The Basic Steps to Relight Your Pilot

To light a pilot light on a gas water heater, turn the gas control knob to the "Off" position and wait five minutes for any gas to clear. Then turn the knob to "Pilot," hold down the ignition button (usually red or black) while holding a lit match or lighter to the pilot burner opening at the bottom of the heater. Keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. Once the pilot stays lit, release the button and turn the gas control knob to "On."

The entire process takes about two minutes. Most water heaters have the pilot burner opening on the front face of the unit, near the bottom, with a small metal tube pointing downward. If you cannot see it clearly, use a flashlight. The pilot flame should be blue with a small yellow tip—if it is mostly yellow or orange, the burner may need cleaning, but it will still light.

Key Takeaways

  • Always turn the gas control knob to "Off" and wait five minutes before attempting to light the pilot to prevent gas buildup.
  • The ignition button must be held down continuously while you light the pilot and for 30 to 60 seconds afterward for the flame to catch and stay lit.
  • If the pilot does not stay lit after you release the button, wait five minutes and repeat the process rather than trying again when ready.
  • A properly lit pilot flame is blue with a small yellow tip and should be about half an inch tall.

Locating the Pilot Burner and Control Knob

The gas control knob is mounted on the front of the water heater, usually near the bottom, and is labeled "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Next to it or just below it is a small red or black button for ignition. Some newer models have an electronic igniter instead of a button you press—these light automatically when you turn the knob to "Pilot," so you do not need a match or lighter.

The pilot burner opening is a small hole or tube on the front face of the heater, typically one to two inches below the control knob. You may need to remove a small metal cover or access panel to see it clearly. If your heater has a cover, it usually slides or clips off without tools. Use a flashlight to see inside—the opening should be obvious once you are looking directly at it.

What to Do If the Pilot Will Not Stay Lit

If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the button, you did not hold the button down long enough. Wait five minutes for the gas to clear, then try again, this time holding the button for a full 60 seconds after the flame appears. The button heats a thermocouple—a safety device that tells the gas valve the pilot is burning—and it needs time to warm up.

If the pilot lights and stays lit for a few seconds but then goes out, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing. Try lighting it one more time, holding the button for the full 60 seconds. If it still will not hold, the thermocouple likely needs replacement, which is a job for a licensed technician. Do not attempt to replace it yourself unless you have experience with gas appliances.

If the pilot will not light at all even with a match or lighter held directly to the opening, the gas supply may be shut off at the tank or main line, or there may be air in the gas line. Check that the main gas valve (usually a lever on the pipe leading to the heater) is in the open position. If it is open and the pilot still will not light, contact a technician.

Safety Steps Before You Start

Before you touch anything, make sure the area around the water heater is clear of flammable materials—newspapers, cardboard, cleaning supplies, and cloth should be at least three feet away. Open a window or door near the heater to may support fresh air is flowing, especially if you are in a small closet or basement.

Do not use an electric lighter or anything that produces a spark instead of an open flame. Gas can accumulate in the pilot chamber, and a spark may ignite it suddenly. A match or a long-reach lighter with a visible flame is safest. Wear long sleeves or keep your hands clear of the pilot opening—the flame is small but hot.

If you smell gas at any point—a strong rotten-egg odor—stop when ready, leave the area, and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not try to light the pilot if you smell gas. This indicates a leak, and lighting anything could be dangerous.

Common Mistakes That Prevent the Pilot from Lighting

The most common mistake is not waiting long enough before trying to light the pilot. If you turn the knob from "On" to "Off" and when ready try to light it, residual gas in the chamber can prevent ignition or cause the flame to sputter. Always wait the full five minutes.

Another frequent error is releasing the ignition button too soon. Many people hold it for only 10 or 15 seconds, which is not enough time for the thermocouple to heat up. The button must stay pressed for at least 30 seconds, and 60 seconds is safer. If you are unsure, count slowly to 60 while holding the button.

Some people also position the match or lighter incorrectly. The flame needs to reach the pilot burner opening itself, not just the general area. Hold the lighter or match so the flame is directly inside the opening, not off to the side. You may need to angle your hand or use a long-reach lighter to get the flame in the right spot.

When to Call a Technician Instead

If you have tried lighting the pilot three times following these steps exactly, and it will not stay lit, a technician should inspect the heater. The thermocouple, the gas valve, or the ignition system may be faulty. Repeated failed attempts waste gas and can be frustrating, so it is reasonable to stop and call for help.

You should also call a technician if you smell gas, if the pilot flame is very weak or mostly yellow instead of blue, or if the heater is making unusual sounds. These are signs of problems beyond a straightforward pilot relight. A licensed technician can diagnose the issue safely and make repairs if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button down?

Hold the button for at least 30 seconds after the pilot flame appears, and 60 seconds is safer. The thermocouple needs time to heat up so it will signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release the button too soon, the pilot will go out.

What color should the pilot flame be?

A healthy pilot flame is blue with a small yellow tip, about half an inch tall. If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, the burner may be dirty, but it will still light. A very weak or flickering flame may indicate a problem with the gas supply or thermocouple.

Can I light the pilot with an electric lighter?

No, use only a match or a traditional lighter with an open flame. Electric lighters produce a spark, which can ignite accumulated gas suddenly and dangerously. A match or long-reach lighter is the safest choice.

Why does the pilot go out right after I release the button?

You are likely releasing the button before the thermocouple has heated enough. Try again, holding the button for the full 60 seconds after the flame appears. If it still goes out, the thermocouple may be failing and will need replacement by a technician.

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

Lighting the pilot yourself is safe if you follow the steps carefully and smell no gas. However, if you have tried three times and it will not stay lit, or if you smell gas at any point, call a technician. Do not keep attempting if something feels wrong.