Turning on your hot water heater typically involves restoring the power or gas supply and, for gas models, potentially relighting the pilot light.
Hot water heaters are essential household appliances, providing hot water for bathing, washing dishes, and laundry. Understanding how to properly turn one on, especially after maintenance or if the pilot light has gone out, is a valuable skill for homeowners. The process varies slightly depending on whether you have a gas or electric unit.
Turning On a Gas Hot Water Heater
Gas hot water heaters require a continuous supply of natural gas or propane and a small, constant flame called a pilot light to ignite the main burner when hot water is needed. If your gas heater isn't producing hot water, the pilot light may have gone out.
Here's a general process for relighting the pilot on many gas water heaters:
- Locate the Gas Control Knob: Find the main gas control valve or knob on the front of the water heater. It usually has settings like "Off," "Pilot," and various temperature settings (like "Low," "Medium," "High," or specific degrees).
- Turn Off the Gas: Turn the gas control knob to the "Off" position. Wait for about 5-10 minutes to allow any residual gas to dissipate for safety.
- Prepare to Light the Pilot: Follow the specific instructions on your water heater's label, as steps can vary slightly by model.
- Light the Pilot:
- Usually, you will need to turn the gas control knob to the "pilot" position, press it down, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot. Look for the pilot light opening, often a small tube near the main burner.
- Keep the igniting flame near the pilot opening while holding the gas control knob down.
- Hold the Knob: Hold the gas control knob down for about 30 seconds, then release it. This allows the thermocouple (a safety device) to heat up and signal to the valve that the pilot light is lit, enabling the gas supply to remain open.
- Check the Pilot: The pilot light should remain lit after you release the knob. If it goes out, repeat steps 4 and 5. If it repeatedly fails to stay lit, there might be an issue with the thermocouple or gas supply requiring professional service.
- Set the Temperature: Once the pilot is stable, turn the gas control knob from the "Pilot" position to your desired temperature setting.
- Restore Panel: If you removed an access panel to reach the pilot, secure it back in place.
Important Safety Considerations:
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions printed on your specific water heater.
- Ensure proper ventilation in the area.
- Never attempt to light the pilot if you smell gas. Leave the area and call your gas company immediately.
- Use a long lighter or match specifically designed for lighting pilots to avoid burns.
Turning On an Electric Hot Water Heater
Electric hot water heaters do not have a pilot light. They rely on electricity to heat elements within the tank.
To turn on an electric hot water heater:
- Ensure Power Supply: Verify that the circuit breaker supplying power to the water heater is in the "On" position. It's usually a double breaker in your home's electrical panel.
- Check Thermostat: Some electric heaters have adjustable thermostats, often behind access panels. Ensure they are set to a desired temperature (typically between 120°F and 140°F for safety and efficiency). Always turn off power at the breaker before accessing internal components.
- Allow Time: Once power is restored, the heating elements will begin warming the water. This can take some time, depending on the tank size and the starting temperature of the water.
| Heater Type | Primary Power Source | Ignition Method | Key Step to Turn On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | Natural Gas/Propane | Pilot light/Electronic ignition | Relight pilot or ensure gas supply is on |
| Electric | Electricity | Heating Elements | Ensure circuit breaker is on |
If you've followed these steps and your water heater still isn't providing hot water, it may indicate a larger issue requiring inspection by a qualified plumber or HVAC technician.
