Relighting a pilot light yourself takes five to ten minutes and costs nothing
A pilot light that has gone out is usually safe to relight on your own. The flame is small, the process is straightforward, and you do not need a technician unless the light will not stay lit after you try twice or you smell gas. Most pilot lights go out because of a draft, a clogged nozzle, or wear on the ignition system — all things you can rule out before calling for help.
The steps are the same whether your pilot light is on a water heater, furnace, or gas stove: locate the control knob, turn it to the right position, hold down the ignition button, and wait for the flame to catch. If it does not catch within 30 seconds, release the button, wait a minute, and try again. Doing this twice is safe; if it fails a third time, stop and call a technician.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to "Pilot" or "Off" before you try to light it, then hold down the ignition button while holding a lighter or match to the pilot opening.
- If the pilot light catches but goes out again when you release the button, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing and needs cleaning or replacement.
- A pilot light that will not catch after two attempts may have a clogged nozzle, low gas pressure, or a broken igniter — all reasons to call a technician.
- Once the pilot light is lit, turn the control knob to "On" and listen for the main burner to ignite within 30 seconds.
- If you smell gas at any point, stop, leave the area, and call your gas company or a technician — do not try again.
Locate the pilot light opening and control knob
Open the access panel or door to your appliance. On a water heater, this is usually a small metal cover at the bottom front. On a furnace, it is a panel on the side or front of the unit. On a gas stove, the pilot opening is beneath the cooktop or inside the oven, depending on the model.
Find the control knob near the pilot opening. It will have three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Some knobs also have a fourth position labeled "Ignite" or show a spark symbol. Read the label on or near the knob to confirm the positions before you turn it.
Turn the knob to Pilot and press the ignition button
Turn the control knob clockwise to the "Pilot" position. Do not turn it all the way to "Off" — the "Pilot" position allows gas to flow to the pilot nozzle without igniting the main burner.
Press and hold the ignition button. You will hear a clicking sound as the igniter sparks. While holding the button down, hold a lighter or long match to the pilot opening. The flame should catch within a few seconds. Keep holding the button for another 10 to 15 seconds after the flame appears, then release it.
If the flame goes out as soon as you release the button, the thermocouple is not sensing the heat. Wait one minute and try again. If it happens twice, stop and move to the thermocouple section below.
Turn the knob to On and check the main burner
Once the pilot light is burning steadily, turn the control knob to "On." Within 30 seconds, you should hear a click and see the main burner ignite. If the main burner does not light, turn the knob back to "Pilot" and wait two minutes, then try "On" again.
If the main burner lights and stays lit, your pilot light is working. Close the access panel and monitor the appliance for the next hour to make sure the pilot light does not go out again. If it does, the problem is likely a thermocouple or a draft issue.
Clean the thermocouple if the pilot light keeps going out
The thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame. When it gets hot, it signals the gas valve to stay open. If the pilot light goes out the moment you release the ignition button, the thermocouple is not heating up enough — usually because it is dirty or positioned wrong.
Turn the control knob to "Off" and wait five minutes for the appliance to cool. Locate the thermocouple, which looks like a thin metal tube running from the pilot assembly. Use a soft brush or fine steel wool to gently clean the tip of the thermocouple where it sits in the flame. Wipe away any soot or buildup, then reposition it so it sits directly in the pilot flame.
Turn the knob back to "Pilot," light the pilot again, and hold the ignition button for 30 seconds this time before releasing. If the light stays on, the cleaning worked. If it goes out again, the thermocouple is likely worn out and needs replacement — call a technician for this job.
Check for drafts and gas flow problems
A pilot light that lights easily but goes out after a few minutes may be getting blown out by a draft. Check whether the access panel or door is fully closed. If it is, look for cracks in the panel or gaps around the opening. A small draft can extinguish a pilot light repeatedly.
If the pilot light will not light at all and you have tried twice, the problem is likely low gas pressure, a clogged nozzle, or a broken igniter. These are not safe to troubleshoot on your own. Turn the control knob to "Off," close the access panel, and call a technician or your gas company.
When to call a technician instead
Stop trying to light the pilot and call for help if any of these are true: you smell gas, the pilot light will not catch after two attempts, the pilot light catches but goes out even after you clean the thermocouple, or the main burner will not ignite after the pilot is lit.
A technician can test gas pressure, replace a worn thermocouple, clean or replace the igniter, and check for leaks. The cost is usually between $100 and $200 for a service call, depending on what needs to be fixed. If the appliance is under warranty, the repair may be covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to relight a pilot light myself?
Yes, relighting a pilot light is safe if you follow the steps and stop after two failed attempts. The flame is small and contained. If you smell gas at any point, leave the area and call your gas company — that is the only safety concern.
How long should I hold the ignition button?
Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds after the flame catches. If the light goes out when you release the button, try again and hold it for 30 seconds the second time. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open.
What if the pilot light will not catch at all?
Try twice. If it does not catch either time, stop and call a technician. The problem is likely a clogged nozzle, low gas pressure, or a broken igniter — none of which you can fix yourself safely.
Can a pilot light go out on its own?
Yes. A strong draft, a worn thermocouple, or a clogged nozzle can cause a pilot light to go out. If it happens once, relight it. If it happens repeatedly, clean the thermocouple or call a technician to check the gas pressure and ignition system.
Do I need to turn off the gas before relighting?
No. The control knob is designed to let you turn it to "Pilot" without shutting off the gas supply. Just make sure the knob is in the "Pilot" position, not "On," before you try to light it.