If the pilot on this Reliance water heater does not light when you press the pilot knob, first make sure the gas supply is on and follow the lighting instructions on the heater. The tank must be completely filled with water before lighting. If you do not see or hear a spark when pressing the igniter, the igniter/electrode or its wiring may be the issue. If you see a spark but the pilot does not light, the problem may be gas supply, the pilot assembly, or the control valve. Do not attempt to manually light the pilot with a match or lighter on models designed for the built-in igniter. If you smell gas, stop immediately, do not attempt to light it, and contact the gas supplier or a qualified technician.