how do you light the pilot light on a hot water tank?

Question

where is it, and is it dangerous?

Answer 1

There are two types of pilot light igniters: the old kind you light with a match or propane BBQ lighter, or the new-fangled piezoelectric type which works with a pushbutton switch.

First you remove the acess panel on the bottom of the tank. Typically, you just lift the cover up and small tabs pop out from the tank.

You will find a small silver metal box with gas tubes entering and exiting. This is the gas control valve. There should be a dial handle on the top or side marked with 3 settings: off, pilot and on.

There may also be a red button on the side of the gas valve which when depressed, allow the gas to flow to the pilot tube. If not, you can press the 3-setting gas valve inward, when it's set to the pilot setting, to let gas flow to the pilot flame.

If your tank has a PE starter, turn the gas valve to Pilot, and press the red pilot gas flow valve. Then press the PE ignitor button (it should be spring loaded and with an audible click.) It might take a couple of times to start the pilot, then you will hear the flame burning. When the flame burns steady, release the red pilot gas flow valve, and turn the 3-setting dial to ON.

If you need a match to light the pilot, follow the small diameter aluminum tube (pilot flame gas tube) as it descends from the gas valve and curves under the tank. There might be a small access hatch you need to lift and remove to light the pilot flame.

Turn the gas control valve to pilot setting, and press and hold the pilot gas valve (red button) to admit gas to the pilot flame. You should also see a thermocouple wire (looks like a solid copper colored wire) from the gas control valve to the pilot flame.
Light the flame with a long match (fireplace length, or in a pinch, wooden kitchen matches) or a propane BBQ starter. When the pilot flame is steady, release pilot gas valve and the turn the gas control valve to ON.

Reinstall the small pilot flame cover plate, and the gas valve cover with the tabs. Adjust your termperature setting to the desired position, and you are done.

If all else fails, call your gas supply company. They will re-light gas appliances for free, and provide a free safety check.

Answer 2

It can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Most hot water tanks have a plastic dial that you have to turn to a certain position and push in to light the pilot light. Problem is you have to know EXACTLY where the pilot light is and in most cases you need a small propane torch to light it (matches and lighters often don't work). If you don't know EXACTLY where the pilot light is on your hot water heater, I'd advise you to ask someone who knows how to light one to light it for you and to show you how it's done so you can do it in the future if you need to.

Answer 3

Most gas water tanks have a small door or metal panel by the on/off/temperature control knob. Wait a few minutes with the gas off and that door removed to let any gas buildup dissipate. Then, the knob should have a setting for pilot light. Turn it to that setting and light the tank. It's not hard to do and if you're just careful about it you should be fine.

Answer 4

They usually print instructions on the side of the tank by the pilot. You should follow these instructions. And yes, it can be dangerous (including explosions). In my area, the local gas company will light it for you if you have any questions about what to do. Try giving them a call.

Answer 5

There should be instructions on the outside of the water heater down near the bottom of the tank. If it's an older unit that doesn't have an electronic ignition then I'd call a male friend to come look at it and help you. It's not that difficult but it can be dangerous.

Answer 6

It is towards the bottom and it is indeed dangerous if you dont know what you are doing. Turn the red pilot light dial to 'pilot light' (it may require you to push down). Hold down the pilot button. Hold flame up to pilot and continue holding for another minute. Let go and turn the red dial to your normal lit position. That is how to do it but you may need someone to show you to be completely safe. Ask a neighbor man, they will probably know how to do it.

Answer 7

You have to be care full.there's a red button U push it in &while u turn the knob to where it says pilot then keep holding the red button U light it hold it in for about 30 seconds there should be a little flame & when U let up on the button the lil fire should stay on then turn the knob to what temp U want it set on it should ignite then .dont have your face near the bottom of the tank when U turn it up..some time te flame can be high when it lights BE CAREFULL!!

Answer 8

Most newer ones have electronic ignition, but if yours is old:

Directions should be on the unit.
There should be an access panel to allow you to light it.
The valve has a position in which you turn to "light" setting and usually press down and hold while you light it. After holding while lit for a few seconds, you can stop pressing and turn the valve to the "on" position.

Yes, you can get burned. Especially if you release enough gas to cause an explosion.

If you're that clueless (be honest now), have a neighbor help you.

Answer 9

should be small door in front, open door , pilot is in front a small pencil rod. on the side of tank you will see a gas valve. it says off, pilot, on. make sure main gas valve is open. turn valve to off on side of tank. now turn valve to pilot & push knob in holding it in. light pencil like rod, hold it for one minute, let go of knob pilot should stay on . if not start over. if pilot stays on turn knob to on. this will start heater. set thermostat to desired temp.

Answer 10

There should be an ignition switch similar to the kind on a gas grill. If not use one of those long grill lighers you see in the hardware store...