The basic steps to light your pilot

To light a heater pilot, you turn the gas control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while holding a lit match or lighter to the pilot burner 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 knob to "On" or the desired heat setting. The whole process usually takes less than two minutes.

The pilot burner is a small opening on your heater — typically near the main burner assembly — that produces a tiny flame. This flame ignites the main burner when you call for heat. If your pilot has gone out, relighting it is straightforward, but the exact location and controls vary by heater model, so check your manual first.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the gas control knob to "Pilot" before attempting to light, and never skip this step — it controls the gas flow to prevent flooding.
  • Hold the ignition button down continuously while lighting and for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and sense the flame.
  • Use a long lighter or long match to reach the pilot burner safely without burning your hand or face.
  • If the pilot will not stay lit after three attempts, stop and check for a blocked burner opening, a faulty thermocouple, or low gas pressure before trying again.

Locating the pilot burner and controls on your heater

The pilot burner opening is usually a small hole or tube near the main burner assembly inside your heater's combustion chamber. The gas control knob is mounted on the front of the heater or on the side of the gas valve itself — it typically has three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On" (or a numbered heat setting). Some heaters also have a separate red ignition button next to the knob; others use a piezo igniter built into the burner assembly.

Before you start, turn off the heater and let it cool for five minutes. Open the access panel or door to the combustion chamber if your model requires it. Locate both the gas control knob and the pilot burner opening. If you cannot find them, consult your heater's manual — the layout differs between furnaces, water heaters, and space heaters.

Preparing the heater and setting the controls

Turn the gas control knob to the "Pilot" position. This restricts gas flow to only the pilot burner, preventing the main burner from flooding with gas while you light the pilot. Do not skip this step — it is a safety measure that protects both you and the heater.

If your heater has a separate ignition button, press and hold it now. If it has a piezo igniter (a button you click repeatedly to create sparks), you will use that in the next step. Have your long lighter or long match ready before you proceed.

Lighting the pilot and holding the ignition button

While holding down the ignition button (or when ready after clicking the piezo igniter several times), bring the lit match or lighter flame to the pilot burner opening. The pilot should ignite within a few seconds. Once you see the flame, keep holding the ignition button down for another 30 to 60 seconds — this allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) to warm up and signal the gas valve that the pilot is burning.

If you release the button too soon, the pilot will go out because the thermocouple has not yet reached the temperature needed to hold the valve open. If the pilot ignites but goes out when ready after you release the button, hold it down for another 15 to 20 seconds and try again.

Turning the heater to full operation

Once the pilot is burning steadily and you have held the ignition button for the full 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the button. The pilot flame should remain lit. Now turn the gas control knob from "Pilot" to "On" or to your desired heat setting (usually marked with numbers or a flame symbol).

The main burner should ignite within a few seconds. If it does not, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and repeat the process. If the main burner ignites and stays on, your pilot light is working correctly and your heater should now provide heat.

What to do if the pilot will not light or stay lit

If the pilot does not ignite after three attempts, stop and check the pilot burner opening for debris, dust, or a clogged nozzle. Use a straightened paperclip or a thin wire to gently clear any blockage, then try again. Do not force anything into the opening — you can damage the burner.

If the pilot ignites but goes out when ready even after holding the ignition button for a full minute, the thermocouple may be faulty or misaligned. A thermocouple that is bent away from the pilot flame will not sense the heat and will not hold the gas valve open. Gently straighten it if it is visibly bent, or contact a technician if it appears damaged. Low gas pressure at the heater can also prevent the pilot from staying lit — this requires a service call to diagnose.

Safety precautions while lighting the pilot

Always use a long lighter or long match to keep your hand and face away from the pilot burner opening. Never lean directly over the opening or place your face close to it. Wear long sleeves if possible to protect your arms from heat or accidental contact with the heater's exterior.

If you smell gas while lighting the pilot or at any other time, stop when ready, turn the gas control knob to "Off," leave the area, and call your gas company or a licensed technician. Do not attempt to light the pilot again until a professional has checked the heater. A strong gas smell indicates a leak or a problem that requires informed attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button after the pilot lights?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. 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. If it still goes out after a full minute, the thermocouple may need replacement.

What if I cannot reach the pilot burner with my lighter?

Use a long-reach lighter designed for fireplaces or grills — these extend 8 to 12 inches and are sold at hardware stores. Alternatively, light a long match or a thin wooden stick and hold it to the burner opening. Never bend or stretch dangerously close to the heater.

Can I light the pilot if the heater is still warm?

Wait five minutes after turning off the heater so the combustion chamber cools. Lighting a pilot in a hot chamber can burn your hand or face. The short wait does not affect the relighting process.

Should the pilot flame be blue or yellow?

A healthy pilot flame is mostly blue with a small yellow tip at the top. A flame that is mostly yellow or orange may indicate incomplete combustion or a dirty burner. If the flame looks wrong, turn the heater off and have a technician inspect it.

What does it mean if the pilot lights but the main burner does not?

The pilot is working, but the main burner may not be receiving a signal from the thermostat, or the thermocouple may not be positioned correctly to hold the main gas valve open. Check that your thermostat is set to heat and above the current room temperature, then try again. If the main burner still does not ignite, contact a technician.