How to Re-Light a Pilot Light

Monday, June 24, 2013

How to Re-Light a Pilot Light

“ARRGGGHHHH!”
I know this blog does not actually have audio accompaniment but that is the sound of someone who had turned on the shower, waited a sufficient amount of time for it to heat up, stepped into it without checking and realized that the water was still ice cold.  Have you ever heard that sound in your home?  Or, even worse, have you created that sound yourself?  Unless it is a 110 degree day there are not too many times when a cold shower is enjoyable.  That is why it is so frustrating when the pilot light of the water heater goes out.  

Don’t worry, this is not a huge emergency, there is a fairly quick fix.  Read below to find out how to re-light your pilot light.

• Look to see if there are instructions on your heater, and if there are-follow those, if not continue with these steps-
• Turn the gas control knob to off, wait 5 minutes and see if all the gas has cleared.  If you smell gas, do not continue, call a professional instead.
• Using pliers, remove the cover.  It should be below the gas control knob.  Then you can use a flashlight to help find the end of the pilot light tube.
• Light your match and place it by the end of the pilot light tube and turn the control knob to “pilot.”  Press down the reset valve and light the end of the pilot light tube.  Keep holding down the valve for a minute or so after the light is lit.
• If it does not work, try again or free to call a utility company or A.B. May if you have any problems or questions!

Hopefully these instructions can help out your family the next time you hear “AARRGGHHH.”  Also, here is another tip-always make sure to check the temperature of the shower before getting in. Questions?  Contact A.B. May!