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In most cases, yes, it’s safe to light a gas water heater manually, but you should shut the gas off first, open a window, and let the space air out for about 10 minutes. Modern water heaters shut the gas off entirely if the pilot light goes out, but airing out the area beforehand is good practice and will ensure it’s safe to relight your pilot light manually. Just make sure you turn the gas valve to “pilot” before lighting. If the light keeps going out or won’t light at all, call in a professional.

No, you shouldn’t leave a gas line uncapped because it can allow gas to escape into your environment, which can lead to fires, explosions, and health hazards. That’s why it’s critical to properly cap and seal any unused gas lines as soon as you can. If you’re not comfortable with that, you can always call a licensed plumber to safely handle it for you. 

Temporarily capping a gas line—for renovations or during travel—doesn’t require a permit. If you plan to remove a gas line and cap it completely, you’ll need to apply and pay for one through your town or city. Depending on your region and its local codes, you may pay between $25 and $100. To avoid a gas leak or other hazards, some cities take the job of permanently adjusting or capping a gas line out of the hands of homeowners. Instead, they require hiring a professional gas plumber.  

If you suspect a broken gas line in your home, turn the gas off at the mains and call a nearby emergency plumber. Don't attempt to fix it yourself, and don't use anything that could cause a flame or a spark. Your pro has the tools and experience to safely repair the gas line.