Water Heater Pilot Light Out

If your gas water heater has no hot water and the pilot light is out, the fix is usually simple - relighting the pilot. But if the pilot keeps going out, there is an underlying cause that needs to be addressed. This guide covers how to relight the pilot safely and how to diagnose why it keeps going out.

Is It Safe to Relight the Pilot?

Before relighting, check for the smell of gas. If you smell gas strongly near the water heater, do not attempt to relight - leave the house immediately and call your gas utility from outside. A faint smell near the pilot area when you first open the access panel is normal. Wait 5 minutes with the gas control knob in the OFF position before relighting.

How to Relight a Water Heater Pilot Light

1. Turn the gas control knob to OFF
2. Wait 5 minutes for residual gas to dissipate
3. Turn the knob to PILOT
4. Press and hold the knob down to open the gas valve to the pilot
5. While holding the knob, press the igniter button repeatedly until the pilot lights
6. Continue holding the knob down for 30-60 seconds after the pilot lights
7. Slowly release the knob - the pilot should stay lit
8. Turn the knob to your desired temperature setting

No igniter button? Use a long fireplace lighter to light the pilot manually while pressing the gas control knob.

Why Does the Pilot Keep Going Out?

1. Faulty Thermocouple (Most Common)

The thermocouple is a safety probe that sits in the pilot flame. When lit, it generates a small electrical signal that keeps the gas valve open. If it is worn, dirty, or bent away from the flame, the gas valve closes and the pilot goes out.

Fix: Replace the thermocouple - an inexpensive and straightforward DIY repair.

Resideo 24-Inch Replacement Thermocouple - universal fit for most gas water heaters. The most common fix for a pilot that will not stay lit.

2. Dirty or Misaligned Thermocouple

Before replacing, check if the thermocouple tip is dirty or bent out of the pilot flame.

Fix: Clean the tip gently with fine steel wool and bend it so the tip is fully in the flame. Relight and test.

3. Faulty Gas Control Valve

If the thermocouple is fine but the pilot still will not stay lit, the gas control valve may be faulty.

Fix: Replace the gas control valve.

Gas Valve 70000 BTU - replacement gas valve for residential water heaters when internal valve components have failed.

4. Blocked Pilot Orifice

Dust or debris can partially block the tiny pilot orifice, reducing gas flow and causing a weak flame that goes out easily.

Fix: Turn off the gas and carefully clean the pilot orifice with compressed air.

5. Drafts Near the Heater

A strong draft can blow out the pilot flame, especially in utility rooms near exterior doors.

Fix: Check for drafts and improve weatherstripping on nearby doors or windows.

When to Call a Professional

• You smell gas and cannot identify the source
• The pilot will not light after multiple attempts
• You need to replace the gas control valve
• The heater is over 10 years old with repeated pilot issues

Summary

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