HOW TO LIGHT GAS PILOTS
Step#1: Using your manual for instructional purposes, locate the
burner access panel for your gas water heater and remove it.
Step#2: Lower the temperature control dial to the lowest setting.
Step#3: Turn knob that controls the gas into the off position.
Step#4: Wait at least five minutes to allow any gas within the system
to disperse. Try leaving the room and coming back so you are not
desensitized to the gas smell. Do not proceed until you cannot smell
any gas. If this takes longer than 10 minutes, call a professional, you
may have a leak.
Step#5: Now you can light the water heater pilot light yourself. If
your gas water heater manual has instructions, be sure to follow
them. In most cases, you press down the reset button with a lighted
match in the other hand near the pilot light. If you are lucky, it should
light.
Step#6: If you don't have a reset button, you may have to push down
on the control knob for the gas to light the pilot light. Hold the control
knob down for a few seconds and release it: your pilot light should
stay lit.
Step#7: If it doesn't light the first time, you can make one other
attempt to light the water heater pilot light yourself. If this doesn't
work, call the gas company immediately to inspect your gas water
heater for problems or leaks.
Step#8: Reset the temperature by making sure the gas control know
is on and the temperature dial is set. Around 120 degrees is standard,
but it can be varied according to individual preference. Some
homeowners save money by setting the temperature lower on the
water heater. If you have children, be sure to keep the temperature
low for safety's sake.
Final Thoughts
If you smell gas before trying to safely light the water heater pilot
yourself, call the gas company immediately. If you are unsure about
working on your gas water heater, you should also call the gas
company. A technician will be happy to show you how to light the
pilot light so you can do it yourself next time.