Lighting the pilot light step by step

To light your boiler's pilot light, you will turn the gas control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold a lit match or lighter near the pilot burner opening, and press the ignition button while the flame catches. The whole process takes about 30 seconds. Once the pilot flame is steady and blue, you release the button, wait 30 seconds, then turn the knob to "On" to restore normal heating.

The pilot light is a small flame that stays lit all the time and ignites the main burner when your boiler needs heat. If it has gone out, your boiler will not produce hot water or warmth until you relight it. This is a task you can do yourself without calling a technician, though some boilers have electronic ignition systems that work differently.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the gas control knob to "Pilot," hold a flame near the pilot opening, press the ignition button, and hold it for 30 seconds while the pilot catches fire.
  • The pilot flame should be blue and steady; if it is yellow or orange, the burner may be dirty and you should contact a technician.
  • After the pilot is lit, wait 30 seconds before turning the knob to "On" so the thermocouple can sense the heat.
  • If the pilot will not stay lit after three attempts, do not keep trying—turn off the gas and call a technician to check for a faulty thermocouple or gas leak.

Locate the pilot light assembly and gas control knob

Open the boiler's access panel or door. You will see a small metal tube or opening near the main burner—this is the pilot burner. Next to it or on the front of the boiler is a round knob labeled "Pilot," "On," and "Off." This is your gas control knob. Some boilers also have an ignition button near the pilot burner; others have a button on the control knob itself.

If you cannot find these parts, check your boiler's manual or look for a label on the boiler itself. Different manufacturers place these controls in slightly different spots, but they are always near the burner area and clearly marked. Do not force any knobs or buttons—they should turn and press smoothly.

Turn the knob to Pilot and prepare to ignite

Turn the gas control knob clockwise to the "Pilot" position. This reduces the gas flow to only the pilot burner and prevents the main burner from firing. Leave the knob in this position for at least 10 seconds to let any air out of the gas line.

Gather a long-reach lighter or a long wooden match. A long-reach lighter is safer and easier than a match because you can hold it at a distance from the burner. Have your lighter or matches ready before you move to the next step, so you do not have to search for them while the gas is flowing.

Light the pilot and hold the ignition button

Hold the long-reach lighter or lit match near the pilot burner opening. At the same time, press and hold the ignition button (or press it repeatedly if your boiler requires it). You should see a small flame appear at the pilot burner within a few seconds. Keep the flame source near the burner and keep holding the ignition button for a full 30 seconds after the pilot lights.

The 30-second hold is important because it allows the thermocouple—a heat-sensing device—to warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release the button too soon, the pilot will go out. You may hear a small clicking sound from the ignition button; this is normal and means the spark is trying to ignite the gas.

Check that the pilot flame is the right color and shape

After 30 seconds, slowly release the ignition button while keeping your eye on the pilot flame. A healthy pilot flame is blue with a small yellow tip and about the size of a pea. It should be steady and not flicker or dance around.

If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, the pilot burner is dirty or the gas mixture is wrong. Do not proceed—turn the knob back to "Off" and contact a technician. A yellow flame can produce carbon monoxide and means the burner needs cleaning or adjustment. If the flame is very small or weak, wait another 10 seconds to see if it strengthens, but if it stays weak, turn off the gas and try again from the beginning.

Wait and then turn the knob to On

Once the pilot flame is blue and steady, wait for 30 more seconds without touching anything. This gives the thermocouple time to heat fully and signal the main gas valve. Then slowly turn the gas control knob to the "On" position. You should hear a soft whoosh as the main burner ignites.

If the main burner does not ignite, turn the knob back to "Off," wait 5 minutes for the gas to clear, and try the whole process again. Do not try more than three times in a row. If the pilot lights but the main burner will not fire, or if the pilot will not stay lit, there may be a problem with the thermocouple or the gas supply, and you should contact a technician.

What to do if the pilot will not light or stay lit

If you have tried lighting the pilot three times and it will not catch, or if it lights but goes out as soon as you release the button, stop trying. Turn the gas control knob to "Off" and wait 5 minutes. The most common cause is a faulty thermocouple, which is an inexpensive part that a technician can replace in 15 to 30 minutes.

Another possibility is a clogged pilot burner. If you see debris or buildup around the pilot opening, you can try gently cleaning it with a thin wire or needle, but be careful not to damage the burner. If cleaning does not help, or if you smell gas, turn off the gas at the main valve and call a technician when ready. Never ignore a gas smell—it is a sign of a leak.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button?

Hold it for a full 30 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and tell the gas valve to stay open. If you release too soon, the pilot will go out and you will have to start over.

What color should the pilot flame be?

The pilot flame should be blue with a small yellow tip, about the size of a pea, and steady without flickering. A mostly yellow or orange flame means the burner is dirty or the gas mixture is wrong, and you should not use the boiler until a technician checks it.

Can I light the pilot with a match instead of a lighter?

Yes, but use a long wooden match or long-reach lighter to keep your hand away from the burner. Regular matches are harder to hold steady and may burn your fingers. A long-reach lighter is safer and easier.

What if the pilot lights but the main burner does not turn on?

Turn the knob to "Off," wait 5 minutes, and try the whole process again. If the main burner still will not fire after two attempts, there may be a problem with the main gas valve or the burner itself, and you should contact a technician.

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

Lighting the pilot is a safe task you can do yourself if you follow the steps carefully. However, if the pilot will not stay lit after three tries, if you smell gas, or if the flame is the wrong color, stop and call a technician. These are signs of a problem that needs professional repair.