How to Tell if the Pilot Light is Out on Your Water Heater: 1 Minute to Quickly Diagnose Your Water Heater Issues

If your water heater isn’t producing hot water, there’s a good chance the pilot light is out. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the burner in gas water heaters. When it goes out, your heater simply can’t function as intended. Here’s how you can tell if the pilot light is out:

1. No Hot Water: The first and most obvious sign is the absence of hot water throughout your home.
2. Check the Heater’s Indicator Light or Viewing Window: Most modern heaters have a small glass window. If you peer inside and don’t see a small blue flame, the pilot is likely out.
3. Ignition Clicking Sounds: If your heater keeps making clicking or ticking noises, it could be trying to relight the pilot.
4. Smell of Gas: If you notice a faint smell of gas near your water heater, the pilot could be out. If the gas smell is strong, evacuate immediately and contact your gas company.
5. Error Codes: Some newer heaters display error codes indicating pilot outages.

From a designer’s perspective, regular water heater issues can disrupt your home’s comfort and function. Just like an ill-planned room layout causes frustration, unnoticed mechanical problems distract from a seamless living experience. That’s why, when designing utility rooms or placing water heaters, I always recommend leaving clear access to the viewing window or controls. Investing a bit of time up front can help you quickly spot when issues—like a missing pilot light—arise. And for larger utility or storage spaces, a dedicated floor planner tool can help you optimize both access and aesthetics.

Tips 1:

Regularly check your water heater's operating manual for specific pilot light troubleshooting steps, as procedures vary by model.

FAQ

Q: What causes a pilot light to go out?

A: Common causes include drafts, dirty thermocouples, or interruptions in the gas supply.

Q: Is it safe to relight the pilot light myself?

A: Yes, in most cases, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never attempt it if you smell strong gas.

Q: How can I prevent my water heater’s pilot light from going out?

A: Regular maintenance, cleaning, and ensuring the area around the heater is free from strong drafts can help.

Q: What tools do I need to check or relight a pilot light?

A: Usually, all you need is access to the heater’s control panel and a long lighter or match. Consult your owner’s manual for details.

Q: Do electric water heaters have pilot lights?

A: No, electric water heaters use heating elements rather than gas burners and pilot lights.