure that nothing accidentally blows it out.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Relighting a Gas Water Heater
Advantages
Relighting your gas water heater can save you time and money. By knowing how to relight your water heater, you won’t need to wait for a professional to come fix it. This can save you money on service fees and get your hot water back up and running faster.
Disadvantages
Relighting a gas water heater can be dangerous if it’s not done correctly. If you are unsure of what you are doing or notice any signs of a gas leak, it’s important to call a professional right away. Attempting to relight your water heater without proper knowledge and precautions can lead to serious injury or even death.
Table: How to Relight a Gas Water Heater
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Turn off the gas valve |
| 2 | Wait for gas to dissipate |
| 3 | Locate the pilot light |
| 4 | Light the pilot light |
| 5 | Turn on the gas valve |
| 6 | Replace the panel |
FAQs
How often should I relight my gas water heater?
You should only need to relight your pilot light if it goes out due to an issue such as a power outage or malfunction. If your pilot light is going out regularly, it may be a sign of a larger issue and you should contact a professional.
What do I do if I smell gas?
If you smell gas or notice any signs of a gas leak, turn off the gas supply immediately and call a professional. Do not attempt to relight your pilot light.
Can I relight my gas water heater if I’m not sure what’s wrong?
If you are unsure of what’s wrong or how to fix it, it’s best to call a professional. Attempting to fix your water heater without proper knowledge and precautions can lead to serious injury or even death.
Can I relight my gas water heater if it’s not working correctly?
It’s important to ensure that your water heater is working correctly before attempting to relight it. If you notice any issues, call a professional for assistance.
Do I need any special tools to relight my gas water heater?
No, you don’t need any special tools to relight your water heater. All you need is a flame source (such as a match or lighter).
What should I do if the pilot light won’t stay lit?
If the pilot light won’t stay lit, it may be due to a faulty thermocouple or gas control valve. Contact a professional for assistance.
Can I relight my gas water heater if it’s old?
If your water heater is old, it’s important to ensure that it’s still safe to use. Contact a professional for an inspection before attempting to relight your water heater.
How long does it take to relight a gas water heater?
Relighting your gas water heater typically takes less than 10 minutes.
What should I do if I’m not comfortable relighting my gas water heater?
If you’re not comfortable relighting your water heater, it’s best to call a professional for assistance. Attempting to fix your water heater without proper knowledge and precautions can lead to serious injury or even death.
Can I relight my gas water heater myself?
If you have proper knowledge and precautions, you can relight your gas water heater yourself. However, if you’re unsure of what you’re doing or notice any signs of a gas leak, it’s important to call a professional.
Can I relight my gas water heater at night?
It’s best to relight your gas water heater during the day when you have adequate lighting. However, if you need to relight it at night, use a flashlight to ensure that you can see what you’re doing.
What should I do if I accidentally blow out the pilot light?
If you accidentally blow out the pilot light, follow the steps outlined in this guide to relight it.
How can I prevent my pilot light from going out?
To prevent your pilot light from going out, ensure that your water heater is in good working condition and that there are no issues with the gas supply. Additionally, check the thermocouple and gas control valve regularly to ensure that they are functioning correctly.
Do I need to relight my gas water heater after a power outage?
If your pilot light goes out due to a power outage, you will need to relight it. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to relight your pilot light.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to relight your gas water heater, you can save time and money by doing it yourself. Remember to always follow proper safety precautions, and call a professional if you notice any signs of a gas leak or are unsure of what you’re doing.
Don’t let a pilot light outage ruin your day – with the information you’ve learned here, you can get your hot water back up and running in no time!
Closing Disclaimer
This guide is intended for informational purposes only. Always follow proper safety precautions and call a professional if you notice any signs of a gas leak or are unsure of what you’re doing. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for any damage, injury or loss resulting from the use of this information.
