Lighting an Electronic Pilot Light Step by Step

An electronic pilot light uses a spark or hot surface to ignite the gas, rather than relying on a standing flame. To light it, you turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, press and hold the ignition button (usually marked with a spark symbol), and listen for a clicking sound. Hold the button for 30 to 60 seconds while the spark attempts to light the gas. Once you hear a small whoosh or see a flame appear through the viewing window, release the button and turn the knob to "On."

The whole process takes less than two minutes. If the pilot does not light on the first attempt, wait five minutes before trying again—this allows any unburned gas to clear from the chamber. Repeat the process up to three times. If it still will not light after three attempts, stop and let the unit sit for 15 minutes before troubleshooting further.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press the ignition button, and hold it for 30 to 60 seconds while listening for a spark click.
  • Release the button once you see a flame in the viewing window or hear the gas ignite, then turn the knob to "On."
  • Wait five minutes between attempts if the pilot does not light on the first try, and stop after three failed attempts to let gas clear.
  • A clicking sound means the igniter is working; no click usually means a dead battery or a faulty ignition module.
  • If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the button, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing.

What to Listen and Look For

When you press the ignition button, you should hear a rapid clicking or sparking sound coming from inside the heater. This click is the electronic igniter firing. If you hear nothing at all, the battery powering the igniter is likely dead, or the ignition module itself has failed. Check whether your heater uses a battery (usually a 9-volt or AA cell in a compartment near the control knob) and replace it if it is more than a year old.

Once the gas ignites, you will see a small blue flame appear in the viewing window on the front of the heater. The flame should be steady and about the size of a pencil tip. If the flame is yellow or orange instead of blue, the burner may need cleaning, but the pilot itself has lit successfully. Turn the knob to "On" and the main burner should ignite within a few seconds.

Why the Pilot Light Goes Out After You Release the Button

If the pilot lights when you hold the button but dies the moment you release it, the thermocouple is not sensing the flame properly. The thermocouple is a safety device that tells the gas valve to stay open only when it detects heat from the pilot flame. When it fails, the valve closes automatically, shutting off the gas.

Before replacing the thermocouple, try cleaning it. Turn off the gas at the control knob, wait two minutes, then locate the thermocouple—a thin copper tube running from the pilot assembly into the control valve. Use a soft brass brush or fine steel wool to gently scrub away any soot or buildup on the tip. Wipe it clean with a dry cloth, then try lighting the pilot again. If it still goes out, the thermocouple likely needs replacement, which requires a service call.

Common Mistakes That Prevent Ignition

The most frequent error is not holding the button long enough. Many people press it for only a few seconds and give up. The igniter needs 30 to 60 seconds of continuous sparking to reliably light the gas, especially if the chamber is cold or the gas line has air in it. Hold steady pressure on the button and count to 60 before deciding it has failed.

Another mistake is trying again too quickly. If you attempt to light the pilot three times in a row without waiting, unburned gas builds up inside the chamber. This gas can ignite suddenly when you try again, creating a small pop or flame burst that may startle you or damage the igniter. Always wait at least five minutes between attempts, and open a window or door to ventilate the area if you smell gas.

A third common problem is forgetting to turn the knob to "Pilot" before pressing the button. If the knob is on "Off" or "On," the igniter will not fire, or the gas valve will not open. Check the knob position before you start, and make sure it clicks into the "Pilot" position.

When to Check the Battery

Electronic igniters run on batteries, and a weak or dead battery is the most common reason a pilot light will not light. Most water heaters use a single 9-volt battery or two AA batteries in a plastic holder mounted on or near the control valve. If you hear no clicking sound when you press the button, the battery is almost certainly dead.

Replace the battery with a fresh one of the same type and voltage. Mark the date on the new battery with a permanent marker so you remember when you installed it. Most batteries last one to two years in a water heater, depending on how often the pilot is lit. If you replace the battery and the igniter still does not click, the ignition module itself may have failed, and you will need a service technician.

What Happens After the Pilot Lights

Once the pilot flame is burning steadily, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On." The main burner should ignite within 5 to 10 seconds. You may hear a soft whoosh as the larger burner lights. The flame should be blue with a small yellow tip at the base—this is normal. If the main burner does not light, turn the knob back to "Off," wait two minutes, and try again.

After the main burner is lit, the water heater will begin heating water. The burner will stay on until the water reaches the temperature set on the dial, then shut off automatically. The pilot light will remain on continuously, ready to reignite the main burner when the water cools and heating is needed again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button?

Hold the button for 30 to 60 seconds continuously. The spark needs time to ignite the gas, especially if the chamber is cold. Releasing too early is the most common reason people think the igniter is broken when it is actually working fine.

What does it mean if I hear clicking but no flame appears?

The igniter is firing, but the gas is not lighting. This usually means the thermocouple is not sensing the flame, or the gas line has a blockage. Try cleaning the thermocouple with a soft brush. If that does not work, the gas valve or ignition module may need service.

Can I light the pilot manually with a match if the electronic igniter fails?

Some water heaters have a manual pilot light option, but not all electronic models do. Check your manual or the label on the heater. If there is no manual option, you will need a service technician to repair or replace the electronic igniter.

Is it safe to smell gas while trying to light the pilot?

A faint gas smell during the first few seconds is normal. If the smell is strong or lingers after you stop trying, turn the knob to "Off," open windows and doors, and leave the area. Do not use electrical switches or create sparks. Call your gas company's emergency line from outside the building.

Why does my pilot light keep going out after it has been on for a while?

A pilot that lights but goes out after several minutes usually has a failing thermocouple or a dirty burner. Try cleaning the thermocouple first. If the problem continues, the thermocouple or the main burner assembly may need replacement by a technician.