It is safe to relight the pilot light myself?

There should be instructions on the water heater, it’s pretty simple and safe.

I’ve done it before. Once you get over the initial fear it’s not bad at all – actually empowering! Look for directions or call someone to talk you through it. Good luck!!

Video: http://www.ehow.com/video_117729_relight-water-heater.html
Text: http://www.hometips.com/diy-how-to/water-heater-relighting-gas.html

I’ve done mine several times, and my elderly neighbor calls me to light hers as well.
It helps to have one of those long lighters or a long fireplace match.

Have you ever heard a story on the news about an attractive blond young female blowing herself up while lighting the pilot light? Didn’t think so.

It is pretty safe.

@Cupcake I still fear my gas grill blowing up on me when lighting it.

When I had my first apartment I also encountered my first gas stove. I didn’t even know it had a pilot light, I just thought that’s what those huge boxes of kitchen matches were meant for.

I went down there and followed the directions step by step but it didn’t light. Any ideas why that might be?

@SuperMouse – I’m hoping you haven’t been without hot water all this time. Please tell us what happened!!