How Do You Troubleshoot A Hot Water Heater Pilot Light That Won't Relight?

The first sign of trouble with your water heater's pilot light is usually a cold shower. Your heater's pilot light allows the burner to cycle on and off while maintaining the water in the tank at a constant temperature. When the pilot light goes out for any reason, the thermocouple closes the burner's gas supply valve to prevent gas escaping and filling your house. When your pilot will not light or does not remain lit, you might be able to save the price of a service call by taking a few minutes to troubleshoot the problem. Remove the pilot light access cover. It is located near the bottom of the tank. If you smell gas, do not attempt to light the heater. If the smell does not dissipate, replace the heater's control valve before proceeding. The control valve is the box located by the access cover. It consists of the on/off/pilot dial as well as the thermostat dial. Consult manufacturer's documentation for replacement instructions on your model. Turn the thermostat on the water heater ...  more