Lighting a water heater pilot with an ignition is a common maintenance task for gas water heaters. Whether your unit uses a standing pilot or an electronic igniter, understanding the correct procedure helps ensure safe operation and consistent hot water. This guide provides clear, practical steps, safety precautions, and troubleshooting tips to help homeowners perform the task with confidence.

Safety Precautions Before Lighting

Turn off the gas supply or set the thermostat to the “pilot” position if applicable, and let the appliance cool for at least 5 minutes before starting.
Ensure there is adequate ventilation and no gas smells. If you detect a strong gas odor, do not light the unit; evacuate and contact the gas utility or a professional.
Keep flammable materials away from the water heater and ensure the area is free of debris and clutter.
Have a carbon monoxide detector installed nearby and test it regularly.
Read the manufacturer’s manual for model-specific instructions and safety warnings.

Identifying Your Water Heater Type

Water heaters generally fall into two categories: standing-pilot and electronic-ignition models. Standing-pilot heaters have a tiny flame continuously burning at the pilot location, while electronic-ignition units use a spark or hot surface igniter that lights the burner when hot water is demanded. Some newer units use an intermittent electronic ignition system that does not rely on a persistent pilot flame. Knowing your type will determine the exact lighting procedure.

Tools And Preparations

Flashlight and dry, clean work area
Rags or paper towels for wipe-down and to hold small parts
Long matches or a butane lighter if your unit uses a standing pilot, or a dry match if recommended by the manual
The user manual or model number handy for reference
A non-linting, clean surface to place tools after use

Step-By-Step: Lighting A Water Heater Pilot With An Ignition

Before you begin, confirm the model type and follow the manufacturer’s directions. For standing-pilot models, the process commonly involves lighting the pilot manually, whereas electronic-ignition units use a spark when the thermostat calls for heat.

For Standing-Pilot Water Heaters

Shut off the gas at the control valve and wait 5 minutes to dissipate any accumulated gas.
Open the access panel and locate the pilot and burner assembly; identify the pilot flame port and the piezo ignition wire if present.
Turn the knob to the “Pilot” position. Press and hold the reset or control knob to release gas flow to the pilot.
Depress and hold the pilot button while lighting the pilot with a long match or lighter. Keep the button depressed for about 30 seconds after the flame appears to heat the thermocouple, then release.
Turn the knob to the “On” or “Heat” position. If the pilot goes out, repeat the lighting procedure and ensure the thermocouple is properly positioned in the pilot flame.
Replace the access panel and verify the burner lights when hot water is demanded.

For Electronic-Ignition Water Heaters

Set the thermostat to the “Pilot” or lowest setting and ensure gas supply is on.
Turn the control knob to the “Pilot” position if required by the model, then press and hold or repeatedly press the igniter button to generate a spark, while watching the burner area.
When the burner lights, continue to hold the control for 20–60 seconds to allow the thermocouple to heat and stabilize, then release.
Return the thermostat to the desired setting and confirm hot water delivery.

Tips for Success: If lighting fails, wait a full 5 minutes and recheck for gas odor before attempting again. Ensure the thermocouple or flame sensor is clean and properly positioned in the flame. If you suspect a faulty thermocouple, pilot alignment issue, or ignition module, consult the manual or a professional.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Pilot won’t light: Check gas supply, ensure the knob is fully aligned to Pilot, inspect for blockages in the pilot orifice, and verify the thermocouple is correctly positioned in the flame.
Flame goes out after lighting: Clean or reposition the thermocouple, ensure adequate gas pressure, and verify venting is unobstructed. For electronic ignitions, a weak spark can indicate a failing igniter or wiring issue.
No hot water or burner not sustaining heat: Inspect thermostat settings, confirm the burner ignites when hot water is drawn, and check for sediment buildup in the tank that reduces efficiency.
Unusual smells or gas leakage: Evacuate the area and contact the gas company or a licensed technician immediately.

When To Call A Professional

Repeated lighting failures or persistent flame instability
Gas odor, hissing sounds, or suspected gas leaks
Flames that do not appear in a timely manner or burner that won’t stay lit
Visible corrosion, significant leaks, or signs of water damage near the unit