Lighting a pilot light on a gas stove
To light a pilot light on a gas stove, you need to locate the pilot burner (usually a small opening near the main burner), hold a lit match or lighter to it for 10 to 15 seconds while the gas flows, then release. The pilot flame should stay lit once you remove the match. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple—a safety device that detects heat—may be dirty or failing, and you'll need to clean or replace it.
Most modern stoves have a pilot light that ignites automatically when you turn the oven on, so you may never need to light it by hand. Older stoves and some cooktop models require manual ignition. Check your stove's manual to see which type you have, or look for a small knob labeled "Pilot" near the burner controls.
Key Takeaways
- Locate the pilot burner opening, which is usually a small hole near the main burner on your stove.
- Hold a lit match or lighter to the pilot opening for 10 to 15 seconds while gas flows to the burner.
- If the pilot light goes out as soon as you remove the match, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement.
- Modern stoves often light the pilot automatically, so check your manual before attempting to light it by hand.
- Never force the pilot knob or explore excessive pressure—gentle, steady contact is all that's needed.
Finding the pilot light on your stove
The pilot light location depends on whether you have a cooktop or a range with an oven. On a cooktop, the pilot burner is usually a small opening at the base of each burner assembly, sometimes recessed slightly below the cooking surface. On a range with an oven, the pilot light for the oven is typically located inside the oven itself, near the bottom or to one side of the interior.
If you cannot locate the pilot light, remove the cooktop grates and look for a small metal tube or opening near the burner base. For oven pilots, open the oven door and look along the bottom edge or sides—you may see a small metal fitting with a tiny hole. Your stove's manual will have a diagram showing the exact location. If you no longer have the manual, search online for your stove's model number (usually found on a label inside the oven or on the back of the unit).
Preparing to light the pilot
Before you attempt to light the pilot, make sure the area is clear of loose paper, cloth, or other flammable items. Have a long-reach lighter or long matches ready—these are safer than short matches because they keep your hand farther from the flame. A long-reach lighter is inexpensive and available at most grocery stores and hardware shops.
Turn off the main burner or oven dial completely. Then locate the pilot control knob, which is usually a small knob separate from the main burner controls. Some stoves label it "Pilot On/Off" or straightforward "Pilot." Turn this knob to the "On" or "Ignite" position—do not force it. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows to the pilot opening. If you hear nothing, the gas supply may be off at the stove or at the meter.
Lighting the pilot step by step
Hold your lit match or lighter about half an inch away from the pilot opening. The flame should be close enough to ignite the gas, but not so close that you burn your hand. Keep the match or lighter steady and in place for 10 to 15 seconds. You will see a small blue flame appear at the pilot opening once the gas ignites.
Once the pilot flame is lit and burning steadily, keep the pilot knob in the "On" position for another 20 to 30 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve that the pilot is burning. After 30 seconds, slowly release the pilot knob. The flame should remain lit. If it goes out as soon as you release the knob, wait a minute and try again—sometimes the thermocouple needs more time to warm up.
If the pilot light stays lit after you release the knob, turn the pilot control back to its normal operating position (usually "Off" or the position marked on your stove). Your pilot light is now ready, and you can use the main burner or oven as normal.
Why the pilot light keeps going out
If the pilot light goes out when ready after you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely the problem. The thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a tiny electrical signal when heated. If this signal is weak or absent, the gas valve closes automatically as a safety measure. A dirty thermocouple can be cleaned; a broken one must be replaced.
To clean the thermocouple, turn off the gas at the stove and let it cool for 10 minutes. Locate the thermocouple—it is a thin metal rod that extends into the pilot flame area. Use a soft cloth or fine steel wool to gently rub the tip of the rod where it sits in the flame. Wipe away any soot or buildup, then try lighting the pilot again. If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple needs replacement, which usually costs $15 to $30 in parts and may require a technician if you are not comfortable working with gas fittings.
A draft or wind can also blow out a pilot light, especially if your stove is near a window or exterior door. If the pilot light goes out only in certain weather or when a door opens, this is likely the cause. Moving the stove away from drafts or sealing air leaks around nearby windows can help.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not hold the match or lighter too close to the pilot opening—you risk burning your hand or melting the lighter. Half an inch to an inch away is the right distance. Do not hold the match in place for less than 10 seconds; the pilot needs time to ignite and stabilize. Do not force the pilot control knob; if it feels stuck, stop and check that the gas is turned on at the meter or that the knob is not already in the "On" position.
Do not release the pilot knob when ready after the flame appears. Keep it held for another 20 to 30 seconds so the thermocouple can heat up and lock in the flame. Do not assume the pilot light is broken if it goes out on the first try—try again after waiting a minute. Do not attempt to repair or replace the thermocouple yourself unless you are comfortable working with gas lines; a leak or improper connection is dangerous.
When to call a professional
If you have tried lighting the pilot three times and it will not stay lit, or if you smell gas but cannot locate the pilot light, stop and contact a professional. A licensed appliance repair technician or your stove's manufacturer can diagnose whether the thermocouple, gas valve, or another component is faulty. Do not continue trying to light the pilot if you smell gas—this indicates a leak, and you should turn off the gas at the meter and call your gas company or a technician when ready.
If your stove is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer before attempting any repairs yourself. Some repairs done by non-professionals can void the warranty. If the stove is old and repair costs are high, replacing the stove may be more cost-effective than fixing the pilot light system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the match to the pilot light?
Hold the lit match or lighter to the pilot opening for 10 to 15 seconds while gas flows. Once the pilot flame appears, keep the pilot control knob held down for another 20 to 30 seconds before releasing it. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open.
What does it mean if the pilot light won't stay lit?
The thermocouple is usually the culprit. This safety device detects the pilot flame and tells the gas valve to stay open. If it is dirty or broken, the valve closes automatically. Try cleaning the thermocouple tip with a soft cloth, or contact a technician if cleaning does not work.
Is it safe to light a pilot light myself?
Yes, lighting a pilot light is a safe task if you follow the steps carefully. Use a long-reach lighter to keep your hand away from the flame, make sure the area is clear of flammable items, and never force any knobs. If you smell gas or feel uncomfortable, stop and call a professional.
Can I light the pilot light if the gas is off at the meter?
No. If you do not hear a hissing sound when you turn the pilot knob to "On," the gas supply is likely off. Check that the meter valve is fully open and that no one has turned off the gas to your stove. If the gas is on but you still hear nothing, contact your gas company or a technician.
How often do I need to light the pilot light?
On modern stoves, the pilot light ignites automatically and stays lit continuously. You should not need to light it by hand more than once. If the pilot light goes out frequently, the thermocouple or another component may be failing and should be inspected by a professional.