Quick Answer
To relight a water heater pilot light in Weirton, turn the gas knob to OFF for 10 minutes, switch to PILOT, hold the knob down, press the igniter until a steady blue flame appears, keep holding 30–60 seconds, then turn to ON and set your temperature. If it won’t stay lit, you may have a dirty thermocouple, draft, or clogged pilot tube — and if you smell gas, stop and call your gas company or a licensed professional.
Why Pilot Lights Matter in Weirton Homes
A small flame controls whether your tank produces hot water. Most gas tank water heaters use a standing pilot; electric and tankless units rely on electronic ignition instead.
A healthy flame is steady blue. A yellow or flickering flame means dirt, drafts, or incomplete combustion that can create soot or carbon monoxide. If you see yellow, call for service.
How to Relight Your Pilot Light (Safely)
- Turn the gas control knob to OFF and wait 10 minutes.
- Turn to PILOT, press and hold the knob.
- Press the igniter once per second until the flame lights.
- Keep holding for 30–60 seconds to heat the thermocouple.
- Release slowly; if the flame holds, turn the knob to ON and set temperature.
- If it won’t stay lit, wait 10 minutes and try again.
Safety Tip: If you smell gas, don’t relight — leave immediately and call your gas company or 911.
Top Pilot Light Problems We Fix in Weirton
Pilot won’t stay lit
- Usually a dirty or worn thermocouple, draft, or weak flame.
- Check for a blue flame, clean the air intake, and inspect venting.
Pilot won’t light at all
- Could be a closed gas valve, bad igniter, clogged orifice, or tripped safety sensor.
Pilot is on but no hot water
- Often a faulty thermostat, sediment buildup, or burner issue.
- Listen for rumbling or popping — signs of heavy sediment from Weirton’s hard water.
DIY vs. Professional Work
- DIY Safe: Relighting and light cleaning of intake vents.
- DIY with Caution: Gently cleaning a thermocouple if you can properly reseal gas fittings.
- Pro Only: Any part replacement, gas control work, or vent testing. Gas leaks are not DIY territory.
Honest Fix Water Heater Repair Costs (Weirton)
We always give an exact, upfront price — no surprises.
| Service |
Typical Price |
Notes |
| Diagnostic / Service Call |
$99 (or $89 for first-time customers) |
Includes full inspection & relight attempt |
| Thermocouple Replacement |
$100–$325 |
Parts + labor |
| Pilot Assembly Replacement |
$150–$400 |
Includes calibration & testing |
| Gas Control Valve Replacement |
$150–$550 |
Brand dependent |
New customers also receive a free “LEO the Lion” refrigerator magnet — good for $25 off your first service (and future visits if LEO’s still on your fridge).
Honest Fix Guarantees You Can Count On
Repairs & Maintenance (Service Trust Guardian)
- 60-Day Money-Back Satisfaction if we can’t make it right.
- 5-Year Labor Warranty on covered repairs with annual maintenance.
- No-Overtime policy, on-time credit, and clean-work guarantee.
New Installations (Lifetime Trust Shield)
- Lifetime Labor Warranty with yearly maintenance.
- 90-Day Money-Back Satisfaction.
- No-Lemon replacement and Energy-Savings promise.
We build trust with clear promises — no shortcuts, no games.
FAQs
Is it dangerous if the pilot goes out?
Not immediately; the safety sensor shuts off gas. If it happens repeatedly, get it checked.
Why does my pilot go out on windy days?
Weirton’s hills and river drafts can cause backdrafting down the flue — have venting inspected.
Can I light it with a broken igniter?
Sometimes, but it’s safer to replace the igniter assembly.
How often should I service my water heater here?
Once a year. Flushing prevents sediment and keeps combustion safe.
What guarantees do you offer?
Repairs: 60-day satisfaction, 5-year labor, no overtime, clean work.
Installs: Lifetime labor, 90-day satisfaction, No-Lemon, Energy-Savings.
When to Call Honest Fix
Call if the pilot won’t stay lit, the flame is yellow or sooty, you hear popping, or suspect a gas or venting problem.
We proudly serve Weirton, Follansbee, Wellsburg, New Cumberland, Colliers, Steubenville, Wintersville, and Toronto with upfront, exact quotes.
Call Honest Fix today for a free exact quote.
(And keep LEO the Lion on your fridge for $25 off your next visit!)
Alex Largent
Alex Largent is the Owner and Senior HVAC Efficiency Analyst at Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. With more than 20 years of field experience, NATE and EPA certifications, and a hands-on leadership style, Alex teaches his team to fix systems right the first time — with transparency, precision, and no upsells. He writes about HVAC diagnostics, home energy efficiency, and practical maintenance advice for homeowners across the Upper Ohio Valley. Read Alex Largent’s full bio to learn more about his expertise in the HVAC and Plumbing industry. Updated October 2025.
