The Basic Steps to Relight a Pilot Light

To turn on a pilot light, you need to locate the control knob on your appliance, set it to the "Pilot" position, press and hold the knob while igniting the flame with a lighter or match, and keep holding for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. The pilot light should stay lit once you release the knob and turn it to the "On" position. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple—a safety sensor that detects the pilot flame—may need cleaning or replacement.

The exact location of the control knob varies by appliance. On a water heater, it is usually at the base near the burner. On a furnace, it is typically on the gas valve mounted to the side of the unit. On a stove or oven, pilot lights are less common in newer models, but if your appliance has one, the knob is usually inside the oven or under the cooktop. Always check your appliance's manual for the exact location and any safety steps specific to your model.

Key Takeaways

  • Set the control knob to "Pilot," press and hold it down, then ignite the flame with a lighter or match while holding the knob steady.
  • Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame lights so the thermocouple can heat up and sense the pilot flame.
  • If the pilot light goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty and needs attention.
  • Never use a stove burner or other open flame to light a pilot light—use a long lighter, long-handled match, or a piezo igniter designed for the purpose.
  • If you smell gas and cannot light the pilot, turn off the gas supply and call a technician instead of trying again.

Preparing Your Appliance and Workspace

Before you attempt to light the pilot, turn off the gas supply to the appliance for at least five minutes. This clears any gas that may have accumulated in the line. Then turn the control knob to the "Off" position and leave it there during this waiting period. This step is essential for safety—if gas has pooled inside the appliance, trying to light it when ready can cause a small explosion or a sudden large flame.

Gather your ignition tool before you start. A long-handled lighter or long-handled match works best because it keeps your hand away from the flame and the pilot opening. Some appliances have a piezo igniter built in—a button you press to create a spark—so check your manual to see if yours does. If you are using a match, light it before you begin adjusting the knob, so you are ready the moment you need the flame.

Finding and Using the Control Knob

The control knob is the main valve that regulates gas flow to the pilot and the main burner. It usually has three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Rotate it slowly to "Pilot"—do not force it. You should feel a slight resistance as it clicks into place. Some knobs have a small button in the center that you must press down while turning; check your manual if the knob does not turn easily.

Once the knob is set to "Pilot," press it down firmly and hold it in place. The knob must stay pressed for the entire ignition process and for 30 to 60 seconds afterward. While holding the knob down, bring your lighter or match to the pilot opening—a small hole or tube near the knob—and ignite the pilot flame. You should see a small blue flame appear. If the flame is yellow or orange, the pilot may be dirty; a blue flame is normal.

Holding the Knob and Letting the Thermocouple Heat

The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame. When it heats up, it sends a signal to the gas valve that says "the pilot is lit, keep the gas flowing." This process takes time—usually 30 to 60 seconds. If you release the knob too soon, the thermocouple will not be warm enough to hold the valve open, and the gas will shut off the moment you let go.

Keep the knob pressed down and the pilot flame burning for the full 30 to 60 seconds. You can watch the pilot flame to make sure it stays lit and blue. After the time has passed, slowly release the knob. The pilot should remain lit. If it does, turn the knob to "On" to restore gas to the main burner. If the pilot goes out as soon as you release the knob, wait five minutes, then repeat the process. If it fails a second time, the thermocouple likely needs cleaning or replacement.

What to Do If the Pilot Light Will Not Stay Lit

If the pilot lights but goes out when ready when you release the knob, the thermocouple is not sensing the flame. The most common cause is a dirty thermocouple. Turn off the gas, let the appliance cool for a few minutes, then locate the thermocouple—it is the thin rod sitting in the pilot flame. Gently rub the tip with fine steel wool or a soft cloth to remove any soot or buildup. Do not bend or damage the rod. Then try lighting the pilot again.

If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple may be faulty and need replacement. This is a job for a technician, especially if you are not comfortable working with gas appliances. Do not attempt to force the pilot to stay lit by holding the knob down indefinitely—this is a safety feature, and bypassing it can be dangerous. Call a may have access to repair person instead.

Safety Precautions and When to Stop

If you smell gas at any point, stop when ready. Turn off the gas supply at the appliance and at the main shutoff if you know where it is. Open windows to ventilate the space. Do not use any electrical switches, lighters, or matches. Leave the area and call your gas company's emergency line or a technician. A strong gas smell means there is a leak, and lighting anything could cause a fire or explosion.

Never use a stove burner, candle, or any other open flame to light a pilot light. The flame can travel back into the gas line and cause injury. Always use a long-handled lighter or match, or rely on a built-in piezo igniter. If you have tried twice and the pilot will not stay lit, do not keep trying. Call a technician—repeated failed attempts can waste gas and create a safety hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down after the pilot lights?

Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too soon, the pilot will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine—just do not hold it indefinitely if the pilot refuses to stay lit after multiple attempts.

What does a healthy pilot flame look like?

A healthy pilot flame is small, steady, and blue. It should be about the size of a pea or smaller. If the flame is yellow, orange, or flickering, the pilot may be dirty or there may be a draft in the appliance. A blue flame means the gas is burning cleanly. If the flame is very large or unstable, turn off the gas and have a technician check the appliance.

Can I light the pilot with a regular match or do I need a special tool?

A regular long-handled match works fine. You can also use a long-handled lighter, a grill lighter, or a piezo igniter if your appliance has one built in. The key is keeping your hand away from the pilot opening and the flame. Never use a short match or your fingers to hold a flame near the pilot—you risk burning yourself.

Why does the pilot light keep going out after I turn the knob to "On"?

If the pilot stays lit when you hold the knob but goes out after you release it, the thermocouple is not working properly. Try cleaning it with steel wool first. If that does not work, the thermocouple needs replacement. If the pilot goes out after you turn the knob to "On" and the main burner is running, there may be a draft or airflow problem—close nearby windows or doors and try again.

Is it normal for the pilot light to make a small popping sound when it lights?

A small pop or click when the pilot ignites is normal—it is just the gas igniting. However, if you hear a loud pop, a hissing sound, or if the flame is very large, turn off the gas when ready. These signs can indicate a gas leak or a problem with the burner. Let the appliance cool and call a technician before trying again.