Turn off the gas supply, then the pilot light itself
To turn off a pilot light, you first shut off the gas to the appliance at its control knob, then use the same knob to extinguish the flame. Most appliances have a three-position dial: "On," "Pilot," and "Off." Turn the knob to "Off" and wait a few minutes for any remaining gas to clear. The pilot light will go out on its own once gas stops flowing to it. You do not need tools or special knowledge—it is a straightforward process that takes less than a minute.
The reason you turn off gas first is safety. If you try to blow out or manually extinguish the pilot light while gas is still flowing, the burner may reignite unexpectedly or gas may accumulate in the appliance. Turning the control knob to "Off" stops the gas supply entirely, so there is nothing left to ignite.
Key Takeaways
- Locate the control knob on your water heater, furnace, or gas stove and turn it fully to the "Off" position.
- Wait two to three minutes after turning off the knob to allow any residual gas to dissipate before opening the appliance.
- Do not attempt to blow out or manually extinguish a pilot light while the gas valve is still open, as this can be unsafe.
- If the pilot light will not stay off or the knob is stuck, turn off the main gas supply to the house and call a technician.
Locating the control knob on your appliance
The control knob is usually mounted on the front or side of the appliance, near the bottom. On a water heater, it is typically on the lower left side of the tank. On a furnace, it is on the burner assembly inside the unit. On a gas stove, it is one of the knobs at the front of the range, usually labeled "Pilot" or with a flame symbol.
If you cannot find the knob, check the appliance manual or look for a label on the unit itself. The manual will show you exactly where it is and what the dial positions mean. If you have lost the manual, you can often find it online by searching the appliance brand and model number, which is usually printed on a sticker inside or on the back of the unit.
What happens when you turn the knob to "Off"
When you turn the control knob to "Off," you are closing a gas valve inside the appliance. This stops the flow of gas to the pilot burner. Without gas, the pilot light flame has no fuel and goes out when ready. The appliance is now in a safe state—no gas is flowing, and there is no open flame.
You may hear a soft click or hiss as the valve closes. This is normal. Some appliances have a small indicator light that goes out when the pilot is off; others do not. Either way, the pilot light is extinguished as soon as the knob reaches the "Off" position.
When to turn off the pilot light
You might turn off a pilot light if you are leaving your home for an extended period, performing maintenance on the appliance, or troubleshooting a problem. Turning off the pilot light does not harm the appliance—it straightforward stops the continuous small flame that normally burns.
If you are leaving for more than a few weeks, turning off the pilot light can save a small amount of gas. However, if you turn it off and then want to use the appliance again, you will need to relight the pilot, which requires following the appliance's ignition procedure. For most people, it is easier to leave the pilot light on during normal use.
If the knob is stuck or will not turn
If the control knob is stuck and will not turn to "Off," do not force it. Forcing a stuck knob can break the valve inside, which is expensive to repair. Instead, turn off the main gas supply to your house at the meter or the shutoff valve outside. This stops gas flow to all appliances.
Once the main supply is off, the pilot light will go out on its own. Then call a technician to inspect the appliance and free the stuck knob. A stuck knob usually means the valve inside has corroded or the knob itself has become seized, and a professional can determine whether it can be repaired or needs replacement.
If the pilot light will not stay off
If you turn the knob to "Off" but the pilot light continues to burn, the gas valve may be faulty and not closing properly. This is a safety issue. Turn off the main gas supply to the house when ready and call a technician. Do not attempt to use the appliance.
A valve that will not close can allow gas to accumulate, which is a fire and health hazard. A technician will test the valve and replace it if necessary. This is not a repair you should attempt yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn off the pilot light to save money?
Yes, but the savings are small—usually a few dollars per month. If you are away for weeks or months, turning off the pilot light makes sense. For normal use, the cost of relighting the pilot each time you need the appliance usually outweighs the savings.
Will turning off the pilot light damage the appliance?
No. Turning off the pilot light is a normal operation and does not harm the appliance. The pilot light is designed to be turned on and off. You can turn it off and back on as many times as you need.
How long does it take to turn off a pilot light?
Less than one minute. straightforward turn the control knob to "Off" and wait a few seconds. The pilot light goes out when ready once the gas valve closes.
What if I smell gas after turning off the pilot light?
A faint gas smell for a minute or two after turning off the knob is normal—it is residual gas clearing from the appliance. If the smell persists or is strong, turn off the main gas supply and call your gas company or a technician. Do not use any electrical switches or create sparks.
Do I need to do anything special before turning the pilot light back on?
No. When you are ready to use the appliance again, follow the manufacturer's instructions for relighting the pilot. This usually involves turning the knob to "Pilot," holding it in place for 30 seconds while pressing an ignition button, then turning the knob to "On." Your appliance manual will have the exact steps.