We’ll show you how to safely relight a pilot light on a gas water heater and get your warm showers back without guesswork. This guide answers the common question straight away and gives clear, safe steps you can follow now.

Safety is our priority. Before you touch a control, ventilate the area, remove any ignition sources and wait at least five minutes after turning the valve to Off. When you open the access panel you’ll see the pilot, thermocouple and the control valve that governs ignition.

Different systems use manual, piezo or electronic ignition, so the exact steps vary. Hold the control for 30–60 seconds once the flame starts so the thermocouple heats, then switch to On. A steady blue flame means the heater is healthy; a persistent yellow flame needs professional attention.

We’re Allmat Plumbing Adelaide — qualified, insured and available 24/7 for residential and commercial jobs across Adelaide. If anything seems off, stop and contact us: call Marc on 0432 667 785 or email info@allmatplumbing.com.au.

Key Takeaways

  • Cold shower? The likely cause is a pilot light outage on your gas water heater.
  • Start with ventilation, remove ignition sources and wait five minutes after switching Off.
  • Know your ignition type: manual, piezo or electronic – each has different steps.
  • Hold the control 30–60 seconds so the thermocouple registers heat before switching On.
  • A steady blue flame is normal; yellow flame — call a qualified plumber.
  • Allmat Plumbing Adelaide offers fast, insured service and 24/7 emergency support.

Cold shower in Adelaide? Start with safety before you touch the heater

If your shower turned icy, start by making the area safe before you touch the heater. We lead with safety and clear, practical steps so you stay protected while checking the system.

Ventilate the area and remove ignition sources

Open doors and windows to let fresh air flow. Remove any ignition sources — no smoking, no lighters, and keep sparks away from the heater. Good ventilation reduces risk and improves visibility.

If you smell gas, leave and call our 24/7 emergency line

If you smell gas, do not stay. Exit immediately and avoid switching anything on. Step outside and call our 24/7 emergency line in Adelaide. We are licensed and insured and ready to respond.

Turn the gas control knob to Off and wait at least five minutes

Turn the gas control knob to Off and wait a full five minutes. This lets any residual gas clear before you open a panel or inspect parts. Use a torch, not a flame, for visibility.

Read the manufacturer’s instructions and inspect for damage

Check the instruction panel or manual for model-specific steps. Inspect the heater for rust, leaks, burn marks or loose panels. If you find damage, stop — it’s not safe to continue. Contact our plumbing team for a professional inspection, repair or quote.

Know your hot water system and access the pilot assembly

Before you start, identify the type of ignition your unit uses so you know which steps to follow. A quick check keeps the job simple and safer for everyone.

Identify the ignition type

Look for a square starter button or a small push igniter near the control knob. If one is present, the system uses a piezo or electronic ignition.

No button visible? You likely have manual ignition and will need a match or a long lighter to light pilot safely.

Open the access panel and locate key parts

Remove the base panel to view the pilot, thermocouple tip and the main gas control valve. The shutoff valve usually sits within about a metre along the supply line.

  • Confirm your hot water system ignition type and note the control knob position.
  • Trace the gas line to find the shutoff—know where to stop fuel quickly.
  • Check clearances so you can work without touching hot surfaces.
  • If the panel is loose or damaged, stop and call us; we secure panels and assess heater pilot parts.
  • Unsure of the model? Photograph the label and we’ll identify parts fast. We service common Adelaide brands for homes and commercial sites.

We’re fast, fully equipped and available for replacements or backflow testing. Call Marc on 0432 667 785 for a quote.

How to relight gas hot water pilot light step by step

Use this step‑by‑step guide to light the pilot on your water heater safely and confidently. Follow each action in order and stop if anything seems wrong — we’re available 24/7 if you need help.

  1. Open the access panel. Confirm the control position and clear sight to the pilot light orifice.
  2. Turn to Off and wait 5–10 minutes. This clears any lingering gas before you proceed.
  3. Set the control to Pilot. Press and hold the control knob down to allow a small flow of fuel.
  4. Ignite according to your ignition type. For manual ignition, apply a steady flame at the pilot. For piezo or electronic systems, press and hold the igniter button while the control stays in Pilot position.
  5. Hold for 30–60 seconds. Keep the knob depressed so the thermocouple heats and recognises the flame.
  6. Release slowly and check stability. If the flame goes out, repeat and hold for longer.
  7. Turn the control to On. The main burner should fire and the water heater will begin heating — allow 10–15 minutes before testing a tap.
  8. Replace the panel and stand clear. If the heater pilot light won’t stay lit, contact us for a service or replacement quote.

If you’re unsure at any step or the system behaves oddly, call Marc on 0432 667 785 or email info@allmatplumbing.com.au. We service Adelaide homes and can assess ageing units for replacement.

Check the flame, test the system, and fix common relighting issues

A quick visual check of the flame can save time and stop repeat issues. Look first for a steady blue flame that fully envelopes the heater pilot tip. Blue and steady means correct combustion; orange or yellow indicates blockage or poor air mix.

When the pilot won’t ignite

If the pilot light gas won’t start, confirm the supply and the shutoff valve is open. Bleed trapped air, then inspect the orifice for debris such as spider webs or dust.

Gently clear the orifice and tighten thermocouple connections if loose. If the problem persists, we diagnose fast and perform gas control checks safely.

When the flame won’t stay lit

If the flame starts then goes out, re‑position the thermocouple so the flame hits the tip. Check for drafts around the unit; strong breezes can extinguish the burner pilot repeatedly.

Ageing components also cause repeat problems. We replace worn parts or full systems — gas, electric, heat pump and solar — across Adelaide.

  • Look for a steady blue flame; yellow or flicker means service may be needed.
  • Check supply valves and clear the orifice if ignition fails.
  • Tighten connections and align the thermocouple if the flame won’t stay.
  • After a successful restart, allow 10–15 minutes, then test taps for expected temperature.
  • If you smell gas at any point, turn the control knob off and contact our 24/7 emergency team.

We’re licensed for gas fitting and leak detection, plus drainage work including hydro jet clearing. To book a service or request a quote, book a service with our Adelaide team.

Need help now in Adelaide? We’re qualified, insured and on call 24/7

When plumbing faults strike, we respond fast and bring fully stocked vans to your door. Our team is qualified, insured and ready to restore your hot water system or handle emergency repairs any time.

Call Marc on 0432 667 785 or email info@allmatplumbing.com.au

Need help now? Call Marc for immediate support. We answer 24/7 and dispatch a plumber with parts to fix most issues on the first visit.

Residential and commercial: hot water systems, gas fitting and leak detection

We service gas hot water and electric options, replace ageing water heater units, and perform certified leak detection. Our licensed gas fitters carry calibrated gear for safe work.

Full-service support: general repairs to mains and filters

We cover taps, toilets, burst pipes, roof and gutter leaks, water filters, water mains, sewer and stormwater. Our plumbers handle both small fixes and large projects.

Drainage and commercial: hydro jet, backflow testing and design

Commercial services include hydro jet drain clearing, CCTV inspections, backflow testing, TMVs and grease arresters. We also design and construct drainage solutions for businesses.

  • Need service fast? We handle pilot light faults and ignition problems day and night.
  • Our vans are fully stocked so we can often complete repairs in one visit.
  • Book a plumber in Adelaide or request a quote today.

Call Marc on 0432 667 785 or email info@allmatplumbing.com.au to book a visit, ask about backflow testing, or request a quote for hot water replacement.

Conclusion

When your heater stops, a methodical check and correct restart of the pilot often restores service.

We showed clear safety steps and the process to relight pilot light and get hot water flowing again. After a successful restart, watch for a steady blue flame and allow 10–15 minutes for the system to heat before testing taps. If the pilot light won’t hold, the thermocouple, orifice or ageing components may need attention.

We’re qualified, insured and ready 24/7 across Adelaide with fully equipped vehicles for fast response. Need help now? Call Marc on 0432 667 785 or email info@allmatplumbing.com.au for service, replacement or a quote.

FAQ

What should we do first if our shower turns cold in Adelaide?

Before we touch any equipment, we ventilate the area and remove open flames or sparks. If we detect a gas odour, we leave immediately and call our 24/7 emergency line. Safety is our priority.

How long should we wait after turning the control knob to Off?

We turn the control knob to Off and wait at least five minutes to allow any residual gas to disperse. This reduces the risk of ignition when we next attempt to operate the unit.

Where can we find instructions for our specific heater?

We always read the manufacturer’s instructions on the unit’s panel or in the user manual. They provide model‑specific safety steps and ignition procedures we must follow.

What should we inspect before attempting to access the pilot assembly?

We check for visible damage such as rust, leaks, burn marks or loose panels. If anything looks compromised, we stop and call a qualified technician rather than proceeding.

How do we identify the ignition type on our system?

We look for a manual matchpoint, a piezo push‑button or an electronic igniter. The access panel will reveal the pilot, thermocouple and control valve so we can follow the correct method.

What is the correct method for manual ignition?

For manual ignition we set the control to Pilot, hold the control depressed, apply a flame to the pilot while heating the thermocouple, and keep the control held for the required time. If unsure, we consult the manual or call us.

How do we use a piezo or electronic igniter?

We set the control to the Pilot position, press and hold the igniter while depressing the gas control. We keep the control held for 30–60 seconds after ignition, then turn to the On position once the flame is stable.

How long should we hold the control after the pilot lights?

Timing matters. We maintain pressure on the control for 30–60 seconds after ignition to allow the thermocouple to heat and register the flame before releasing.

What does a healthy pilot flame look like?

A healthy flame is steady and predominantly blue. Yellow, flickering or weak flames suggest incomplete combustion, drafts or a blocked orifice and need attention.

The pilot won’t light — what checks can we do?

We confirm the supply is on, clear any debris from the pilot orifice, and inspect gas connections and the control knob. If the issue persists, we arrange a service call for testing and part replacement.

Why does the pilot light go out after we release the control?

Common causes include a faulty or misaligned thermocouple, drafts blowing out the flame, or worn components. We replace or reposition parts and seal drafts, or we send a technician if the fault continues.

When should we stop and call a professional?

We call a licensed plumber if we smell gas, see damage, cannot get a stable flame, or lack confidence to work on the unit. We offer 24/7 service for urgent faults, leak detection and full system repairs.

What services do you provide for residential and commercial systems in Adelaide?

We supply full hot water system support, gas fitting, leak detection, general plumbing repairs, drainage works, backflow testing, TMV services and commercial maintenance. Contact us to book a technician or request a quote.