How to relight the pilot light on a gas geyser safely

1. Check for a gas smell first

   If you smell gas, stop. Open doors and windows, do not switch lights or appliances on or off, close the gas valve and call a technician or your gas company.

2. Turn the knob to Off and wait

   Wait about five minutes so any gas around the burner can clear.

3. Turn to Pilot and press down

   Push the knob in (or press the pilot button) and hold it. This lets gas flow to the pilot only.

4. Light the pilot

   Click the piezo igniter, or use a long gas lighter through the access opening, until the small flame catches.

5. Keep holding for 30 to 60 seconds

   The thermocouple needs time to heat up and hold the gas valve open.

6. Release and check

   Let go slowly. If the pilot stays lit, turn the knob to On and set the temperature. If it goes out, wait and try once more; if it fails again, see the fixes below.

7. Close the access panel

   Refit any burner cover so draughts do not blow the pilot out.

If the pilot will not stay lit

After a long load shedding period, air can collect in the line. Holding the knob a little longer usually clears it.

• It lights, then dies when you release the knob: the thermocouple is probably weak or out of the flame.
• It will not light at all: no gas, a closed valve, air in the line after a long cut, or a blocked pilot jet.
• No spark: the piezo igniter or its wire has failed; use a long lighter and get it repaired.

Relighting every day?

If you are doing this after every gas cut, an automatic ignition kit does the job for you each time gas returns, without the pilot. It is especially useful for geysers on roofs, in shafts or above false ceilings, where relighting by hand is awkward and risky.