The basic steps to light a pilot light

To light a pilot light on a gas stove, you need to locate the pilot light opening (usually a small hole near the burner or under the cooktop), hold a lit match or lighter near it, and turn the gas knob to the pilot position. The flame from the match should ignite the gas flowing from the pilot opening. Once lit, you hold the knob in the pilot position for 30 to 60 seconds while the thermocouple — a heat-sensing device — warms up and signals the stove that the pilot is burning.

After that time, release the knob and turn it to the on position. If the pilot stays lit, your stove is ready to use. If it goes out, the thermocouple may not be working, or gas may not be reaching the pilot opening. Most pilot lights stay on continuously once lit, so you should not have to relight them unless the stove has been off for a long time or there is a mechanical problem.

Key Takeaways

  • Locate the pilot light opening, which is usually a small hole beneath the cooktop or near the burner you want to use.
  • Turn the gas knob to the pilot position, hold a lit match or lighter to the opening, and keep the knob pressed in for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches.
  • If the pilot light goes out when ready after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing and may need cleaning or replacement.
  • Some stove models have the pilot light in a different location or require a slightly different procedure, so check your stove's manual if the standard method does not work.

Finding the pilot light opening on your stove

The pilot light opening is not always in the same place. On many older stoves, it sits under the cooktop, accessible by lifting the top or removing a panel. On others, it is mounted on the side of the oven or near the burner controls. Check under the cooktop first by lifting it gently — many stoves have a prop rod or hinges that hold it open.

If you cannot find it under the cooktop, look at the front of the stove near the control knobs, or check inside the oven itself near the bottom. Some stoves have the pilot light mounted on the side wall of the oven. If you are unsure, your stove's manual will show you exactly where it is and how to access it. The opening itself is small — usually the width of a pencil or smaller — and may have a small metal tube or nozzle around it.

Preparing to light the pilot and what to have ready

Before you start, gather a long lighter or long matches. A regular match works, but a long lighter or long fireplace match gives you more reach and keeps your hand farther from the flame. Make sure the gas is turned on at the main valve — if your stove has not been used in weeks, the gas may have been shut off at the wall or under the sink.

Turn off all the burners on top of the stove and make sure nothing is blocking the pilot opening. If the opening is dusty or has debris around it, use a dry cloth to wipe it clean. Do not use water or liquid cleaners near the pilot opening. Once you are ready, position yourself so you can see the opening clearly and have a steady hand to hold the lighter or match near it.

The step-by-step lighting process

First, locate the gas control knob for the pilot light. It is usually labeled "Pilot" or has a small flame symbol. Turn this knob to the pilot position — it will click or move to a marked setting. You may hear a slight hissing sound as gas begins to flow to the pilot opening.

Next, light your match or lighter and hold the flame directly at the pilot opening. Keep the flame steady and close to the opening for a few seconds. You should see a small blue flame ignite at the opening. Once the pilot light is burning, continue to hold the knob in the pilot position for 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and register that the pilot is lit.

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. If you release it too quickly, the pilot may go out. The pilot should stay lit once you let go. If it does, turn the knob to the on position to resume normal operation. If the pilot goes out as soon as you release the knob, wait a minute and try again — sometimes the thermocouple needs a longer warm-up time.

What to do if the pilot light will not stay lit

If the pilot light ignites but goes out when ready after you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely the problem. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and sends a signal to the gas valve to stay open. If it is dirty or damaged, it cannot send that signal, and the gas valve closes, extinguishing the pilot.

To clean the thermocouple, turn off the gas at the main valve and let the stove cool completely. Locate the thermocouple — it is usually a thin rod about 4 to 6 inches long positioned directly in the pilot flame. Gently rub it with fine steel wool or a soft cloth to remove any soot or buildup. Do not bend it or explore heavy pressure. Once cleaned, turn the gas back on and try lighting the pilot again.

If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple may be bent, broken, or worn out and will need to be replaced. Replacement thermocouples are inexpensive and available at hardware stores or online, but installation requires turning off the gas and removing the old thermocouple from its fitting. If you are not comfortable doing this, a gas technician can replace it for you.

Safety reminders when lighting a pilot light

Always make sure the area around the stove is clear of flammable materials before you light the pilot. Keep paper towels, curtains, and other items away from the stove opening. If you smell gas but do not see a flame, turn off the gas when ready and open windows to ventilate the area. Do not light a match or use a lighter if you smell gas — there may be a leak.

If you have not used the stove in a long time, let gas flow for a few seconds before attempting to light the pilot. This clears air from the gas line. If the pilot does not light after three or four attempts, stop and wait 5 minutes before trying again. Repeated attempts can allow gas to build up in the stove, which is a safety hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob in the pilot position?

Hold the knob in the pilot position for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame ignites. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release it too quickly, the pilot may go out. If it still goes out after a full minute, try again or check whether the thermocouple needs cleaning.

What does it mean if the pilot light ignites but goes out when I release the knob?

This usually means the thermocouple is not heating up properly or is not positioned correctly in the flame. Try cleaning the thermocouple with steel wool to remove soot. If that does not work, the thermocouple may be damaged and need replacement by a technician or a handy homeowner with basic tools.

Can I light the pilot light with a regular match instead of a lighter?

Yes, a regular match works fine, but a long lighter or long fireplace match is safer and easier because it keeps your hand farther from the flame and gives you better reach to the pilot opening. Regular matches can burn your fingers if the pilot is in a tight space.

What should I do if I smell gas but do not see a flame?

Turn off the gas at the main valve when ready and open windows to let the area air out. Do not light any matches or use any electrical switches. Call your gas company or a technician to check for a leak. Do not attempt to light the pilot again until a professional has inspected the stove.

How often do I need to relight the pilot light?

Once lit, a pilot light should stay on continuously. You should not need to relight it unless the stove has been off for weeks, there is a power outage, or there is a mechanical problem. If you find yourself relighting the pilot frequently, the thermocouple or gas valve may need service.