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How to Relight a Water-Heater Pilot Light. If you woke up to a cold shower, there's a
good chance the pilot light on your water heater has gone out. Learn how to turn it
back on and you'll be known around your house as the keeper of the flame. You will need
Gas-powered water heater Lighter or matches and flashlight (optional). Gas vapors can
be dangerous. Check around the gas heater and lines before igniting the pilot. If you
smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the supply and call the utility company or a professional
repair person for help. Step 1. Turn the temperature *** on the outside of the unit to the lowest
setting. Use a flashlight to see the small parts and lettering on the water heater. Step
2. Find the metal access panel under the knobs near the bottom of the heater and remove it.
Also remove the inner heat shield panel. Look inside for a flame -- if you see one, the
pilot is already lit and is probably not the source of the problem. Step 3. Turn the gas
control *** to the off position and wait a minute for any leftover gas to clear the
line. Blow gently through the access door to disperse any remaining gas vapors. Step
4. Now turn the control to the pilot setting, and hold a lit match or lighter in the opening
near the end of the metal pilot supply tube. Some models require you to press and hold
a button that says pilot instead of a ***. Step 5. Press and hold the reset or pilot
button on the control box until the pilot lights, and continue to hold it for 60 seconds
after the pilot is lit. Step 6. After 60 seconds, turn the control *** to the on position.
Step 7. Repeat the process once if the pilot did not light the first time. Step 8. Replace
the access panels on the heater and set the temperature *** to the desired setting. Wait
a while for the tank to heat up and you're back in business. Did you know Heating the
water for one household typically costs $200 to $600 per year. Cut back on your water heating
costs by using less hot water, or switching to a model with the Energy Star logo.