The basic steps to light a pilot light

To light a pilot light, you need to locate the control knob on your appliance, turn it to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while bringing a flame to the pilot opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. The exact location of these controls varies by appliance — on a water heater they are usually at the base near the burner chamber, while on a furnace they are typically on the gas valve itself.

Before you start, turn off the gas at the appliance's control knob and wait five minutes. This clears any gas that may have accumulated. Then locate your instruction manual or look for a diagram on the appliance itself — most manufacturers print the lighting steps directly on the unit or on a sticker inside the access panel. If you cannot find instructions and the appliance is more than 10 years old, the manual may be available from the manufacturer's website using your model number.

You will need a long lighter or long matches to reach the pilot opening safely. A standard kitchen lighter works, but a grill lighter with an extended nozzle gives you better control and keeps your hand farther from the flame. Some newer models have electronic ignition buttons that create a spark instead of requiring an open flame.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press and hold the ignition button, and light the pilot opening with a long lighter or match while holding the button down for 30 to 60 seconds.
  • Wait five minutes after turning off the gas before attempting to light the pilot, so any accumulated gas can disperse.
  • If the pilot will not stay lit after you release the button, the thermocouple (a safety sensor) may be dirty or failing and may need cleaning or replacement.
  • If you smell gas during or after lighting, turn off the gas when ready, leave the area, and call your gas company's emergency line — do not attempt to relight.
  • Electronic ignition systems create a spark instead of requiring a flame, so check your manual to see whether your appliance has this feature.

What to do if the pilot light will not stay on

The most common reason a pilot light goes out when ready after you release the ignition button is a dirty or failing thermocouple. This is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and tells the gas valve to stay open. When it gets coated with dust or corrosion, it cannot sense the flame and the valve closes automatically as a safety measure.

To clean the thermocouple, turn off the gas, let the appliance cool for 10 minutes, and locate the thermocouple — it is the thin rod that sits directly in the pilot flame. Gently rub it with fine steel wool or a soft cloth to remove any buildup. Do not bend it or explore heavy pressure. Turn the gas back on, return the knob to "Pilot," and try lighting again. If the pilot still will not hold, the thermocouple may need replacement, which usually costs between $150 and $300 including labor at a service call.

A second common cause is a clogged pilot opening. Dust or debris can block the small hole where gas flows to the pilot flame. If you can see the opening clearly, use a straightened paper clip or a thin needle to gently clear any visible blockage. Do not force anything into the opening, as you can damage the gas orifice. If cleaning does not work, a technician will need to disassemble and clean the pilot assembly.

When to call a professional instead

If you smell gas at any point during the lighting process, stop when ready. Turn off the gas at the appliance's control knob, leave the area, and call your gas company's emergency line from outside the building. Do not use electrical switches, lighters, or anything that could create a spark. A gas leak is a serious safety hazard and requires professional attention.

You should also call a technician if the pilot light goes out repeatedly even after cleaning the thermocouple, if you cannot locate the control knob or ignition button on your appliance, or if the appliance is still under warranty — opening it yourself may void the coverage. Most water heater and furnace manufacturers recommend professional service for any issue beyond relighting the pilot.

If your appliance is more than 15 years old and the pilot light keeps failing, replacement of the entire unit may be more cost-effective than repeated repairs. A technician can assess whether the thermocouple and other components are worth fixing or whether a new appliance makes financial sense.

Safety steps to follow every time

Always allow five minutes of ventilation time after turning off the gas and before attempting to light the pilot. This gives any gas that may have accumulated time to disperse through the appliance's venting system. Skipping this step increases the risk of a small explosion or flash when you introduce the flame.

Keep your face and hands at a safe distance from the pilot opening when you light it. Use a long lighter or grill lighter rather than matches, which burn faster and leave less margin for error. Never lean directly over the opening or position your face where a sudden flame could reach you.

If you have young children or pets in the home, make sure they stay out of the room while you are working. The appliance will be hot, and the pilot flame, though small, can cause burns. After lighting, do not touch the appliance for at least 10 minutes to allow it to cool.

Electronic ignition systems — what is different

Some newer water heaters and furnaces have electronic ignition instead of a standing pilot light. These systems use a spark or hot surface to ignite the burner only when heat is needed, rather than keeping a flame burning constantly. If your appliance has electronic ignition, you will see an ignition button on the control panel but no pilot opening to light with a flame.

To light an electronic ignition system, turn the control knob to "Ignition" or "On," press and hold the ignition button for 10 to 15 seconds, and listen for a clicking sound as the spark ignites the burner. You should hear the main burner flame start within a few seconds. If nothing happens after three attempts, wait five minutes and try again. If the system still does not ignite, the spark electrode or ignition module may need replacement by a technician.

Electronic ignition systems are more efficient than standing pilots because they do not waste gas keeping a flame lit when the appliance is not in use. However, they require electricity to operate the spark or heating element, so a power outage will prevent the appliance from working even if the gas is on.

How to find your appliance's manual if you do not have it

The fastest way to find lighting instructions is to look for a sticker or diagram on the appliance itself. Most manufacturers print the steps directly on the access panel or on a label near the control knob. Take a photo of this label with your phone so you have it for future reference.

If there is no label, locate your appliance's model number — it is usually on a plate attached to the unit, often near the serial number. Write down the full model number exactly as it appears. Then go to the manufacturer's website and search for "[Brand Name] [Model Number] manual" or look for a "Support" or "Manuals" section on their site. Most manufacturers offer free PDF downloads of their manuals.

If the manufacturer's website does not have the manual, try searching the model number on a general search engine — many third-party sites host appliance manuals. You can also call the manufacturer's customer service line with your model number and ask them to email or mail you a copy of the manual.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button down?

Hold the button for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame catches. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too early, the valve will close and the flame will go out. Your appliance's manual will specify the exact time for your model.

What if I do not have a long lighter?

A long grill lighter is ideal, but you can use long matches or even a rolled-up piece of paper lit at a stove burner. The goal is to keep your hand and face as far from the pilot opening as possible. Avoid short lighters or matches that burn down quickly, as they leave little margin for error.

Is it normal for the pilot light to go out sometimes?

Occasional outages from drafts or power surges are normal, but if the pilot goes out more than once a month, the thermocouple is likely dirty or failing. Clean it with steel wool first. If it keeps failing after cleaning, replacement is usually the next step.

Can I light the pilot if I smell a faint gas odor?

No. If you smell gas, turn off the gas when ready at the appliance's control knob, leave the area, and call your gas company's emergency line from outside. Do not attempt to light anything. A gas smell means there is a leak somewhere in the system.

What does it mean if the pilot light is yellow instead of blue?

A yellow or orange pilot flame usually means incomplete combustion, often caused by dust in the pilot opening or a problem with the gas mixture. A healthy pilot flame is blue with a small yellow tip. If the flame is mostly yellow, turn off the gas and clean the pilot opening with a straightened paper clip, or call a technician if cleaning does not help.