The basic steps to relight your pilot light

To relight a pilot light on a gas stove, you need to locate the pilot light opening (usually a small hole near the burner), turn the gas knob to the pilot position, hold a lit match or lighter near the opening for 10 to 15 seconds, and then turn the knob to the on position once the flame catches. The whole process takes less than a minute if the gas is flowing properly.

Before you start, make sure the stove has been off for at least five minutes. This clears any gas that may have accumulated. Open a window or door to your kitchen—you want fresh air moving through the space while you work, both for safety and to help you see the pilot flame clearly.

Key Takeaways

  • The pilot light knob is usually labeled "pilot" and sits separate from the main burner controls on your stove.
  • You need a match or lighter that produces a steady flame—a long-handled lighter works better than short matches because it keeps your hand farther from the heat.
  • Hold the flame near the pilot opening for 10 to 15 seconds; the pilot should ignite with a small blue flame about the size of a pea.
  • If the pilot does not light after three attempts, stop and wait five minutes before trying again—repeated attempts can create a gas buildup.
  • Once the pilot is lit, keep the knob in the pilot position for 30 seconds before turning it to on, so the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) registers the flame.

Locating the pilot light assembly on your stove

The pilot light sits at the base of your stove, usually near one of the burners or in a central location depending on your model. Look for a small metal tube or opening with a knob labeled "pilot" next to it. Some stoves have the pilot assembly visible from the front; others require you to remove a panel or look underneath the cooktop.

Check your stove's manual if you cannot find it—the manual will show you exactly where the pilot light is on your specific model. If you no longer have the manual, search for your stove's brand and model number online; most manufacturers post PDFs for free. The model number is usually on a sticker inside the oven or on the back of the stove.

Preparing the stove and gathering what you need

Turn off all burners and the oven. Wait at least five minutes before lighting the pilot. This waiting period is important: it lets any gas that may have escaped dissipate, reducing the risk of a larger flame when you ignite the pilot.

Gather a long-handled lighter or a box of long matches. A long-handled lighter is ideal because it keeps your hand several inches away from the pilot opening and the flame. If you use matches, hold them together in a bundle so the flame is larger and steadier. Do not use a short lighter or short matches—you risk burning your hand or not getting the flame close enough to the pilot opening.

Turning the knob and positioning the flame

Locate the pilot knob and turn it to the position marked "pilot." You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas begins to flow toward the pilot opening. If you do not hear anything, the gas supply to your stove may be off—check that the main gas valve is open and that your stove is plugged in (some models have an electric ignition that requires power).

Hold your lit match or lighter near the pilot opening. The flame should be close enough to the opening that you can see it reflected in the metal around the pilot, but not so close that you are forcing the flame directly into the opening. Hold it steady for 10 to 15 seconds. You should see a small blue flame ignite at the pilot opening—it will be about the size of a pea or a small bean.

What to do if the pilot does not light on the first try

If the pilot does not ignite after 15 seconds, remove the flame and turn the knob back to off. Wait five minutes, then try again. Do not attempt to light it more than three times in a row. Repeated attempts without success can cause gas to build up inside the stove, which is a safety hazard.

If the pilot still will not light after three separate attempts, the problem is likely not user error. The gas supply may be blocked, the thermocouple may be faulty, or the ignition system may need cleaning. At this point, contact a gas stove repair technician. Continuing to try will not fix an underlying mechanical problem and wastes gas.

Keeping the pilot lit after ignition

Once the pilot flame appears, keep the knob in the pilot position for another 30 seconds. Do not turn it to on when ready. This 30-second wait allows the thermocouple—a small heat-sensing device near the pilot flame—to warm up and signal that the pilot is burning. If you turn the knob too quickly, the thermocouple may not register the heat, and the gas valve will close, extinguishing the pilot.

After 30 seconds, turn the knob from pilot to on. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it goes out, turn the knob back to off, wait five minutes, and repeat the process. If the pilot lights but goes out every time you turn the knob to on, the thermocouple is likely worn out and needs replacement—this is a job for a technician.

Common mistakes that prevent the pilot from lighting

The most common mistake is not waiting long enough before trying again. If you attempt to light the pilot three times in quick succession, gas builds up and can create a larger-than-normal flame or prevent ignition altogether. Always wait at least five minutes between attempts.

Another frequent error is turning the knob to on too quickly after the pilot ignites. The thermocouple needs time to heat up. Turning the knob when ready can cause the pilot to go out. A third mistake is using a flame that is too far from the pilot opening—the flame needs to be close enough to actually heat the pilot tube, but not so close that you are forcing it into the opening.

Finally, some people forget to check that the main gas supply is on. If your stove has a gas shutoff valve (usually a lever on the gas line behind or below the stove), make sure it is in the open position. If your stove is electric-ignition, make sure it is plugged in and that the outlet has power.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a healthy pilot flame look like?

A healthy pilot flame is blue with a small yellow tip, about the size of a pea or small bean. It should be steady and not flicker or dance. If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, the pilot opening may be clogged with dust or debris. If it is very small or weak, the gas pressure may be low or the thermocouple may be failing.

Can I light the pilot with the stove door open or closed?

You can light it either way, but an open door gives you better visibility and allows air to flow more freely. If you keep the door closed, make sure the kitchen is well-ventilated. Never light the pilot with the oven on or heating—wait until the oven has cooled completely.

How often do pilot lights go out?

A pilot light that stays lit for months or years is normal. If your pilot goes out frequently (more than once a month), the thermocouple is likely failing and should be replaced by a technician. A draft near the stove can also blow out the pilot, so check for open windows or doors nearby.

Is it safe to light the pilot myself, or should I call a technician?

Lighting a pilot light is safe if you follow the steps carefully and wait between attempts. However, if the pilot will not stay lit after you have tried the process correctly, or if you smell gas and cannot find the source, stop and call a technician. Do not attempt repairs beyond relighting the pilot yourself.

What if I smell gas while trying to light the pilot?

Turn off the gas when ready by turning the knob to off and, if your stove has a main shutoff valve, close that too. Open windows and doors to ventilate the kitchen. Leave the house and call your gas company's emergency line from outside. Do not use matches, lighters, or any electrical switches—a spark could ignite the gas. A strong gas smell means there is a leak, not just a pilot that needs lighting.