Look for the blue flame in the burner chamber

The fastest way to check your pilot light is to look directly at it. Open the access panel or door on your furnace, water heater, or stove — the location depends on the appliance. Inside, you will see a small burner with a tiny flame. If that flame is burning steadily and glowing blue, your pilot light is on and working. If you see no flame at all, or a flame that is yellow or orange instead of blue, the pilot light has gone out or is not burning correctly.

The blue color matters. A blue flame means the gas is burning cleanly and completely. A yellow or orange flame suggests incomplete combustion, which can mean carbon monoxide is being produced — a serious safety problem. If you see yellow or orange, turn off the gas supply when ready and call a technician.

Not all appliances make the pilot light straightforward to see. Some furnaces require you to remove a cover or panel first. Check your appliance's manual or the label inside the door for the exact location. If you cannot find it after a reasonable search, take a photo of the appliance and its model number and ask a technician where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • A working pilot light glows blue and steady; if you see no flame or a yellow flame, it is not working correctly.
  • You may need to open an access panel or remove a cover to see the pilot light — check your appliance manual for the exact location.
  • A yellow or orange flame indicates incomplete combustion and is a safety hazard; turn off the gas and call a technician when ready.
  • If the pilot light is out, you can try relighting it yourself on many appliances, but some require a technician.
  • A pilot light that goes out repeatedly usually means a faulty thermocouple or gas valve, not operator error.

How to relight a pilot light yourself

If your pilot light is out, many appliances let you relight it without calling a technician. Look for a knob or switch labeled "Pilot" near the gas valve. Turn it to the "Off" position and wait three to five minutes to let any gas in the chamber clear. This step is important — if you skip it, the gas can ignite suddenly when you try to light it.

After waiting, turn the knob to "Pilot" and hold it down. While holding it, use a long lighter or match to ignite the small burner opening. You may need to lean down and look inside to see where to aim the flame. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame lights — this keeps the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) warm enough to hold the valve open. Then release the knob and turn it to "On." If the flame stays lit, you have succeeded.

If the pilot light will not stay lit after you release the knob, or if it goes out again within a few hours, do not keep trying. Repeated failures usually mean the thermocouple is worn out or the gas valve is failing. Both require replacement by a technician and are not safe to ignore.

When the pilot light keeps going out

A pilot light that goes out once in a while is often just a draft or a temporary gas pressure dip. But if it goes out more than once a month, or if it goes out after you relight it, something is broken inside the appliance. The most common culprit is a thermocouple — a small metal rod that senses heat from the pilot flame and tells the gas valve to stay open. When it gets old or dirty, it stops sensing the heat and the valve closes, shutting off the pilot.

The second common cause is a gas valve that is failing or stuck. A faulty valve will not hold the pilot open even if the thermocouple is working. Both problems require a technician to diagnose and fix. Do not try to clean or adjust the thermocouple yourself — it is delicate and straightforward to damage.

If your pilot light goes out in winter and comes back on in spring, the cause is usually a draft or a blocked vent. Check that nothing is covering the vent pipe on the outside of your house. If the vent is clear and the pilot still goes out, ask a technician to inspect the vent system for leaks or damage.

Safety checks while you inspect the pilot light

Before you open any access panel, make sure the area around the appliance is clear of clutter and that you have good light. Use a flashlight if the burner chamber is dark. Never lean directly over an open flame or put your face too close to the opening — the heat can singe your eyebrows or hair, and you could inhale fumes.

If you smell gas while checking the pilot light, close the access panel when ready, turn off the gas supply at the valve, and leave the house. Call your gas company's emergency line from outside. Do not use your phone indoors, do not light any matches, and do not turn on any electrical switches — a spark could ignite the gas. Gas companies have emergency lines that are staffed 24 hours a day.

If you see soot or black buildup around the pilot light opening, that is a sign of incomplete combustion. Turn off the appliance and call a technician. Soot means carbon monoxide may be building up, and the appliance is not safe to use until it is repaired.

Pilot light problems on different appliances

Water heaters and furnaces have pilot lights in similar locations — usually at the bottom of the unit, behind an access panel. The relighting process is the same: turn to "Off," wait, turn to "Pilot," hold down while you light it, and release after 30 to 60 seconds. Stoves and ovens also have pilot lights, but they are usually easier to see because they are inside the oven or under the stovetop burners. Some newer stoves use electronic ignition instead of a pilot light, so check your manual to be sure.

Gas fireplaces and space heaters sometimes have pilot lights, but many modern models use a piezo igniter (a button you press) or electronic ignition instead. If your appliance has a button that sparks when you press it, you do not have a traditional pilot light. Check the manual to learn how to light it.

Older appliances are more likely to have pilot lights that need regular attention. Newer models often have electronic ignition systems that light the burner automatically when you turn on the heat. If your appliance is more than 20 years old and the pilot light goes out often, replacing it with a newer model may be more cost-effective than repeated repairs.

When to call a technician instead

Call a technician if the pilot light will not stay lit after you relight it, if you see a yellow or orange flame, if you smell gas, or if you cannot find the pilot light on your appliance. You should also call if the access panel is stuck or if you are uncomfortable opening the appliance yourself. There is no shame in asking for help — pilot light problems can indicate serious issues like a faulty thermocouple or a gas leak, and a technician can diagnose the problem safely.

If your appliance is still under warranty, opening it yourself may void the warranty. Check the manual or the warranty paperwork before you try to relight the pilot. Some manufacturers require a technician to handle any repairs or maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a healthy pilot light look like?

A healthy pilot light is a small, steady blue flame about the size of a match head. It should not flicker or change color. If it is yellow, orange, or dancing around, something is wrong and you should have it checked.

How often should I check my pilot light?

You do not need to check it regularly unless it has gone out before. If it goes out once a year or less, that is normal. If it goes out more than once a month, have a technician inspect the thermocouple and gas valve.

Is it dangerous to relight a pilot light myself?

It is safe if you follow the steps: turn off the gas, wait three to five minutes, then relight. The main risk is not waiting long enough before relighting, which can cause a small puff of flame. Always wait the full time before trying to light it.

Why does my pilot light go out in winter?

Winter drafts or blocked vents are common causes. Check that the vent pipe on the outside of your house is not covered by snow or debris. If the vent is clear and the pilot still goes out, the thermocouple may be failing.

Can I clean the pilot light myself?

You can gently blow away loose dust or debris, but do not use a brush or cloth on the thermocouple or burner opening. These parts are delicate and straightforward to damage. If the pilot light is dirty or clogged, call a technician to clean it properly.