How To Turn Off Water Heater Pilot Light. Steps to relight the pilot light. The heating mechanism may be gas or electric and is the most important part of the tank to shut off if you are concerned about an empty tank following a water shutoff.
Turn the gas knob to “pilot,” press and hold it down. Make sure to remove out the outer and the inner panel to access out the light of the panel. Turn the knob to “off,” and then wait five minutes for the gas to clear before you follow these steps:
Sniff around the pilot light area and make sure you don’t smell any gas.
Hold down the pilot button or the ignite button. Turn the switch for the pilot light so it is on the pilot position. Use a flashlight or a headlamp to find the burner inside. Remove the burner access covers and unscrew the nuts on the gas, pilot and thermocouple lines.