How To Light A Gas Water Heater Pilot Light

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Go to www.house-impr... for help. Shannon shows you how to light the gas pilot light on a typical residential water heater.
Here is a playlist of all our water heater related videos: • Water heater maintenance
If you have questions about your home improvement or maintenance projects, stop by the forum on our website, where Shannon will answer your questions in detail for free.
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Video © 2015 SKS Media. Videos produced by SKS Media (House-Improvements.com) are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in the videos is intended to give general guidance to simplify DIY (do it yourself) projects. Because tools, products, materials, equipment, techniques, building codes and local regulations are constantly changing, SKS Media cannot and does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information contained therein. Further, SKS Media will not accept any claim for liability related to, but not limited to, omissions, errors, injury, damage or the outcome of any project. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there are any questions or doubt in regards to the element of a project, please consult with a licensed professional. SKS Media conducts all matters in accordance with the laws of Saskatchewan, Canada.

[@PlanetLinuxChannel]

Still incredibly helpful in 2023, over 7 years later! Thank you so much for this!

[@biggdaddy9227]

Exactly. I followed step-by-step. It worked perfectly.

[@AaronSmithDrums]

Same here. Only thing for me was turning the knob to “pilot lighting” on mine kept it from igniting. I put it to its lowest “low” and we’re back in business

[@esojanacig5138]

With 2 +million views says it all. it's really helpful!

[@panchovilla6456]

youtube is awesome, thank you!!!

[@konokukistune]

As someone currently laying in front of the viewing window on his hot water heater, agreed, well made super helpful

[@janettelindsey9510]

Thank you! I’m a single mom of 4 kids and last nights blizzard took out our water heater. I was so scared to do this on my own but man you are amazing! It was easy to follow and the pilot light went on real easily. Before watching this video I couldn’t get anyone to help including the gas company. God bless you truly your a real life saver!

[@The_Xorcerer]

August 2024, and this is still the best video I've found regarding lighting a pilot light. Most videos show the easier lighting with the electric button, but I am living in my late grandparents house and still have an older water heater. Works great, but first time in 8 years the pilot light has gone out on me. Thank you for this because the 2nd half of the video is exactly what I needed. Looks simple enough, but someone never doing this and knowing the dangers if done incorrectly, I wanted to make sure I was doing this right. Just got it going with this video.

[@saimon6]

You saved mine too, right now I finally start it after 2 hrs trying

[@cdr8579]

I truly want to thank you so much for providing your God gift talent. You don’t realize what you have shared on KZbin about dealing with a hot water heater that is gas. I watched one video and I still couldn’t understand it but when I came across yours, I followed you to the tea, and now my hot water heater is working, thank you so much. You are truly a blessing. Keep doing what you’re doing to bless many people.

[@amyliu7065]

1. Turn the top knob off and wait for a couple of minutes 2. Lower the heat as much as possible 3. Turn the knob to pilot and push down, simultaneously pushing the green button 4. Check if the flame was ignited and continue pushing the knob for 30 seconds 5. Release the knob and turn it to the on position 6. Turn the heat to your desired level

[@ariesdagreat]

My knob won't turn to the off position the farthest it will go is the pilot position .. What should I do?

[@ilo5736]

@@ariesdagreat push it down

[@ariesdagreat]

@@ilo5736 thanks I figure that out a month ago . lol

[@dionerhodes1308]

Thank! 👍

[@sherizazzetti1824]

Thanks

[@peggyspiers2912]

Thank you so much. I am recently single, on a farm, and you made this so simple. Had to change out propane tanks, which meant I lost pilot. This video got me right back in business without having to call someone to come help. Thank you!

[@ClippedPipe]

Thank you Shannon... my parents divorced when I was little and so mom raised me... She did a really job by herself, but there wasn't ever a man/father-type to teach me things such as this (I'm embarrassed to say). I appreciate that you shared your expertise on KZbin! I was really nervous about doing this. At first I tried the instructions on the hot-water-heater with no luck. I watched your video, and got that bad-boy lit in under 30 seconds!!!! THANK YOU!

[@ToniM10]

Don't be... Embarrassed... a lot of guys were raised with.. No Father Figure around... Thts.. Y.. there's so many. Moms who should receive a "Father's Day" card!!... Thnk U Moms!!...😎❤👍👍

[@atlast2000]

2021 and this was still super helpful, thanks for the content.

[@seanb7388]

Same Here!

[@joshellison85]

Yup, me too.

[@LeveragedInvesting]

Same here - I have the same brand and very similar model. Couldn't find the window because there was insulation covering it. Super simple once you've seen it done. Now we can stop taking cold showers in our new home - lol.

[@tctime]

Yep

[@chrisg220]

Same for 2022

[@luisalopez1465]

I am a young woman who has no sense in mechanics tools or being handy and you made this so simple for me to understand and follow thank you so much. This is a great video!

[@peekieandjerichovideos7870]

Just saved my wife and I a bunch of cash and a "we'll show up between 9am and 5pm, so be home" house call. Thanks!

[@annapinky361gorgo9]

Thank you! Hubby isn't home right now so you're video helped me not to panic and I turned it on myself. 😊

[@crystald3346]

Same!

[@LarryLeeMoniz]

Nicely done Shannon. Instead of having to wait to have maintenance light my apartment water heater, I was able to safely and successfully do it myself. Thanks!

[@carol_jajajaja]

Same!

[@walterthomas9085]

Thank u Sit .

[@agneshatcheu9218]

Same, thanks saved me for paying a plumber

[@Danielle-jg4qn]

2024 and I just used this. Thanks as a single mom I needed help and found this.

[@heatherscanlan5016]

Just to add same as everyone else here is saying, this worked for me, it was daunting at first but your very clear instructions and confident manner loaned me the courage to do it. Thank you so much

[@cameronkruzel]

Great video! Ours went out today, and this was perfect! I like how you got right to the point and didn’t waste 10 minutes explaining irrelevant stuff.

[@HouseImprovements]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@DBR00]

Thanks for not posting annoying background music

[@jtgirl7]

Thank you for your help, I’m getting married this coming weekend and we have guests staying at our house, we have a tight budget and a whole bunch of other personal issues going on and having our hot water out almost sent us to the mental hospital. What may sounds trivial to others, is my deepest gratitude and appreciation for you and this free video. I hope you know what good you are doing in this world and how many people this has helped. It certainly helped me

[@HouseImprovements]

Enjoy the wedding!

[@jtgirl7]

@@HouseImprovements thank you!! 🤍

[@DiscoSafariExplosion]

Shannon, somehow every time I need to look up a repair, I always end up skipping through a number of videos before finding yours, which shows me exactly what I need. Thank you for all the work you put into making these videos, you're a life saver.

[@ryankramer]

He’s the nicest most mellow guy on KZbin. Every time I run into his videos, they put me in a good mood.

[@chrismorton2741]

What did dads do before KZbin? 😂 I’d be lost!!

[@Apextruebot]

I have no long lighters can I use a match ?

[@joshlawrence8091]

Thank you so much for getting right to the point and avoiding the time fillers so many videos do these days. Straight and to the point!

[@franklynespinoza2224]

This was an awesome video! Thank you for creating this as my water heater pilot just went out and I was able to light it again by watching this tutorial a few times. Thank God for you and your video, kind sir!

[@wshort88]

This video was great and very clear instructions I really appreciate the help, pilot went out with this weeks Ida tornado. Thumbs up….

[@lutzysoto3968]

Thank you so much for your time and teachings, sir. I was home alone is cold and had no water heater because the gas had been disconnected in my property but thanks to your video now that the gas was back on I was able to turn it on and take a good hour shower. Many blessings to you and yours.

[@shannoncalixte2622]

From a Shannon to a Shannon THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!! I am a single mother and I've learned how to do many things on my own.... now I can add lighting my old school water heater to my list of things I can do.

[@smsje600]

Same here!

[@chempo4321]

Weather / winds take out my flame. Since my water heater is outside and I always comeback to this video . Thank you so much

[@joandanza]

Thank you so much for this video. I've been out of hot water all day and nobody in this house wanted to help me. My husband was of course going to call a repair man but he went out so I said self go to KZbin! And here you are helping me! Thank you. I'm so proud of myself.

[@HouseImprovements]

You got this!

[@ericalitts]

I just wanted to say thank you so very much for sharing this video especially the first part because that's the exact same water heater that I have in my apartment and my landlord said they will not purchase a new one so we have to manually light it and turn it off every single day we need hot water because we do not know if the automatic relight switch works or not. It has taken many months for me asking my husband to show me how to do it myself so that I can have hot water when when he's not home and for some reason it's always an inconvenient time for him to show me exactly what to do but now after watching your video I did it! I am able to do it all by myself now so I just wanted to say thank you so very much! I have hot water!!! ❤️-Erica

[@pato7694]

Thank you sir. My wife was gonna have to take a cold shower if I didn't find this video tonight...not good but alas crisis averted.

[@okaythen001]

I took off the panel and I see water dripping, no leaking outside only inside, can't fix that huh need to replace it? (during shower water was warm and found out pilot light was off, then tried to light it and saw it dripping from inside)

[@DBR00]

Thank you for this video. I did not realize that the flame window was behind insulation under the metal panel that comes off. I was able to restart my hot water heater after having my main turned off for several hours last night due to shower repairs. Much appreciate you posting this video and not embedding rediculous and unnecessary background music.

[@lobnayosif4261]

Thank you Shannon! We just got the water back on from the snow storm in Texas. The heater was off. Your video saved us! So simple and we were able to follow the instructions and turn it on ourselves.

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad you made it through the storm and aftermath! Stay safe!

[@lobnayosif4261]

@@HouseImprovements thank you 🙏

[@davethomas5838]

Thanks Shannon, The striker/sparker was broken on this water heater but with you excellent instructions I was able to remove the panels and light the pilot with a barbecue lighter and Walla we have hot water!! Cheers, Dave

[@DrumD8on]

Thank you. Some of the clearest instructions I’ve found. You covered ever step for my Bryant pro. Thanks!

[@chanela06]

2022 and this worked for me! Single woman here…I was terrified, sweating, heart racing, but sick of taking cold showers after two days and didn’t want to pay another 100 bucks to light the pilot…watched your video and it worked! Thank you!!!!

[@gloriasanchez6941]

Thank you so much! I didn't have hot water for like 2 days after watching this i was able to turn it back on👌❤

[@markleistman2955]

February 2024 and worked perfectly. Short and sweet. Thx!

[@jimwalker490]

Thanks Shannon. Once again you've done a superior job explaining "how to". I'd read the documentation for my water heater and although it indicates to watch for the pilot light at the viewing glass, it never indicates where that window is. That's where your video set me straight in less than a minute. Thanks (and my wife thanks you too!)

[@wendypiang5312]

I just did it. Thank you thank you Thaaank youuu. God bless you, Sir.

[@tuelie]

I am a first time home buyer and this helped us avoid a repair bill and waiting three days for a serviceman to come out. Thank you!

[@kathrynhannon4181]

Thanks so much Shannon, you helped two women light their pilot and saved us from a plumbers fee. Girl power!!

[@fandude7]

Very helpful. Worked exactly as you showed. Thank you.

[@MentalHealthWellness-Self-Care]

Thank you so much, Sir!!! Atmos Energy is actually saying we MUST now hire a plumber or other trusted person to light our gas appliances while their Techs ‘wait outside’ during social distancing which is ADDING a person. WOW!!! Thank you 😊

[@angelicaapickless7566]

They just told me that. Will they check and see if there's an actual plumber?

[@MentalHealthWellness-Self-Care]

Angelicaa Pickless Actually, my husband knew how to do it. He asked them to wait a moment outside to be sure it lit. We stepped back out in less than 3 minutes to let him know we were good - I be da- if not only was he not waiting by the door, the truck was NOWHERE in sight!!! Terrible customer services...smh

[@angelicaapickless7566]

@@MentalHealthWellness-Self-Care Thanks cause I did not want to pay nobody for doing that simple shit. Also, it's something people need to know how to do instead of paying a plumber.

[@haloes14]

They're still saying the same thing. I think it's just foolishness. My husband's friend works for a different company next state over and he said that's insane. They're on their way out. We'll see how this goes.

[@crpl]

I've been a homeowner for 5 years and the first time I've ever had to restart my pilot light. Very helpful.

[@barbaragallegos3761]

Thank you sir! I can finally turn on my water heater by myself 😭❤️

[@lekingsupreme3090]

Lol

[@raymondmelendrez5007]

My pilot literally went out yesterday nd i had no idea how to relight it i almost wasted money on a plumber but u just saved me money and time thanks a bunch man!!!

[@omnicityclothingnmulti-med4443]

Today you kept another wife from taking a cold shower... You life saver you... Thank you so very much...

[@raylemus72]

This is what I’m talking about right here. Helping each other out. Thank you so much for making this video. I appreciate it man. I had no idea how to start a gas water heater.

[@ranieshahatcher4094]

this video was very helpful I swear I just lit my own water heater thanks!!!

[@HouseImprovements]

+Raniesha Hatcher that's great to hear

[@ranman4481]

Thank you! I wish all DIY videos were this simple. No back history on anything. Not repeating your sentences three times each. Awesome!!! 👍👍

[@jensing6889]

I first read this video title as, " How to 'gas light' a water heater" lol it's obvious I not suppose to be here but it was neat to learn about :) cool vid!

[@y.o7143]

Feb 16th 2021 - During the worst winter storm in decades in Texas with 20+hrs power outages; water heater pilot light went out too. Your video helped me get it back on quickly so family can have hot water. Thank You and God bless!

[@HouseImprovements]

I hope the power utility gets up and back working for you folks soon!

[@paulineemylegeer550]

Just relit my water heater. Been taking cold showers for four days. Thank you so much.

[@sev7634]

Thank you for your help! I was able to fix my water heater in less than five minutes with the help of your video.

[@dougbashamradioshow]

Thank you, Shannon. I did exactly what you said - and everything happened just as you showed it would. Worked like a charm. Much gratitude, Sir.

[@davidmaldonadosanchez2607]

Nov 2022 and this video was a lifesaver, just moved into my first house. Gots lots to do but don’t have to worry about taking cold showers now! Appreciate the video!!

[@Vonzolicious]

Hold the pilot knob thingy down for 30 seconds... That's what I wasn't doing. Thank you!

[@StyledByEmonie]

To light it

[@rico4260]

2022 here and first time owner in this housing crisis.. currently midnight and first power outage. You just saved me from a cold shower and a rude awakening in the am. Thank you!!

[@wflister]

Thanks once again, man! This is the second time you've saved me from potentially lighting myself on fire.

[@arisetv-media]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@JohnAmaya-g6n]

Loved the step by step instructions! 1st time turning on an old school heater & on the 1st try following your step by steps, I was able to turn it on! Thank you!

[@leethebee1560]

Thanks man helped a lot.. u dah best

[@detroitloves]

Thank you so much! 35 years young and just learned how to light my first gas water heater from your video (and I didn’t blow up the house!).

[@MacAutoDiag]

**UPDATE** I'm her neighbor and she blew up her house and our house and we all died. Thanks

[@twowordsonly8283]

this is very nice learn you really good man I don't have hot water today I watch it your video and I learned that you very much Goodman

[@KreeTerry]

My wife and i just got a house with an old gas water heater and this just saved my butt. Was able to get it back up and running in no time. Thanks!

[@mrtrevormjohnson]

Great channel!

[@katrinaw.6196]

June 2021 single woman ...already paid 90 bucks for pilot to be lit ... this time I did it myself!!! this was the first and only video I needed to be successful!! thx so much for the content!

[@snoops5581]

That’s for just telling me how to do it without talking 5 minutes between each step. It’s much easier to follow.

[@MsN8ivepride]

Omg thank you. Bought a house and been living with cold water and I used your video and I got my water heater on myself, thank you!!!

[@8bitwiz_]

Thank you so much! I never could figure out the first part of the instructions was just to remove that piece of metal. It's so much easier to do when you can see the window.

[@design8studio]

Thanks for the super helpful video. Ours was made and installed approximately 2013 or so, and it has the newer features shown in the first part of the video. So now, in 2024, this video is still immensely helpful.

[@rutheis]

You saved the day in 2021! Our gas was shut off to install a new meter and we were told they had turned everything back on, but that wasn't the case. So my husband and I watched your video twice, went outside aimed with flashlights and got it lit!! Yay!

[@mdouglas2814]

Thank you for the video. I was one step away from calling a service guy out. You're video made the difference.

[@user-vo2ox5ns8w]

This is my first time lighting a hot water heaters. You made the learning process very easy!

[@drumsoutfront]

Aug 2023 and worked like a charm on our 2003 Rheem when it went out mysteriously. Thought it might need a new one but it lit right back up following your instructions! Thank you so much!

[@DeeStrikesBack20]

Thank you! Helped me out in 2024!🎉

[@mylarbowman2234]

Thank you, so much, for this video. My Mom's basement was recently flooded. I waited for the tank to dry out and followed your directions. Worked perfectly. Thank you, again.

[@RicardoGonzalez-pi3hj]

Thank you so much. I recently purchased a '74 trailer home and have never dealt with a gas water heater. Simple instructions and easily can do. Thank you.

[@DaniDacey]

Thank you! Thank you! My water's been off for three days. It was finally turned on today, and when I went to finally take a hot shower there was no hot water. Thank you for helping me figure out how to get it back without blowing my house up. 😀

[@MagnanimousMike]

Appreciate the old style water heater tips. Got me back up and running in no time!

[@patriciaparker8968]

Thank you so much. There's not a lot of talking, just straight to the point. And made simple 😊

[@Citizenfourteen]

New home owner here. I absolutely appreciate this video. Thanks!

[@dkrall4me]

Simple turn on pilot method that still works as of today. Much appreciated...

[@chauho1134]

I turned my water heater off to work on something and this tutorial got me right back up and running thanks!

[@gabrielduran8755]

Thank you for posting this information. I replaced a water heater line I had to restart My gas water heater, I know you posted this 8 years ago, but. Your video helped me today I appreciate it thank you.

[@eshababy1988]

Thank you! My husband and I are in an Airbnb. We asked the owner what to do and his instructions didn't help. We called his sister whom has to light her heater every time she wants hot water and still nothing. This video helped us. Thanks!

[@webonics]

Thanks for this guidance. It was big save after a technician turned it off and failed to restart before leaving. Much appreciated!

[@navajogirl01]

THANK U! THANK U!! THANK U!!! Being a single mom with limited income you saved us a couple hundred dollars by us doing it ourselves instead of calling someone!! Thanks again and bless u!!

[@kclynn79]

Thank you for helping me, a hot mess woman, to turn my hot water tank back on. Saved me money, and now I know how to do it. I feel empowered. ❤❤❤❤

[@Mickeyimn]

Because of you. I was scared but was able to turn it on!!!! Very helpful!!! Thank you❤

[@foaabrand]

And 2022 for my first apartment my pilot went out and this was the first video i seen very helpful thanks well done 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@avavanpelt926]

Thank you for this. Me and my mother are the only ones in home. And we didnt know. But now Ive learned and I will teach any future son or daughter. Its easier than I thought.

[@snowbyrd1180]

I have the first model and my pilot was off thanks to you I got it working. Thank you brother

[@jdcalvin1]

You've helped me a ton over the years with many different things, and once again at 2am you've done it again. Glad I'll be able to take a hot shower in the morning. Thanks!

[@traceychase4622]

Your video was very helpful. My husband was away and I was able to light the water tank from you second video. Thanks so much!

[@guilfordsmith2241]

My 75 year old wife watched your video and learned how to do this herself! Thanks for making it so simple!!

[@melanieweirich8482]

Thank you so much. Our apartment shut our gas off today for maintenance but then only turned half of everyone’s pilot lights back on. This was a god send. At 11pm on a work night

[@cmoultonMU]

So helpful! Gas stove installation today and they didn't relight furnace or hot water! You saved me a cold shower in the morning.

[@ereeckarobertson7600]

Thank you so much!!! I got the gas company to come by and even he didn’t know how to light this sucker! You definitely helped me figure this thing out

[@hecs73]

I am truly grateful for your video.I was able to re-start my water heater.

[@tonya7043]

Thank you so much for this video! I just bought an older house and needed help figuring out how to light my pilot. This video was PERFECT!!

[@Archritis]

Got up on a chilly morning and my wife told me the water was lukewarm in our new construction house. After wasting 10 minutes looking through the manual's troubleshooting section I took to KZbin and found this video. Worked like a charm. Liked, subscribed your channel. Thanks

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks for subbing and commenting!

[@elishai.1181]

This was so helpful! Thank you, this just saved me a service call fee!

[@stileshumphrey4195]

Watched your video afterwards just to make sure I did everything correctly. Thanks for that peace of mind 👍

[@johnbarney5787]

THANK YOU! We've been gone for a year, and I haven't had to light pilot in 4 years, so I forgot how. After driving for 24 hours straight, you saved us some frustration

[@ritaberry4598]

THANK YOU ...... I've been waiting for a few days for someone to light the hot water heater so I can take a hot shower vs boiling all my water .... AGAIN THANK YOU!!!! Your video was simple and easy to follow 💞

[@JC-be5cc]

Thank you!! As a recent 1st time home owner I just light my water heater 😁