The basic steps to relight your wall heater's pilot

To light a pilot on a wall heater, you need to locate the pilot light assembly (usually a small metal tube near the bottom of the unit), turn the gas control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold a lit match or lighter to the pilot opening while pressing the ignition button, and hold it there for 30 to 60 seconds until the flame catches. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the gas control knob to "On" and your heater should resume normal operation.

The exact location and appearance of your pilot assembly varies by heater model, so check your owner's manual first — it will show you exactly where to look and what you're looking for. If you don't have the manual, the model number is usually stamped on a plate inside the access panel, and you can search for it online to find a PDF version.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the gas control knob to "Pilot" before attempting to light, so you don't flood the chamber with gas.
  • You need a match, lighter, or long-reach igniter — a regular lighter often won't reach the pilot opening safely.
  • Press and hold the ignition button while explore heat to the pilot opening; this sends a spark that helps the gas catch.
  • Keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after you see a flame, so the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) warms up and stays open.
  • If the pilot won't stay lit after three or four attempts, the thermocouple or gas valve may need professional service.

Locating the pilot light assembly on your wall heater

Open the access panel or front cover of your wall heater — this is usually held by one or two screws or clips. The pilot assembly sits near the bottom of the combustion chamber and consists of a small metal tube (the pilot burner) with a thin wire running alongside it. That wire is the thermocouple, and it's essential to the process.

You'll also see a gas control knob on the front or side of the heater, often labeled with "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Some models have a separate ignition button next to it; others have the button built into the knob itself. If you're unsure which part is which, take a photo of the interior and compare it to your manual or a video for your specific model number.

Setting up the gas control before you light

Turn the gas control knob to the "Pilot" position. This restricts the flow of gas to only the pilot burner, not the main heating element. If you skip this step and turn the knob to "On," you risk flooding the combustion chamber with gas, which is a fire hazard and makes relighting much harder.

Leave the knob in "Pilot" for at least 30 seconds before you attempt to light. This purges any air from the gas line so the pilot will catch more easily. Some heaters have a small bleed hole or vent near the pilot assembly; if you see gas hissing out, that's normal and means the air is being pushed out.

Lighting the pilot with a match or igniter

Hold a lit match or long-reach lighter to the pilot opening — the small hole where the gas comes out. At the same time, press and hold the ignition button. The button sends an electrical spark to help ignite the gas, and the heat from the match or lighter provides a backup flame. You need both working together for the best chance of success.

Keep the button pressed and the flame near the pilot opening for 30 to 60 seconds. You should see a small blue flame appear at the pilot burner. Once it's burning steadily, you can release the button and remove the match or lighter. The pilot flame should stay lit on its own — if it goes out when ready, wait a few seconds and try again.

If you don't have a long-reach lighter or match, a barbecue lighter or a rolled-up piece of paper lit at the stove works well. Regular lighters are often too short and put your hand too close to the heat. Never use anything flammable that you can't control, like a piece of cloth or paper towel.

Why the pilot won't stay lit and what to do

If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the button, the thermocouple is not warming up enough. The thermocouple is a heat-sensing device that tells the gas valve to stay open; if it doesn't get hot enough, the valve closes and cuts off the gas. Try lighting again and hold the button down for the full 60 seconds — sometimes it just needs more time to heat up.

If the pilot still won't stay lit after three or four attempts, the thermocouple may be dirty, bent, or failing. A bent thermocouple can be carefully straightened, but a dirty one needs cleaning with a soft brush or cloth. If neither of those fixes it, or if the pilot won't light at all even with a strong flame, the thermocouple or the gas valve itself may need replacement — this is a job for a professional technician.

Turning the heater back to normal operation

Once the pilot is burning steadily and stays lit after you release the button, turn the gas control knob from "Pilot" to "On." The main burner should ignite within a few seconds, and you should hear the heater roar to life. If it doesn't, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try the whole process again from the beginning.

After the main burner is lit, close the access panel and set your thermostat to the temperature you want. The heater should now run normally. If the pilot goes out again within the next hour or two, there may be a draft, a problem with the gas supply, or an issue with the thermocouple — call a technician to diagnose it.

When to call a professional instead

If you've tried lighting the pilot three or four times and it won't catch at all, or if it lights but won't stay lit no matter how long you hold the button, stop trying and call a technician. Repeated failed attempts can waste gas and create a safety hazard. A professional can test the thermocouple, check the gas pressure, and replace any faulty parts.

Also call a professional if you smell gas but don't see a flame, if the pilot flame is yellow or orange instead of blue, or if the heater makes unusual noises. These are signs of a gas leak, incomplete combustion, or a mechanical problem that needs informed attention. Do not attempt to fix these yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button down?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. The thermocouple needs time to heat up so the gas valve stays open. If you release too early, the valve closes and the pilot goes out.

What if I don't have matches or a lighter?

A barbecue lighter with a long reach works best. You can also light a piece of paper or cardboard at your stove and use that, but be careful not to burn yourself. Never use anything you can't control or extinguish quickly.

Is it safe to light the pilot myself?

Yes, relighting a pilot is a normal maintenance task and is safe if you follow the steps. Turn the knob to "Pilot" first, use a real flame, and hold the button down long enough. If you're uncomfortable or the pilot won't stay lit, call a technician.

Why is my pilot flame yellow instead of blue?

A yellow or orange flame means incomplete combustion, usually from dust or debris in the pilot opening. Turn off the heater, let it cool, and gently clean the pilot burner with a soft brush or cloth. If the flame is still yellow after cleaning, call a professional.

Can I light the pilot if the gas is turned off at the meter?

No. The gas valve at the meter must be on for gas to reach the heater. If you've turned it off for any reason, turn it back on and wait a few minutes before attempting to light the pilot.