The Basic Steps to Light Your Pilot

To light a gas pilot, you need to locate the pilot burner (a small opening near the main burner), set the gas control knob to "Pilot," hold down the ignition button while bringing a lit match or lighter to the pilot opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the gas control knob to "On" or the desired setting.

The exact location and controls vary by appliance — a water heater pilot looks different from a furnace or stove pilot — but the sequence is always the same: position, ignite, hold, release. Most pilots light within a few seconds of flame contact, though some take longer if the gas line has air in it.

Safety matters here. Never force anything, never use a lighter you cannot control easily, and never light a pilot if you smell gas in the room. If the pilot will not stay lit after three attempts, or if you smell gas during the process, stop and call a technician.

Key Takeaways

  • Set the gas control knob to "Pilot" before you attempt to light anything, or the gas will flow at full pressure and may ignite dangerously.
  • Hold the ignition button down for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open.
  • Use a long lighter or long match so your hand stays away from the burner and any sudden flame.
  • If the pilot will not light after three attempts, or if you smell gas, stop and contact a technician rather than continuing to try.
  • The pilot burner opening is usually marked on the appliance or in the manual, and it is smaller than the main burner opening.

Finding the Pilot Burner on Your Appliance

The pilot burner is a small opening, usually between a quarter-inch and half-inch wide, located 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 stovetop, it may be a small hole near the main burner grates.

Your appliance manual will show you exactly where it is. If you do not have the manual, the pilot opening is usually labeled with a small symbol or the word "Pilot" printed nearby. If you cannot find it, take a photo of the burner area and show it to a technician — do not guess.

Before you touch anything, make sure the area around the pilot is clear of debris, dust, or anything flammable. A clogged pilot opening will not light, and you may need to have it cleaned by a professional if it is blocked.

Setting the Gas Control Knob Correctly

The gas control knob usually has three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On" (or a temperature setting on water heaters). You must turn it to "Pilot" before you light anything. This position allows gas to flow to the pilot burner only, at a lower pressure, so the flame will be small and controllable.

If you turn the knob to "On" or a high setting and then try to light the pilot, the gas will flow at full pressure and may ignite suddenly or explosively. This is the most common mistake and the most dangerous one. Always start with "Pilot."

Some appliances have a button or lever next to the knob labeled "Ignition" or "Reset." This button controls whether gas flows at all. You will hold this button down while you light the pilot and for 30 to 60 seconds afterward. Do not release it early or the pilot will go out.

Lighting the Pilot with a Match or Lighter

A long lighter or long fireplace match is safer than a short match because it keeps your hand further from the burner. Hold the lighter or match so the flame is aimed directly at the pilot opening, not off to the side. The flame should touch the opening or come very close to it.

As soon as you see the pilot flame ignite, keep holding the ignition button down. Do not pull the lighter away yet. The pilot needs 30 to 60 seconds of continuous flame to heat up the thermocouple, a small metal sensor that tells the gas valve to stay open. If you release the button too early, the pilot will go out.

If the pilot does not light within 5 to 10 seconds of flame contact, stop and wait 30 seconds before trying again. This clears any air from the gas line. If it still will not light after a second or third attempt, the problem is likely a clogged opening, a faulty thermocouple, or no gas reaching the pilot — all reasons to call a technician.

Holding the Button and Waiting for the Thermocouple to Heat

The thermocouple is a safety device that sits in the pilot flame. When it gets hot enough, it generates a small electrical signal that tells the main gas valve to stay open. This takes time — usually 30 to 60 seconds, sometimes longer. You must hold the ignition button down the entire time, even after the pilot is clearly burning.

While you are holding the button, watch the pilot flame. It should be steady and blue, about half an inch to an inch tall. If the flame is yellow or orange, the burner may be dirty, but it will still heat the thermocouple. If the flame is very small or flickering, it may not be hot enough to trigger the thermocouple, and the pilot will go out when you release the button.

Count slowly to 60 while holding the button. At 60 seconds, slowly release the button while keeping your eye on the pilot. If the flame stays lit, the thermocouple worked. If it goes out, wait 30 seconds and try again. Most pilots light on the first or second attempt.

Turning the Knob to "On" After the Pilot Lights

Once the pilot is burning steadily and you have held the button for a full minute, slowly turn the gas control knob from "Pilot" to "On" or to your desired setting (like a temperature on a water heater). The pilot should stay lit as you do this. The main burner may ignite when ready, or it may wait for a signal from a thermostat — that depends on the appliance.

If the pilot goes out when you turn the knob, turn it back to "Off," wait 30 seconds, and try the whole process again. Sometimes the thermocouple needs more time to heat, or the knob movement can disrupt the flame if you turn it too quickly.

Once the appliance is running normally, you are done. The pilot should stay lit on its own as long as the thermocouple is working and gas is flowing to the burner.

What to Do If the Pilot Will Not Stay Lit

If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the button, the thermocouple is probably not heating enough. This can happen if the pilot opening is dirty, the flame is too small, or the thermocouple itself is failing. Try lighting it again, but this time hold the button for a full 90 seconds instead of 60. If it still goes out, the thermocouple likely needs replacement.

If the pilot will not light at all after three attempts, stop trying. The problem could be no gas reaching the pilot (check that the main gas valve is open and the supply line is not kinked), a clogged pilot opening, or a faulty ignition system. A technician can diagnose this in minutes.

If you smell gas while lighting the pilot, or if gas smell lingers after you stop trying, turn off the gas at the main valve and call a technician or your gas company. Do not try again. A gas leak is a safety hazard that requires professional attention.

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 it too early, the pilot will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine — it will not hurt anything.

What if I smell gas while lighting the pilot?

Stop when ready, turn off the gas at the main valve, and call your gas company or a technician. Do not try again. A gas smell during lighting usually means gas is leaking somewhere, and that is a safety issue that requires professional diagnosis.

Can I use a regular lighter instead of a match?

Yes, but a long lighter or long fireplace match is safer because it keeps your hand further from the burner. A regular lighter works, but you have to hold it closer to the flame, which increases the risk of burning your hand if the pilot ignites suddenly.

Why does the pilot go out after I turn the knob to "On"?

Usually because the thermocouple did not heat enough before you released the ignition button. Try again and hold the button for a full 90 seconds instead of 60. If it still goes out, the thermocouple is probably failing and needs replacement by a technician.

How do I know if the pilot is actually lit?

You will see a small blue flame at the pilot opening. It should be steady and about half an inch to an inch tall. If you see no flame or only a very faint glow, the pilot did not light properly, and you should wait 30 seconds and try again.