Always check the side of the water heater or your owner’s manual for step-by-step instructions. The manufacturer will typically advise you to:

1) Turn the gas valve to OFF and wait a few minutes.

2) Turn the gas valve to PILOT and push down on it (or a red button next to it). Hold it down to begin the flow of gas through the pilot gas supply tube.

3) Holding the button or valve down, use a lighter to ignite the gas at the end of the pilot gas supply tube. You may have to hold the flame there for a few seconds if air is in the line.

4) Continue holding down the control button for a minute or so after the pilot is lit—long enough for the pilot to heat the thermocouple, a heat sensor that automatically shuts off the gas when the pilot goes out. Then release the control button.

5) If the pilot won’t light or goes out again, turn the valve to OFF, wait a few minutes, and then repeat the process.

6) Once the pilot light stays lit after you release the control button, turn the control to the ON position. At this point, depending upon the thermostat control setting, the burner should ignite.

7) If the pilot doesn’t light or stay lit after a couple of attempts, read “Water Heater Pilot Light Doesn’t Stay Lit.”

If none of this works, call your gas utility company or a water heater repairperson.