The basic steps to light your heater's pilot light
To light a heater's pilot light, you turn the 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 catches. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, you turn the knob to "On" and the main burner should ignite within a few seconds.
The exact location of the pilot opening and the ignition button varies by heater model, so check your manual first—it will show you a diagram. Most gas heaters have these controls on the front of the unit or on a side panel near the burner assembly. If your heater has an electronic igniter instead of a manual pilot light, you press the ignition button repeatedly rather than using a match.
Key Takeaways
- Always locate the control knob and pilot opening on your specific heater model before you begin, using the manual or the diagram printed on the unit itself.
- Turn the knob to "Pilot," press and hold the ignition button, then light the pilot with a match or lighter held at the opening for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Keep the ignition button pressed for a full 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears so the thermocouple heats up and holds the gas valve open.
- If the pilot will not stay lit after you release the button, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty and will need cleaning or replacement.
- Never force the control knob or ignition button, and do not attempt to light the pilot if you smell gas—turn off the heater and call a technician.
Locating the pilot light controls on your heater
Before you light anything, you need to find the control knob and the pilot opening. On most gas heaters, the control knob is mounted on the front of the unit or on a metal panel near the burner. It usually has three positions marked: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." The pilot opening is a small hole or tube near the burner assembly, often with a metal shield around it to protect the flame.
Your heater's manual will have a labeled diagram showing exactly where these parts are on your model. If you do not have the manual, look for a label or sticker on the heater itself—many manufacturers print a quick-start diagram directly on the unit. If you cannot find either, take a photo of your heater and search online for the brand and model number, which is usually printed on a metal plate on the back or side.
Preparing the heater before lighting
Turn the control knob all the way to "Off" and wait at least five minutes. This clears any gas that may have built up inside the heater. If you smell gas during this wait, do not proceed—turn off the gas supply at the valve and call a technician. A strong gas smell means there is a leak or a problem with the burner.
Make sure you have a long lighter or long matches on hand. A regular match or a short lighter can burn your fingers when you reach into the pilot opening. If you are using matches, strike one and hold it ready before you touch the control knob, so you are not fumbling in the dark.
Turning the knob and pressing the ignition button
Turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows to the pilot. Now press and hold the ignition button—this is usually a red or black button near the knob, or sometimes a switch you push inward. Keep your finger on the button.
While holding the button down, bring your lit match or lighter to the pilot opening. You should see a small blue flame ignite within a few seconds. If nothing happens after 10 seconds, release the button, wait 30 seconds, and try again. Trying more than three times in a row can flood the heater with gas, so pause between attempts.
Holding the button and letting the thermocouple warm up
Once the pilot flame appears, keep the ignition button pressed down for a full 30 to 60 seconds. This is the most important step and the one most people rush. While you hold the button, the flame heats up a small metal sensor called a thermocouple, which sits in the pilot flame. When the thermocouple gets hot enough, it sends a signal that tells the gas valve to stay open even after you release the button.
If you let go too early, the pilot will go out as soon as you release the button. If this happens, wait 30 seconds and try again, this time counting slowly to 60 before releasing. Some heaters need the full minute, especially if the thermocouple is cold or slightly dirty.
Turning the knob to "On" and checking the main burner
After you have held the button for 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release it while watching the pilot flame. The flame should stay lit. Now turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On." Within a few seconds, you should hear a click or a whoosh as the main burner ignites. You will see a larger flame appear in the burner area.
If the main burner does not light within 10 seconds, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and repeat the process. If the main burner lights but the pilot goes out, the thermocouple is not holding the signal and may need cleaning or replacement—this is a job for a technician.
Troubleshooting a pilot light that will not stay lit
If the pilot flame goes out as soon as you release the ignition button, the thermocouple is usually the problem. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame, and if it is dirty or corroded, it cannot send the signal to keep the gas valve open. You can try cleaning it yourself by gently wiping the tip with a soft, dry cloth or very fine sandpaper, but if that does not work, it will need to be replaced by a technician.
Another common cause is a pilot opening that is clogged with dust or debris. If you see the pilot flame is very small or yellow instead of blue, the opening may be blocked. Turn off the heater, wait five minutes, and use a thin needle or a compressed-air can to gently clear the opening. Do not use a toothpick or anything that could break off inside.
If the pilot lights and stays lit, but the main burner will not ignite, the problem is usually in the main burner itself, not the pilot light. This also requires a technician to diagnose and repair.
Safety reminders while lighting the pilot
Never force the control knob or ignition button. If either one feels stuck, do not explore extra pressure—stop and call a technician. Forcing a stuck knob can damage the valve inside and create a gas leak.
If you smell gas at any point during the lighting process, stop when ready. Turn the control knob to "Off," turn off the gas supply at the main valve if you know where it is, and leave the area. Call your gas company's emergency line or a licensed technician. Do not use any electrical switches or create sparks, as gas in the air can ignite.
Keep your face and hands at a safe distance from the pilot opening when you light it. The flame is small, but it can still burn skin. Use a long lighter or long matches, and do not lean over the opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the ignition button after the pilot lights?
Hold the button for 30 to 60 seconds after you see the flame appear. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too early, the pilot will go out. If you are unsure, aim for the full 60 seconds on your first try.
What if the pilot light is very small or yellow instead of blue?
A small or yellow flame usually means the pilot opening is clogged with dust or debris. Turn off the heater, wait five minutes, and use a thin needle or compressed-air can to gently clear the opening. A healthy pilot flame should be blue and about the size of a pencil tip.
Can I use a regular lighter instead of matches?
Yes, but use a long lighter designed for candles or fireplaces. A regular lighter can burn your fingers when you reach into the pilot opening. Keep your hand and face at a safe distance from the flame.
What should I do if the main burner will not light even though the pilot is on?
Turn the heater off, wait a minute, and try lighting the pilot again. If the main burner still does not ignite after two attempts, the problem is likely in the main burner itself or the ignition system. This requires a technician to diagnose and repair.
Is it normal for the pilot to go out sometimes?
A pilot that goes out occasionally may have a dirty thermocouple or a clogged pilot opening. If it goes out frequently or will not stay lit at all, the thermocouple usually needs cleaning or replacement. A technician can do this quickly and inexpensively.