How to ignite a pilot light safely

To light a pilot light, you turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while holding a lit match or lighter to the pilot opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. The pilot should burn with a steady blue flame about half an inch tall. If it goes out when ready after you release the button, the thermocouple (a safety sensor) may need cleaning or replacement.

The exact steps depend on your appliance type—water heaters, furnaces, and stoves have slightly different layouts—but the principle is the same: you are introducing a flame to the pilot opening while the gas flows, then holding the button down long enough for the thermocouple to heat up and signal that the pilot is lit.

Never force the ignition button or hold it down longer than 90 seconds. If the pilot does not light after three attempts, stop and let the gas clear for five minutes before trying again. Repeated failed attempts can flood the combustion chamber with unburned gas, which is a safety hazard.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press the ignition button, and hold a lit match or lighter to the pilot opening until the flame catches.
  • Keep the ignition button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot lights so the thermocouple heats up and holds the gas valve open.
  • The pilot flame should be steady and blue, roughly half an inch tall; a yellow or flickering flame means the opening may be clogged.
  • If the pilot goes out as soon as you release the button, the thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty and may need professional service.
  • Stop after three failed attempts and wait five minutes before trying again to avoid flooding the combustion chamber with gas.

Gather your ignition tools before you start

You need a way to produce a flame—a long-reach lighter, long fireplace matches, or a thin taper candle work best. A regular short match or lighter is harder to hold steady while you press the ignition button. Keep the tool within arm's reach before you begin, because you will need both hands once you start: one for the control knob and one for the ignition button.

Check that your appliance manual is nearby. Different models label the control knob differently—some say "Pilot," others say "On/Off/Pilot"—and the ignition button location varies. If you cannot find the manual, the manufacturer's website usually has a PDF you can read by model number.

Make sure the area around the pilot opening is clear of dust, lint, or debris. A clean opening means the flame will catch more easily and burn more reliably. Use a dry cloth or soft brush if needed, but do not poke inside the opening itself.

Position yourself and locate the pilot opening

The pilot opening is a small hole or tube, usually brass-colored, near the main burner. On a water heater, it is typically at the bottom of the tank near the control knob. On a furnace, it is inside the combustion chamber, often visible through a small window or access panel. On a stove, it is usually at the edge of the stovetop or inside the oven.

Kneel or crouch so you can see the pilot opening clearly and reach it comfortably with your flame source. Poor visibility is the most common reason people struggle to light a pilot—you need to see exactly where the flame is going. If the opening is hard to reach or see, a long-reach lighter gives you more control than a match.

Some appliances have a small metal tube that directs gas to the pilot. The flame should go into or very close to this tube. If you hold the flame too far away, the gas will not ignite; if you hold it too close, you risk burning your hand or the lighter.

Turn the knob and press the ignition button

Turn the control knob to "Pilot" or the position marked in your manual. Do not turn it all the way to "On" yet—the pilot must light first. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas begins to flow to the pilot opening. This is normal and means the valve is working.

Press and hold the ignition button. You will hear a clicking sound as the igniter sparks. At the same time, bring your lit match or lighter to the pilot opening. The gas should ignite within a second or two, producing a small blue flame. Keep holding the ignition button down—do not release it yet.

If you are using a match, light it before you press the button so you are not juggling two tasks at once. If you are using a lighter, you can light it as you press the button, but practice this once or twice so you feel confident. Rushing this step is where most people make mistakes.

Hold the button down so the thermocouple heats up

Once the pilot flame is burning, keep the ignition button pressed down for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple—a heat-sensing device at the base of the pilot flame—time to warm up. The thermocouple tells the gas valve that the pilot is lit and safe, so it should stay open. If you release the button too soon, the valve closes and the pilot goes out.

Watch the pilot flame while you hold the button. It should be steady and blue. A yellow or orange flame means the opening is clogged with dust or the gas mixture is wrong—this is not dangerous, but the pilot may not stay lit. If the flame is very small or flickers, wait the full 60 seconds before releasing the button.

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the button while keeping your eyes on the flame. If the pilot stays lit, you have succeeded. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple is not working properly and you will need to have it inspected or replaced by a technician.

Turn the knob to "On" and check the main burner

Once the pilot is burning steadily and stays lit after you release the button, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On." On a water heater, this usually means turning it to the temperature setting you want. On a furnace, it means turning it to "Heat" or the desired temperature. On a stove, the main burner should ignite from the pilot flame.

Listen and watch for the main burner to light. You should hear a soft whoosh as the main flame ignites, and you should see a larger flame in the main burner area. If the main burner does not light within 10 seconds, turn the knob back to "Off" and wait a minute before trying again. Do not force it.

If the main burner lights and stays on, your pilot light is working correctly. The appliance should now heat normally. If the main burner lights but the pilot goes out, or if the main burner does not light at all, the thermocouple or gas valve may need professional service.

Troubleshoot if the pilot will not stay lit

If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the ignition button, the thermocouple is not sensing the heat properly. This is the most common problem. The thermocouple may be dirty, bent, or faulty. Turn off the appliance, wait five minutes, and try again. If it happens a second time, the thermocouple likely needs cleaning or replacement by a technician.

If the pilot will not light at all after three attempts, stop and wait five minutes. Repeated failed attempts can fill the combustion chamber with unburned gas, which is unsafe. After waiting, try once more. If it still does not light, the igniter may be broken, the gas valve may be stuck, or the pilot opening may be severely clogged. These issues require professional service.

If the pilot lights with a yellow or orange flame instead of blue, the opening is likely clogged with dust or debris. Turn off the appliance, let it cool, and gently clean the pilot opening with a soft brush or compressed air. Do not poke inside with a needle or wire, as you can damage the opening. Try lighting it again after cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button down?

Hold it 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. Do not hold it longer than 90 seconds.

What does a healthy pilot flame look like?

A healthy pilot flame is steady, blue, and about half an inch tall. It should not flicker or change color. A yellow or orange flame means the opening is clogged and needs cleaning. A very small or weak flame may not stay lit.

Can I use a regular lighter instead of matches?

Yes, but a long-reach lighter is easier to control. A regular lighter works, but you have to hold it at an awkward angle and risk burning your hand. Long fireplace matches or a taper candle also work well and give you better reach and visibility.

What should I do if the pilot goes out right after I release the button?

Wait five minutes and try again. If it happens a second time, the thermocouple is not working properly. You can try cleaning it, but if the problem continues, the thermocouple or gas valve likely needs professional service.

Is it dangerous if I try three times and the pilot still will not light?

Stop after three attempts and wait five minutes before trying again. Repeated failed attempts can flood the combustion chamber with unburned gas. If the pilot will not light after a fourth attempt, turn off the appliance and contact a technician.