The basic steps to relight a pilot light

To relight a pilot light on a gas stove, you need to locate the pilot light assembly (usually a small tube near the burner), turn the gas knob to the pilot setting, hold a lit match or lighter near the pilot opening, and keep the knob pressed in for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. The pilot light should stay lit once you release the knob and turn it to the on position.

Most pilot lights go out because of a draft, a clogged opening, or a failed thermocouple — the small metal rod that senses heat and tells the gas valve to stay open. If your pilot light goes out repeatedly, the thermocouple may need replacement, which is a job for a service technician.

Key Takeaways

  • Locate your pilot light assembly near the burner or in the oven compartment, depending on whether you are relighting a cooktop or oven pilot.
  • Turn the gas control knob to the pilot position and hold a flame near the pilot opening until the flame catches.
  • Keep the knob pressed in for 30 to 60 seconds after ignition so the thermocouple heats up and signals the gas valve to stay open.
  • If the pilot light goes out again within hours or days, the thermocouple is likely worn and needs professional replacement.
  • Never force the knob or use excessive pressure — a gentle, steady hold is enough to keep gas flowing to the pilot.

Finding the pilot light on your stove

The location depends on which part of the stove you are relighting. On a cooktop, the pilot light sits near the base of the burner you want to use — look for a small brass or steel tube with a tiny opening. On a gas oven, the pilot is usually inside the oven compartment itself, mounted on the left or right wall near the bottom.

If you cannot see it when ready, check your stove's manual or look inside the oven with a flashlight. Some models have the pilot light hidden behind a removable panel or trim piece. Once you locate it, make sure the area around it is clear of debris or grease, which can block the flame.

Preparing to light the pilot

Before you begin, turn off the main gas supply to the stove if the pilot has been out for more than a few minutes. Wait at least five minutes to let any gas in the line clear. This prevents a buildup of gas that could ignite suddenly when you light the pilot.

Gather a long lighter or long matches — a regular match may not reach the pilot opening safely, and your fingers could get too close to the flame. A long-reach lighter designed for grills or fireplaces works well. Make sure the area is well-ventilated and that no one is using other gas appliances in the home.

The step-by-step lighting process

Turn the gas control knob to the pilot position. This is usually marked on the knob itself and sits between off and the burner setting. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows to the pilot opening.

Hold your lighter or match near the pilot opening — close enough that the flame reaches it, but not so close that you risk burning your hand. The pilot flame should catch within a few seconds. Once it does, keep the knob pressed in firmly for 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve that the pilot is burning, so it will stay open.

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it goes out as soon as you release the knob, wait a minute and try again, pressing the knob in for a full 60 seconds this time. If it still goes out, the thermocouple may be failing.

What to do if the pilot light won't stay lit

If the pilot light catches but goes out when ready when you release the knob, the thermocouple is not heating up enough to signal the gas valve. This is the most common reason a pilot light will not hold. A thermocouple usually lasts five to ten years, depending on use and maintenance.

If the pilot light will not catch at all, the opening may be clogged with dust or debris. Use a thin wire or a straightened paperclip to gently clear the opening, then try again. Do not force anything into the opening — you can damage the pilot assembly.

If the pilot light catches and holds for a few minutes but then goes out, a draft may be blowing it out. Close nearby windows or doors and try again. If the problem persists, a service technician should inspect the stove to check the thermocouple, the gas line, and the pilot assembly itself.

Safety reminders while relighting

Never leave the gas knob on the pilot setting for more than 15 minutes without a flame. Gas will accumulate in the line and create a hazard. If you have been trying to light the pilot for more than 15 minutes, turn the knob to off, wait five minutes, and start over.

Keep your face and hands at a safe distance from the pilot opening. The flame is small, but it is hot. Do not lean over the opening or put your face directly above it. If you have long hair, tie it back before you begin.

If you smell gas and cannot locate the source, turn off the main gas supply, leave the house, and call your gas company from outside. Do not use matches, lighters, or electrical switches — any spark could ignite the gas.

When to call a professional

If the pilot light goes out more than once a month, or if it will not stay lit no matter how long you hold the knob, the thermocouple needs replacement. This is not a task for a homeowner — a technician has the tools to test the thermocouple and replace it safely.

If you smell gas near the stove, see rust or corrosion on the pilot assembly, or hear an unusual hissing sound, stop using the stove and call a service technician. These signs point to a gas leak or a failing component that requires professional repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob in after the pilot light catches?

Hold the knob in for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release it too soon, the pilot may go out. If it still goes out after a full 60 seconds, the thermocouple is likely worn.

What does it mean if the pilot light catches but goes out as soon as I release the knob?

The thermocouple is not heating up enough to keep the gas valve open. This is a sign the thermocouple is failing and needs replacement by a service technician. It is a common wear item on gas stoves.

Can I use a regular match to light the pilot?

A regular match can work, but a long-reach lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. If you use a match, light it first, then hold it near the pilot opening. Be careful not to burn your fingers.

Is it dangerous to leave the gas knob on pilot for a long time?

Yes. Do not leave the knob on pilot for more than 15 minutes without a flame. Gas will build up in the line and create a hazard. If you cannot light the pilot after 15 minutes, turn the knob to off, wait five minutes, and try again.

Why does my pilot light keep going out?

The most common reason is a failing thermocouple. Other causes include a clogged pilot opening, a draft blowing out the flame, or a gas line issue. If it happens more than once a month, have a technician inspect the stove.