What must be done prior to re-lighting a pilot light on a gas appliance?

Prior to re-lighting a pilot light on a gas appliance, it is crucial to check for gas leaks. This step is essential for ensuring safety and preventing potential hazards. If there is a leak, the presence of ignitable gas can lead to fires or explosions, especially when attempting to light the pilot.

By checking for gas leaks, you can confirm that the appliance is safe to operate and that gas is not escaping into the surrounding environment. This involves inspecting the appliance itself and often involves using a soapy water solution or a gas leak detection spray to confirm no bubbles form, indicating a gas leak.

Other actions, such as adjusting gas pressure or replacing the pilot light assembly, may be necessary in some cases but are not prerequisites specifically before lighting the pilot. Turning off nearby electrical appliances, while potentially advisable in certain contexts, is less directly relevant to the immediate safety check required before relighting a pilot. The primary focus must remain on ensuring that no gas is escaping from the appliance before igniting the pilot flame.