It is a good chance that your pilot light has gone out if you notice cold water coming from your hot water faucet.It is possible to relight a pilot without calling in a professional, and you will have hot water again within a few hours.Most gas water heaters require a similar procedure for relighting the pilot light, which is why it is not necessary to have your heater's instruction manual around.
Step 1: The pilot light needs to be checked.
You will need to remove the access panel at the bottom of the tank in order to see if the pilot light is on.The pilot light has gone out if you don't see a small flame burning.If you have a newer water heater, you may be able to see your pilot light through the glass.If you can't see a flame burning through the glass, your pilot light is out.
Step 2: Make sure there is no leaking gas.
If there is gas leaking from your water heating system, you should not attempt to reignite your pilot, as this is very dangerous to both you and your home.A smell test is needed before attempting to light the pilot.Stand next to your water heater and smell it.Take a deep breath and look for valves on the front and side of the tank.Natural gas is odorless by nature, but gas companies add a substance called mercaptan to make it detectable to humans.The smell of leaking gas is like sulfur or rotten eggs.Do not attempt to relight the pilot if you smell gas in either place.The gas company will tell you how to proceed if you leave the area of the water heater.A hissing sound near the water heater is a sign of a gas leak.
Step 3: You can check the door panel for instructions.
Specific instruction of details for your individual model may be listed here, and they may help guide you in the process of relighting the pilot.
Step 4: The temperature control setting should be set to the lowest temperature.
There is a box on the outside of the water heater.
Step 5: The regulator valve needs to be found.
The valve regulates gas flow to the pilot burner beneath the hot water tank and is usually located on the same box as the temperature control.
Step 6: The knob should be turned to the off position.
Wait 10 minutes after the knob is turned off to allow residual gas from the tank to clear.It's important that safety is key!
Step 7: Determine what type of water heater you have.
Old style gas hot water heaters require you to use your own flame to relight the pilot, while new style tanks come equipped with a pilot light igniter.Many new style tanks have a red igniter button set a few inches away from the temperature and regulators.
Step 8: Pick up any necessary lighting materials.
If you have an old style water heater, you will need a long reach lighter or fireplace matches to light the pilot.Placing your fingers too close to the open flame will cause you to get burned, so do not attempt to relight a pilot with a regular matchstick or small cigarette lighter.
Step 9: The pilot can be found.
At the end of the control valve is where the pilot is located.You should use a flashlight to see this area.
Step 10: Push down on the "Pilot" setting when turning the gas valve.
The gas enters the tube that supplies the pilot light.There is a red control button near the gas valve.This button needs to be held down.
Step 11: Light the burner.
While holding down the pilot gas valve or red button with one hand, you can use the other hand to light it.Press this button if you have a new style water tank.When the pilot burner lights come on, you should hear a clicking noise.Put your wand lighter/ match to the pilot burner if you have an old style heater.If extra light is needed, you may need someone to hold a flashlight for you.If you have to stop because you can't see what you're doing, try to ask someone for help in advance.
Step 12: After the pilot light has been lit, hold down the gas valve or control button for 1 minute.
The thermocouple is a sensor that shuts the gas off when the pilot is out.
Step 13: Release the valve knob.
You can see if the pilot light remains lit by releasing the valve and control button after a minute.
Step 14: The access panels need to be replaced.
If the pilot light is still on, put the access panel back in place so that no flame can escape into your home.
Step 15: The main burner should be re-ignited.
To adjust the temperature control, turn the main gas valve back on.The main burner under the tank should start heating the water.
Step 16: The thermostat should be set to the temperature you want.
Don't make it too hot, as it could cause burns to your hands or body.The temperature is recommended by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.