The basic steps to light a pilot
To light the pilot on a gas stove, you need to turn the control knob to the pilot position, hold a lit match or lighter near the pilot opening, and then turn the knob to the on position once the flame catches. The whole process takes less than a minute if the gas is flowing and the igniter works.
Most gas stoves have a pilot light beneath the burners or inside the oven. The control knob on the front of the stove controls gas flow to the pilot. When you turn it to pilot, gas flows to that small flame. Once it lights, you turn the knob further to ignite the main burner or oven.
If your stove has an electric igniter button instead of a match, press it repeatedly while holding the knob in the pilot position. The spark should light the gas. If nothing happens after 10 to 15 seconds, stop and wait a minute before trying again — the igniter may need time to reset.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to the pilot position, which is usually marked on the dial and sits between off and on.
- Hold a lit match or lighter directly over the pilot opening while the gas flows, or press the igniter button if your stove has one.
- Once the pilot flame appears, turn the knob to the on position to lock the flame in place.
- If the pilot will not light after 15 seconds, stop, wait one minute, and try again rather than flooding the stove with gas.
- A pilot that lights but goes out when ready usually means the thermocouple needs cleaning or replacement.
Where to find the pilot opening on your stove
The pilot opening is a small hole, usually less than an eighth of an inch across, located near the burners or inside the oven. On a stovetop, it sits beneath the cooking surface, often toward the back or side. On an oven, it is typically on the inside wall near the bottom, sometimes behind a removable panel.
If you cannot see the pilot opening, check your stove's manual or look for a small metal tube running from the control knob toward the burner area. The opening is at the end of that tube. Some stoves have the pilot mounted horizontally, so the flame points sideways rather than upward — this is normal and does not affect how you light it.
Before you attempt to light the pilot, make sure the area around it is clear of debris, grease, or dust. A clogged pilot opening will not light even if gas is flowing. If you see buildup, use a thin wire or a straightened paperclip to gently clear the opening, then try again.
Using a match versus an igniter button
If your stove has an igniter button, use that first — it is faster and safer than a match. Hold the control knob in the pilot position and press the igniter button repeatedly. You should hear a clicking sound and see a spark near the pilot opening. Keep pressing until the pilot lights, usually within 5 to 10 clicks.
If the igniter does not work or your stove does not have one, a long-handled lighter or wooden match works well. A long handle keeps your hand away from the flame. Light the match or lighter, turn the knob to pilot, and hold the flame directly over the pilot opening. You may need to angle your hand to see the small opening clearly.
Once the pilot flame appears, it should be blue and steady, about the size of a pea. If it is yellow or orange, the opening may be dirty. If it flickers or goes out when ready, the thermocouple may be failing. In either case, stop and let the stove cool before investigating further.
What to do if the pilot will not stay lit
A pilot that lights but goes out within seconds usually has a faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and tells the gas valve to stay open. When it fails, the valve closes and cuts off gas to the pilot. Replacing a thermocouple costs between $15 and $50 in parts and is a job most people can do with a wrench and a new part from a hardware store.
Before you replace it, try cleaning the pilot opening and the thermocouple itself. Turn off the gas at the control knob and wait five minutes. Use a thin brush or compressed air to blow away dust and debris from the pilot area. Then try lighting it again. A dirty thermocouple sometimes works once it is clean.
If cleaning does not help and the pilot still goes out, the thermocouple needs replacement. You will need to remove the old one by unbolting it from the gas valve, then screw in the new one. If you are not comfortable doing this, a service technician can do it in under an hour.
Safety steps before you light the pilot
Before you attempt to light the pilot, make sure the area is well ventilated. Open a window or door near the stove. If you smell gas but do not see a leak, do not light anything — turn off the gas at the control knob and call your gas company or a technician.
Check that the control knob turns smoothly and stops at each position. If it feels stuck or loose, do not force it. A broken knob can cause gas to flow uncontrollably. If the knob is damaged, have it replaced before you light the pilot.
Keep your face and hands at a safe distance from the pilot opening. The flame is small but hot. If you have long hair, tie it back. Remove any loose clothing that could catch fire. These precautions take seconds and prevent burns.
Troubleshooting when nothing happens
If you turn the knob to pilot and no gas flows, the gas supply may be off at the meter or the control valve may be stuck. Check that the main gas valve on the meter is in the on position — it should be parallel to the gas line, not perpendicular. If it is off, turn it on and try again.
If the valve is on but you still smell no gas, the pilot line itself may be clogged. This is rare but happens when debris gets into the small tube. You can try blowing compressed air backward through the pilot opening, but if that does not work, you will need a technician to clear the line.
If you hear gas flowing but the match or igniter does not light the flame, the igniter may be wet or the match may be too far from the opening. Move the flame closer — it should be directly over the pilot hole. If the igniter button is wet, dry it with a cloth and try again after a few minutes.
When to call a technician instead
If the pilot lights but the main burner or oven will not ignite after you turn the knob to on, the problem is usually in the main burner igniter or the gas line to that burner, not the pilot itself. This requires a technician to diagnose and repair.
If you smell gas but cannot find a leak, or if the stove makes a hissing sound that does not stop, turn off the gas at the meter and call your gas company or a licensed technician. Do not attempt to find the leak yourself. Gas leaks are dangerous and require professional equipment to locate.
If the control knob is cracked, the gas valve is leaking, or the stove has been dropped or damaged, do not try to light the pilot. Have a technician inspect it first. A damaged stove can leak gas or malfunction in ways that are not obvious until you try to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the knob in the pilot position?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot lights. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. Once you turn the knob to on, the pilot should remain lit. If it goes out after you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely failing.
What if I smell gas while trying to light the pilot?
A small amount of gas smell is normal when you first turn the knob to pilot. But if the smell is strong or does not fade after a minute, turn the knob to off and open windows. Wait a few minutes, then try again. If the smell returns, stop and call your gas company.
Can I light the pilot with the oven door closed?
Yes, you can light an oven pilot with the door closed, but it is easier with the door open so you can see the pilot opening and the flame. If you must light it with the door closed, use a long-handled lighter and angle it carefully into the opening.
How often do I need to relight the pilot?
A working pilot should stay lit indefinitely once it is lit. If you have to relight it every few days or weeks, the thermocouple is wearing out and should be replaced. A pilot that goes out only during a power outage or after the stove sits unused for months is normal.
Is it safe to light the pilot if I have not used the stove in months?
Yes, but open a window first and let the stove air out for a few minutes. If the stove has been closed up for a long time, stale air or dust may have accumulated. Once you turn on the gas, any buildup will clear quickly. If you smell anything unusual, stop and wait before trying again.