The basic steps to relight a pilot light

A pilot light that has gone out can usually be relit in a few minutes without calling a technician. The process is the same on most gas stoves: locate the pilot light opening (usually a small hole near the burner), turn the gas knob to the pilot position, hold a lit match or lighter to the opening, and keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the knob back to the normal position.

The exact location and appearance of your pilot light varies by stove model. On some ranges, the pilot is a small brass tube with a hole at the end, positioned near the main burner. On others, it sits in a recessed area you may need to look under the cooktop to see. Check your stove's manual or the manufacturer's website if you cannot find it—most brands post diagrams online for free.

Key Takeaways

  • Most pilot lights relight by holding a match or lighter to the opening while the gas knob is in the pilot position.
  • You must keep the knob pressed down for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and hold the valve open.
  • If the pilot will not stay lit after three or four attempts, the thermocouple may be faulty and will need professional replacement.
  • A pilot light that goes out repeatedly, even after relighting, usually signals a draft, a clogged opening, or a failing thermocouple—all reasons to call a technician.

Preparing your stove before you light the pilot

Before you attempt to light the pilot, make sure the area is clear and safe. Turn off the main burners and any other gas appliances nearby. Open a window or door to provide ventilation, especially if the stove has been off for a while and gas may have accumulated.

Locate the gas control knob—it is usually labeled with settings like "Off," "Pilot," and numbered positions for heat levels. Some stoves have a separate pilot knob; others use the same knob for both pilot and burner control. If you are unsure which knob controls the pilot, consult your manual. Turning the wrong knob can release gas into your kitchen.

Lighting the pilot step by step

Turn the gas control knob to the "Pilot" position. You may hear a slight hissing sound as gas flows to the pilot opening. Do not be alarmed—this is normal.

Hold a long lighter or a lit match close to the pilot opening. A long lighter designed for candles or grills works better than a short match because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. Bring the flame to the opening and hold it steady. The pilot should ignite within a few seconds, producing a small blue flame about the size of a pea or a grain of rice.

Once the pilot lights, keep the gas knob pressed down firmly for 30 to 60 seconds. Do not release it when ready. During this time, the thermocouple—a safety device that sits in the pilot flame—heats up. Once it is warm enough, it signals the gas valve to stay open on its own. If you release the knob too soon, the pilot will go out because the thermocouple has not yet reached the right temperature.

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it goes out as soon as you let go, wait a minute and try again. Sometimes the thermocouple needs a second or third attempt to heat fully.

What to do if the pilot will not stay lit

If the pilot lights but goes out every time you release the knob, try the process two or three more times. Occasionally the thermocouple straightforward needs longer to warm up, and a second or third attempt succeeds. Wait at least one minute between attempts so the thermocouple can cool slightly.

If the pilot still will not hold after three or four attempts, the thermocouple is likely faulty and needs replacement. This is a job for a professional technician—the thermocouple is a small but precise component, and improper installation can create a safety hazard. Do not attempt to replace it yourself.

If the pilot lights and holds but then goes out after a few hours or a few days, the problem is usually a draft, a clogged pilot opening, or a thermocouple that is failing slowly. All of these require a technician to diagnose and fix. A pilot light that repeatedly goes out on its own is not something to keep relighting—it signals an underlying issue that will not resolve without professional service.

Checking that your stove is working after relighting

Once the pilot is lit and holding steady, turn the gas control knob to one of the numbered heat positions. You should hear a click or a small pop as the main burner ignites from the pilot flame. The burner should light within a few seconds. If it does not, turn the knob back to "Off" and wait a minute before trying again.

If the main burner lights normally, your stove is working. If the burner does not light even after the pilot is burning steadily, the ignition system may have a separate problem. This is another reason to call a technician rather than troubleshoot further on your own.

When to call a professional instead of relighting yourself

You can safely relight a pilot light yourself if it has gone out once and you can see the pilot opening clearly. However, call a technician if any of the following is true: the pilot will not light at all even with a match held directly to the opening; the pilot lights but will not stay lit after three or four attempts; the pilot goes out repeatedly over days or weeks; you smell gas but cannot see a flame; or you cannot locate the pilot opening on your stove.

A technician can test the thermocouple, check for gas leaks, clear a clogged pilot opening, and identify drafts or other problems that cause repeated outages. These are not expensive repairs, and they are far safer than repeated attempts to relight a faulty system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down after the pilot lights?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too soon, the pilot will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine—there is no harm in waiting a full minute.

What if I smell gas but do not see a flame?

Turn the gas knob to "Off" when ready and open windows to ventilate. Do not use matches, lighters, or any ignition source. Call your gas company's emergency line or a technician. A smell without a flame suggests a gas leak, which is a safety hazard.

Can I use any lighter to light the pilot?

A long lighter designed for candles or grills is safest because it keeps your hand away from the flame. A regular cigarette lighter works but is harder to control. Matches work too, though you need a long match or a matchbook held at an angle. Avoid short lighters that force your hand close to the opening.

Why does my pilot light keep going out after I relight it?

A pilot that goes out repeatedly usually has a faulty thermocouple, a clogged pilot opening, or a draft blowing out the flame. These are not problems you can fix by relighting. A technician will need to inspect and repair the stove.

Is it dangerous to relight a pilot light myself?

Relighting a pilot light is safe if you follow the steps and use common sense: keep the area ventilated, use a long lighter or match, and do not force anything. The danger comes from ignoring warning signs like repeated outages or a gas smell, which mean you should call a professional instead.