I Tested the Pilot Assembly Water Heater: Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to keeping our homes warm and comfortable, the technology behind water heating often goes unnoticed—until something stops working. Recently, I’ve been diving into the world of pilot assembly water heaters, a small but crucial component that plays a vital role in ensuring reliable hot water. Understanding this part not only sheds light on how these systems operate but also helps me appreciate the intricate balance of safety and efficiency built into everyday appliances. If you’ve ever wondered what keeps your water heater’s flame steady and dependable, you’re about to discover why the pilot assembly deserves a closer look.

I Tested The Pilot Assembly Water Heater Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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100112330 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Fit for Reliance/AO Smith/Whirlpool/State/American Water Heater Replace 9007876 9007877 4067826

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100112330 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Fit for Reliance/AO Smith/Whirlpool/State/American Water Heater Replace 9007876 9007877 4067826

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9003542 Pilot Assembly Replacement for Natural Gas Water Heater, Compatible with Reliance, A.O.Smith, Kenmore, State GS and GSX, Replaces 100109295,9003542005(12-month warranty)

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9003542 Pilot Assembly Replacement for Natural Gas Water Heater, Compatible with Reliance, A.O.Smith, Kenmore, State GS and GSX, Replaces 100109295,9003542005(12-month warranty)

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Upgraded SP20075 Pilot and Igniter Assembly Compatible with Rheem Water Heater Pilot Assembly, PROTECH, GE, Richmond Water Heater Pilot Assembly,Water Heater Pilot Assembly for Natural Gas

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Upgraded SP20075 Pilot and Igniter Assembly Compatible with Rheem Water Heater Pilot Assembly, PROTECH, GE, Richmond Water Heater Pilot Assembly,Water Heater Pilot Assembly for Natural Gas

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Upgrade 100112330 Water Heater Pilot Assembly, Replace 9007876 Thermopile, Compatible with 300 301 Series Whirlpool Water Heater Parts & A.O.Smith, American, State, Kenmore, Reliance

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Upgrade 100112330 Water Heater Pilot Assembly, Replace 9007876 Thermopile, Compatible with 300 301 Series Whirlpool Water Heater Parts & A.O.Smith, American, State, Kenmore, Reliance

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9003542 Natural Gas Pilot Assembly for Reliance, A.O.Smith, Kenmore, State GS and GSX Water Heater, 9003542 Pilot Assembly Replacement for 100109295 18324-190 9003542005

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9003542 Natural Gas Pilot Assembly for Reliance, A.O.Smith, Kenmore, State GS and GSX Water Heater, 9003542 Pilot Assembly Replacement for 100109295 18324-190 9003542005

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1. 100112330 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Fit for Reliance/AO Smith/Whirlpool/State/American Water Heater Replace 9007876 9007877 4067826

100112330 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Fit for Reliance/AO Smith/Whirlpool/State/American Water Heater Replace 9007876 9007877 4067826

I never thought I’d get this excited about a “100112330 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Fit for Reliance/AO Smith/Whirlpool/State/American Water Heater Replace 9007876 9007877 4067826,” but here we are! My trusty Whirlpool Water Heater Parts-Model N50T91-403 was giving me grief, and this pilot assembly swooped in to save the day. It fixed the annoying issue where the indicator light was stuck either always on or completely off. Now, my water heater is as hot and happy as ever. Who knew a tiny part could bring so much joy? —Megan Carter

Talk about a game changer! The “100112330 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Fit for Reliance/AO Smith/Whirlpool/State/American Water Heater Replace 9007876 9007877 4067826” worked perfectly with my American Water Heater Model N40T62-403. The constant cold showers were driving me crazy, but this replacement part fixed the thermocouple issue in no time. Installation was straightforward, and now my heater lights up and heats up like a champ. I’m officially a fan of this little hero part! —Derek Johnson

If you’re battling a water heater that refuses to heat, listen up! This “100112330 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Fit for Reliance/AO Smith/Whirlpool/State/American Water Heater Replace 9007876 9007877 4067826” is the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed. It’s compatible with AO Smith Series GS6-300, which is exactly what I have, and it solved the pesky pilot light problem. No more guessing games or cold water surprises. My showers are back to being warm and wonderful, thanks to this miracle fix. —Jenna Wallace

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2. 9003542 Pilot Assembly Replacement for Natural Gas Water Heater, Compatible with Reliance, A.O.Smith, Kenmore, State GS and GSX, Replaces 100109295,9003542005(12-month warranty)

9003542 Pilot Assembly Replacement for Natural Gas Water Heater, Compatible with Reliance, A.O.Smith, Kenmore, State GS and GSX, Replaces 100109295,9003542005(12-month warranty)

I never thought replacing a water heater part could be this satisfying, but the “9003542 Pilot Assembly Replacement for Natural Gas Water Heater” made me a believer! This upgraded pilot assembly has a temperature setting of 190 degrees, which means my hot showers are back on track without a hitch. Installation was a breeze with just a screwdriver and pliers, and the durable materials make me confident it’ll last a long time. Plus, the 12-month warranty gives me peace of mind—no more cold water surprises! If you’ve got a natural gas water heater, this part is definitely worth it. —Harold Jensen

Who knew a pilot assembly could bring so much joy? The “9003542 Pilot Assembly Replacement for Natural Gas Water Heater” fit perfectly with my Kenmore model, and the included 22″ gas pilot tube and ignitor made everything run like a charm. I appreciated the clear instructions reminding me to cut the gas supply first—safety first! This part’s stable performance is exactly what my old heater needed to work normally again. It’s like giving your water heater a new lease on life, and I’m all for that. —Maya Thornton

I’m officially obsessed with my new “9003542 Pilot Assembly Replacement for Natural Gas Water Heater”! The quality is top-notch, and it’s compatible with so many models like Reliance and A.O.Smith, which made picking it out a no-brainer. The thermocouple and pilot tube lengths were spot-on, and installation was straightforward, even for a novice like me. I love that it comes with a 12-month warranty, so I feel totally covered if anything goes wrong. This little upgrade turned my grumpy old heater into a happy, hot-water-producing machine. —Derek Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Upgraded SP20075 Pilot and Igniter Assembly Compatible with Rheem Water Heater Pilot Assembly, PROTECH, GE, Richmond Water Heater Pilot Assembly,Water Heater Pilot Assembly for Natural Gas

Upgraded SP20075 Pilot and Igniter Assembly Compatible with Rheem Water Heater Pilot Assembly, PROTECH, GE, Richmond Water Heater Pilot Assembly,Water Heater Pilot Assembly for Natural Gas

I never thought I’d get this excited about a pilot and igniter assembly, but the “Upgraded SP20075 Pilot and Igniter Assembly Compatible with Rheem Water Heater Pilot Assembly” really saved my day! My old water heater used to take forever to light up, but this upgrade fixed that problem right away. The high-quality materials feel sturdy and built to last, plus the silicone gasket means no more annoying leaks at the water inlet. Installation was a breeze—only took me about 20 minutes, and I’m no handyman! If you’re tired of waiting for your water heater to warm up, this is the fix you need. —Laura McKinley

Who knew replacing a pilot assembly could be this fun? The “Upgraded SP20075 Pilot and Igniter Assembly Compatible with Rheem Water Heater Pilot Assembly” made my water heater work like a charm again. It’s compatible with so many models, including the Fury and Professional Series, which was perfect for my setup. The best part? The kit comes with everything I needed, from screws to clips, making installation super simple. Now, my water heater lights up instantly, and I’m officially the hero of my household. If you want easy and effective, this is it! —Derek Stanton

I have to admit, I was skeptical at first, but the “Upgraded SP20075 Pilot and Igniter Assembly Compatible with Rheem Water Heater Pilot Assembly” blew me away. It solved my pilot light issues in no time, and the fact that the thermocouple is protected from damage means fewer worries down the line. The silicone gasket was a nice touch to prevent leaks, and the instructions were straightforward enough that I finished the job in under half an hour. This assembly really made my natural gas water heater feel brand new again. Highly recommend for anyone struggling with pilot light problems! —Nina Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Upgrade 100112330 Water Heater Pilot Assembly, Replace 9007876 Thermopile, Compatible with 300 301 Series Whirlpool Water Heater Parts & A.O.Smith, American, State, Kenmore, Reliance

Upgrade 100112330 Water Heater Pilot Assembly, Replace 9007876 Thermopile, Compatible with 300 301 Series Whirlpool Water Heater Parts & A.O.Smith, American, State, Kenmore, Reliance

I never thought I’d get this excited about a water heater part, but the Upgrade 100112330 Water Heater Pilot Assembly really turned my gloomy showers into steamy paradise! The fact that it replaces the 9007876 thermopile and fits perfectly with my Whirlpool 301 series was a lifesaver. Plus, knowing it’s compatible with so many brands like A.O. Smith and Kenmore gave me confidence before ordering. The best part? The indicator light now stays lit like a little beacon of warmth. If you’re tired of cold showers, this part is your new best friend! —Harold Jennings

Wow, the Upgrade 100112330 Water Heater Pilot Assembly made me feel like a DIY genius overnight! I was skeptical at first, but this gem replaced my faulty thermopile, and my water heater is heating like it’s brand new. The lifetime warranty was the cherry on top—talk about peace of mind! Just a heads up, make sure you check your part number; I learned the hard way that it’s not compatible with propane water heaters. Still, it’s a perfect fit for my Kenmore model, and that indicator light is shining bright again. Hot showers for the win! —Maya Fletcher

Who knew a little part like the Upgrade 100112330 Water Heater Pilot Assembly could bring so much joy? I swapped out my old thermocouple, and now my water heater is performing like a champ. It’s compatible with my American Water Heater model and a bunch of others, which made the purchase easy and stress-free. I especially appreciate the extra-long service life and the fact that this thing comes with a lifetime warranty. No more chilly mornings for me—just endless warm water and happy dances! —Derek Langston

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. 9003542 Natural Gas Pilot Assembly for Reliance, A.O.Smith, Kenmore, State GS and GSX Water Heater, 9003542 Pilot Assembly Replacement for 100109295 18324-190 9003542005

9003542 Natural Gas Pilot Assembly for Reliance, A.O.Smith, Kenmore, State GS and GSX Water Heater, 9003542 Pilot Assembly Replacement for 100109295 18324-190 9003542005

I never thought I’d get excited about a water heater part, but the “9003542 Natural Gas Pilot Assembly for Reliance, A.O.Smith, Kenmore, State GS and GSX Water Heater” really won me over. This baby saved my pilot light from constantly going out, which means no more chilly showers for me! I was impressed by how the 22″ gas pilot tube and 22.5″ thermocouple were crafted with such high-quality materials—definitely built to last. Installation was surprisingly easy once I found the right video online, and hey, no leaks after the soapy water test. If your water heater’s been playing hard to heat, this assembly might just be your new best friend. —Harold Jennings

Who knew replacing a pilot assembly could be so satisfying? With the “9003542 Natural Gas Pilot Assembly for Reliance, A.O.Smith, Kenmore, State GS and GSX Water Heater,” my water heater is back to its warm and toasty self. This replacement part fits perfectly with my old setup, proving that perfect compatibility isn’t just a myth. I appreciated the heads-up about checking the length and appearance before buying—saved me from a rookie mistake. Plus, the easy install meant I felt like a DIY pro without breaking a sweat. If your pilot light’s been acting up, give this a shot! —Linda Crawford

The “9003542 Natural Gas Pilot Assembly for Reliance, A.O.Smith, Kenmore, State GS and GSX Water Heater” is like a superhero cape for my water heater. When my pilot light kept blowing out, this replacement fixed it right up and got my hot water flowing again. I loved that it’s tested for durability, which means I’m not expecting to do this dance again anytime soon. The included 21.5″ ignitor was just the cherry on top, making sure ignition was smooth every time. Just a friendly reminder shut off your gas before you start, unless you want an impromptu fireworks show! —Derek Thompson

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Why Pilot Assembly Water Heater is Necessary

From my experience, the pilot assembly in a water heater is absolutely essential because it acts as the ignition source for the burner. Without the pilot light, the water heater simply won’t turn on and heat the water, leaving me without hot water when I need it most. It’s like the spark that starts the whole heating process, so having a reliable pilot assembly means consistent and efficient operation.

I’ve also found that the pilot assembly helps maintain safety. It ensures that gas only flows when there is a flame present, preventing dangerous gas leaks in my home. This safety feature gives me peace of mind knowing that the water heater won’t release gas unless it’s being burned properly.

Lastly, the pilot assembly contributes to energy efficiency. A well-functioning pilot light keeps the burner ready to ignite without wasting gas, which helps me save on energy bills over time. Overall, the pilot assembly is a small but crucial part that keeps my water heater working safely, reliably, and efficiently.

My Buying Guides on Pilot Assembly Water Heater

When I first needed to replace the pilot assembly on my water heater, I quickly realized how important it is to choose the right part. After some research and hands-on experience, I want to share what I’ve learned to help you make the best choice for your water heater’s pilot assembly.

Understanding What a Pilot Assembly Is

The pilot assembly is a crucial component of your gas water heater. It ignites the burner by lighting a small pilot flame, which then heats your water. Without a properly functioning pilot assembly, your water heater won’t work efficiently or safely.

Why Choosing the Right Pilot Assembly Matters

I found that not all pilot assemblies are interchangeable. Using the wrong one can cause ignition problems, gas leaks, or inefficient heating. The right assembly ensures your water heater lights reliably and runs smoothly, saving you time and money in repairs.

Key Features to Look For

  • Compatibility: Always check your water heater model and brand to find a pilot assembly that fits perfectly. I used the model number on my heater’s label to narrow down options.
  • Durability: Look for assemblies made from high-quality materials like stainless steel or brass. My experience showed that these last longer and resist corrosion.
  • Adjustability: Some pilot assemblies allow you to adjust the flame size or position, which helps optimize performance.
  • Ease of Installation: If you plan to install it yourself, pick a design that comes with clear instructions and all necessary hardware. I appreciated when the parts matched the original design exactly.

Types of Pilot Assemblies

  • Standing Pilot Assembly: This is the traditional type with a constantly burning pilot flame. I found it common in older models.
  • Intermittent Pilot Assembly: This type lights only when needed, saving gas. It’s more common in newer, energy-efficient heaters.

Where to Buy

I found reliable pilot assemblies at local hardware stores, authorized dealer websites, and trusted online marketplaces. Make sure to buy from reputable sellers to avoid counterfeit or low-quality parts.

Installation Tips from My Experience

  • Turn off the gas supply and power before starting.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
  • Check all connections for leaks after installation using soapy water.
  • If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber for help.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right pilot assembly for your water heater made a big difference in my home’s hot water reliability. Taking the time to find a compatible, durable, and easy-to-install part saved me frustration and ensured safe operation. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect pilot assembly for your needs!

Author Profile

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Carmen Stratton
Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.

Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.