How do I relight my gas hot water system?
Many gas storage hot water systems have a small pilot flame that stays lit and lights the main burner when the water needs heating. If it goes out, there's no hot water. Often you can relight it yourself in a few minutes by following the instructions on the unit. But if it keeps going out, especially in windy or stormy weather, there's usually a reason worth fixing. Here's how to relight it safely and what to do if it won't stay lit.
Before you start
- If you can smell gas, don't relight it. Turn off the gas at the meter, get everyone outside and call a licensed gasfitter. See our gas safety guide.
- Find the lighting instructions. They're usually on a label on the front of the unit or behind the small access cover.
- Continuous flow (instantaneous) gas systems don't have a pilot. They light electronically, so if there's no hot water, check the power point and the controller for an error code.
Relighting a typical storage system
Every model is slightly different, so always follow the instructions on your unit. Most work like this:
- Turn the gas control knob to OFF and wait the time shown on the label, usually a few minutes, so any unburnt gas can clear.
- Turn the knob to PILOT, then press and hold it down.
- While holding it, press the igniter button (or use the ignition method on the label) until the pilot lights. You may see it through the small window.
- Keep holding the knob for about 20 to 30 seconds after it lights, then release it slowly. The pilot should stay lit.
- Turn the knob to ON or the temperature setting. The main burner should light.
If it won't light after a couple of tries, or goes out as soon as you release the knob, stop and call us rather than trying again and again.
Why the pilot blows out in bad weather
Wind down the flue
Outdoor units in exposed spots can have the pilot blown out by strong gusts. A unit in a wind tunnel down a side path is a common culprit.
Faulty thermocouple
The thermocouple senses the pilot flame and keeps the gas valve open. When it's worn, the pilot goes out at the slightest draught.
Dirty pilot
Dust, cobwebs and insects can partly block the pilot, giving a weak flame that blows out easily.
Damaged cover or flue
A missing access cover or damaged flue lets wind reach the flame.
We clean the pilot assembly, test and replace the thermocouple if needed, check the flue and cover, and look at whether the unit's position is the problem. You get a fixed price before any work starts. If the system is old, we'll give you the option of a replacement too.
In southern Eastern Suburbs homes
Homes near the coast in Maroubra, Malabar and Little Bay cop strong southerly winds, and outdoor gas units down narrow side paths are especially prone to blowing out. Salt air also corrodes thermocouples and burners faster.
Why locals call us
- Local to Matraville and the southern Eastern Suburbs
- Free on-site quotes, with a fixed price before any work starts
- Lifetime labour warranty on our workmanship
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
How do I relight my gas hot water pilot light?
Follow the instructions on the unit: turn to OFF and wait, set to PILOT, hold the knob down and press the igniter, keep holding for 20 to 30 seconds after it lights, then turn to ON.
Why does my pilot light keep going out?
Usually a worn thermocouple, a dirty pilot, or wind reaching the flame through the flue or a damaged cover.
Is it safe to relight a pilot light myself?
Yes, if you follow the instructions on the unit and there's no smell of gas. If you smell gas, don't relight it.
My continuous flow hot water stopped. Does it have a pilot?
No. Continuous flow systems light electronically. Check the power point and the controller for an error code, then call us.
Related help: gas hot water, hot water repairs, gas safety guide, gas shut-off guide and hot water servicing. Local pages: hot water Maroubra, hot water Malabar, hot water Little Bay and hot water Matraville.