How to Relight Your Water Heater Pilot Light and When to Call a Plumber
The water heater pilot light is often the reason you turn on hot water in your Columbia home and nothing changes. The water stays cold, and now you are trying to figure out what failed. In most cases, the issue is the pilot light going out.
Meetze Plumbing works in homes across Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, and Elgin where this shows up, especially after temperature swings or short cold snaps. Before calling for service, it is worth checking the pilot light, but it needs to be done safely.
If you smell a strong gas odor, do not try to relight anything. Leave the home and call your gas provider. If there is no strong smell, you can move forward with the steps below.
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First – Is It Safe to Relight?
Start with a quick check before doing anything.
- Do not proceed if you smell strong gas
- Check the area around the water heater for any unusual odor
- Make sure the space is ventilated
Homes in Columbia’s older neighborhoods and historic areas can have older gas connections, so this step matters. If everything checks out, it is safe to continue.
How to Relight a Water Heater Pilot Light – Step by Step
Follow these steps carefully. Most water heaters also have instructions printed on the unit.
- Locate the gas control valve on the water heater
- Turn the valve to the “OFF” position and wait a few minutes
- Switch the valve to “PILOT”
- Press and hold the reset button
- Use the igniter or a long lighter to relight the pilot
- Keep holding the button for 30 to 60 seconds
- Release the button and confirm the flame stays lit
- Turn the valve to the “ON” position
This is the standard process for how to relight water heater pilot lights in most homes.
Why Did My Water Heater Pilot Light Go Out?
Pilot light issues usually have a clear cause.
- Drafts or airflow changes around the unit
- Thermocouple wear over time
- Dirt or buildup in the pilot opening
- Temporary gas supply interruptions
In Columbia, temperature swings in winter and early spring can affect pilot stability. Homes in areas like Shandon and Rosewood often see this after cold nights followed by warmer days.
When Relighting Isn’t Enough – Signs to Call Meetze
Sometimes the pilot will not stay lit, or the problem keeps coming back.
- Pilot light will not stay lit after multiple attempts
- Pilot goes out again within a few days
- You notice a faint gas smell after relighting
- The water heater is over 10 years old
These signs point to a component issue, not just a pilot outage. Water heater repair is the next step to identify and fix the cause.
Meetze Plumbing has local technicians available across Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, and Elgin to handle these situations.
Electronic Ignition vs. Standing Pilot – Which Do You Have?
Not every system uses a standing pilot.
- Older water heaters use a constant pilot flame
- Newer systems use electronic ignition
Homes in newer developments in Lexington and Elgin are more likely to have electronic ignition systems. If there is no visible pilot, the issue is not something you can relight.
In that case, water heater services are needed to diagnose the system.
Columbia Homeowners – Meetze Is Ready When You Need Us
Meetze Plumbing has been serving Columbia and the Midlands for decades, with local technicians who understand how these systems behave in real conditions.
From homes near the Congaree River to neighborhoods across Irmo and Lexington, pilot light issues are handled every day. The goal is to get the system running again safely.
If the issue goes beyond a simple relight, water heater replacement or water heater maintenance may be needed to keep the system running long-term. Emergency plumbing is also available if the problem turns into a larger failure.
You can learn more about our team on our about us page or contact us to schedule service. Financing is available if repairs or upgrades are needed.
Schedule Service | Call (803) 590-8908
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my water heater pilot light is out?
No hot water is the most common sign. You can check through the viewing window. If there is no flame, the pilot is out.
Is it safe to relight my own water heater pilot light?
Yes, as long as there is no strong gas smell. If you smell gas, leave the home and call your gas provider.
Why does my pilot light keep going out?
The most common cause is a worn thermocouple. Drafts or buildup can also affect the flame.
How long does a thermocouple last?
Most last between 5 and 10 years before needing replacement.
When should I call a plumber instead of relighting the pilot myself?
If the pilot will not stay lit, goes out repeatedly, or the system is older and showing multiple issues, it is time to call Meetze.
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