How to Tell if Your Water Heater Pilot Light is On: Quick Guide to Checking Your Water Heater's Pilot Light

If you're unsure whether your water heater's pilot light is on, you’re not alone—many homeowners face this issue, especially after routine maintenance or power outages. The pilot light is a small, continuously burning flame that ignites your water heater’s burner. Here’s how to check if your pilot light is on and understand the signs that indicate its status:

1. Locate the Access Panel: Most water heaters have a small access panel at the bottom front. You may need to unscrew or simply lift the panel to see inside.

2. Visual Inspection: In a dimly lit room, look through the viewing glass or opening behind the access panel. If your pilot light is on, you should see a steady blue flame. If you see no flame or just smell gas without ignition, the pilot is likely out.

3. Temperature Fluctuations: If you’ve noticed that your water isn’t as hot as usual, or it runs out quickly, an extinguished pilot light could be the cause.

4. Listen for Sounds: When the pilot is functioning, you might hear a faint whooshing or gentle burning sound coming from the water heater. Silence can indicate the pilot has gone out.

5. Check for Error Codes: Many newer water heaters feature a control panel with indicator lights. Refer to your heater’s manual—blinking lights or certain patterns often signal when the pilot light is out.

As a designer, I always advocate for integrating water heater maintenance checks into routine home comfort systems reviews, just like I recommend regularly reviewing your home layout and systems diagram to ensure every essential service works safely and effectively. Proactive attention now means fewer headaches later.

Tips 1:

Remember to turn off the gas before attempting any inspection or relighting of the pilot. Always consult your heater’s manual for specific instructions, and if you’re ever uncomfortable, call a professional instead of risking injury or damage to your home.

FAQ

Q: What does it mean if my water heater’s pilot light keeps going out?

A: Frequent outages can indicate a faulty thermocouple, draft issues, or a need for maintenance on the gas valve or pilot assembly.

Q: Can I relight my water heater pilot light by myself?

A: Many homeowners can do this following the manufacturer’s instructions, but if you smell gas or feel unsure, contact a professional plumber.

Q: Is a water heater pilot light supposed to stay on all the time?

A: Yes, the pilot light should remain on to reliably ignite the burner whenever hot water is needed.

Q: How often should I check my water heater’s pilot light?

A: It’s wise to check seasonally, after power outages, or if you experience irregular hot water supply.

Q: What if my water heater is electric—does it have a pilot light?

A: No, electric water heaters use electric heating elements rather than a gas pilot light for ignition and operation.