How to Light a Pilot Light on a Hot Water Service
Have you suddenly run out of hot water and discovered the pilot light on your gas hot water service has gone out?
A pilot light is a small flame that ignites the main burner on many gas storage hot water systems. If it goes out, your hot water service will stop heating water, leaving you with cold showers and no hot water throughout the home.
Before attempting to relight your pilot light, it’s important to understand the correct procedure and when to call a licensed plumber.
What Is a Pilot Light?
A pilot light is a small, continuously burning flame found on many older gas hot water systems.
Its purpose is to ignite the main burner whenever the hot water system needs to heat water.
If the pilot light goes out, the burner cannot operate, meaning your hot water system will stop producing hot water.
How to Relight a Pilot Light
Please note: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific hot water system.
The general process is:
Step 1: Locate the Gas Control Valve
Find the gas control valve on the front of the hot water service.
You should see settings such as:
- Off
- Pilot
- On
Step 2: Turn the Control to “Pilot”
Turn the control knob to the “Pilot” position.
Step 3: Press and Hold the Pilot Button
Press and hold the pilot button or gas control knob to allow gas to flow to the pilot burner.
Step 4: Ignite the Pilot Flame
Depending on your model:
- Press the igniter button repeatedly until the pilot lights, or
- Use the manufacturer’s recommended lighting method.
Step 5: Continue Holding the Button
Keep holding the pilot button for approximately 20–60 seconds.
This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve to remain open.
Step 6: Release the Button
Slowly release the button.
If the pilot remains lit, turn the control from “Pilot” to “On.”
Your hot water service should now begin heating water.
Why Does a Pilot Light Go Out?
There are several common reasons a pilot light may extinguish.
Faulty Thermocouple
A worn or damaged thermocouple is one of the most common causes of pilot light failure.
The thermocouple acts as a safety device and shuts off the gas supply if it doesn’t detect a flame.
Gas Supply Problems
Issues with the gas supply can prevent the pilot from staying lit.
Dirty Pilot Assembly
Dust, dirt and debris can block the pilot burner and affect performance.
Strong Winds
Outdoor hot water systems can occasionally have pilot lights extinguished by strong winds.
Ageing Hot Water System
Older systems may develop component failures that make pilot light problems more frequent.
What If the Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit?
If the pilot light goes out shortly after relighting, there may be an underlying issue requiring professional attention.
Common causes include:
- Faulty thermocouple
- Faulty gas valve
- Blocked pilot assembly
- Insufficient gas supply
- Age-related component failure
Repeatedly attempting to relight a faulty system may not resolve the issue.
When Should You Call a Plumber?
You should contact a licensed plumber if:
- The pilot light won’t stay lit
- You smell gas
- The hot water system is leaking
- The burner won’t ignite
- The thermocouple may need replacing
- The system is over 10–15 years old
A professional inspection can identify the cause and determine whether repair or replacement is the best option.
Is It Time to Upgrade Your Hot Water System?
If your gas storage hot water service is ageing and experiencing ongoing pilot light issues, it may be more economical to replace the system.
Many homeowners are upgrading to:
- Continuous flow hot water systems
- Energy-efficient gas hot water systems
- Heat pump hot water systems
Modern systems offer improved efficiency, reliability and performance.
Why Choose Better Plumbing Solutions?
Better Plumbing Solutions provides professional hot water services throughout Melbourne’s eastern and south eastern suburbs.
Our services include:
✔ Hot Water Repairs
✔ Pilot Light Repairs
✔ Thermocouple Replacement
✔ Gas Hot Water Servicing
✔ Continuous Flow Hot Water Upgrades
✔ Hot Water System Replacement
✔ Gas Fitting Services
Areas We Service
We provide hot water services throughout:
- Berwick
- Emerald
- Rowville
- Pakenham
- Narre Warren
- Clyde North
- Officer
- Dandenong
- Glen Waverley
- Ringwood
- Croydon
- Melbourne Eastern Suburbs
- Melbourne South Eastern Suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I relight my pilot light myself?
In many cases, yes. However, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and contact a licensed plumber if you are unsure.
Why does my pilot light keep going out?
A faulty thermocouple, gas valve issue, blocked pilot assembly or ageing hot water system are common causes.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?
Costs vary depending on the system and access requirements. A licensed plumber can inspect the unit and provide a quotation.
Should I repair or replace my hot water system?
If the system is older, frequently breaking down or becoming inefficient, replacement may be the more cost-effective option.
Do continuous flow hot water systems have pilot lights?
Most modern continuous flow hot water systems use electronic ignition systems and do not have a continuously burning pilot light.
Contact Better Plumbing Solutions
No hot water? Pilot light won’t stay lit?
Better Plumbing Solutions provides expert hot water repairs, thermocouple replacement, gas fitting and hot water system replacement throughout Berwick, Emerald, Rowville and Melbourne’s eastern and south eastern suburbs.
???? 0468 582 686
Better Plumbing Solutions – Your Local Hot Water Specialists