Wellington Plumber: How to Light Your Gas Storage Water Heater in Wellington
Wellington Plumber: How to Light Your Gas Storage Water Heater in Wellington
If your gas storage water heater isn’t lighting properly, you’re not alone. Many Wellington homeowners struggle with this process, especially when following manufacturer instructions that may be unclear or overly technical. At Laser Plumbing Wellington East, we often guide our customers through this over the phone—but if you’d prefer a step-by-step written guide, you’ve come to the right place.
Understanding Gas Storage Water Heaters
Gas storage water heaters, also known as gas hot water cylinders, are commonly installed either inside the home or outdoors on a concrete base. These systems include a storage tank that heats and stores water, powered by natural gas or LPG. If the pilot light goes out or hasn’t been lit yet, you’ll need to manually ignite it.
Step-by-Step Guide: Lighting the Pilot Light
- Locate the Control Valve
At the base of the water heater, you'll find the gas control valve. This typically features a large thermostat knob, along with a top knob marked “Off,” “Pilot,” and “On.” You may also see symbols such as a spark, a dot, and a flame. Nearby, there’s usually a red pilot button and a separate spark igniter button. - Turn the Control Valve to Off
Before lighting, turn the control valve to the "Off" position and wait at least 5 minutes to allow any unburned gas to dissipate. This is an important safety step. - Switch to Pilot Mode
Press the tab on the side of the top knob and turn it to the “Pilot” or spark symbol. - Ignite the Pilot
While holding down the red pilot button, press the spark button several times (usually 5 clicks). If your model doesn’t have a spark igniter, use a long match or gas lighter near the burner—follow the two outer gas tubes to find the ignition point. - Hold the Pilot Button
Keep pressing the pilot button for at least 15 seconds after the flame has ignited. Then, release it gently. If the flame stays on, you’re ready to proceed. - Turn to On
Rotate the top knob to “On” and ensure your thermostat is turned up. The main burner should ignite.
Need Help Lighting Your Gas Water Heater?
If you're located in Wellington and your gas hot water cylinder still won’t ignite, contact Laser Plumbing Wellington East. We offer expert water heater repair, installation, and gas fitting services across the region. Our qualified plumbers can safely diagnose and resolve any gas water heating issues to get your system back up and running.