The basic steps to light a water heater pilot
To light the pilot on a gas water heater, turn the gas control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while holding a lit match or lighter to the pilot burner opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the knob from "Pilot" to "On" or your desired temperature setting. If the pilot does not light after several attempts, or if it lights but goes out when you release the button, the thermocouple (a safety sensor) may need replacement.
The entire process usually takes less than five minutes. You will need a long lighter or long matches to reach the pilot opening safely — a regular match often burns down before you can position it correctly. Some newer water heaters have an electronic ignition button instead of a match, which is simpler but requires batteries.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the gas control knob to "Pilot," press the ignition button, and light the burner with a long match or lighter while holding the button down for 30 to 60 seconds.
- The pilot flame should be blue and about the size of a pea; if it is yellow or orange, the burner opening may be clogged with dust.
- If the pilot lights but goes out when ready when you release the button, the thermocouple is likely faulty and needs to be replaced by a technician.
- Never force the gas knob or ignition button, and do not attempt to light the pilot if you smell gas — turn off the gas and call your gas company instead.
Locate the pilot light assembly and burner opening
Open the access panel on the front or side of your water heater. You will see a small metal tube or opening at the bottom of the burner chamber — this is the pilot burner. Near it is a control knob labeled with settings like "Off," "Pilot," "On," and sometimes a temperature dial. Below or beside the knob is a small button, usually labeled "Ignition" or marked with a spark symbol.
Before you begin, make sure the area around the water heater is clear of clutter and that you have good lighting. If you cannot see the pilot opening clearly, use a flashlight. Do not lean into the heater or position your face directly over the opening.
Turn the gas knob to Pilot and press the ignition button
Grasp the gas control knob firmly and turn it clockwise to the "Pilot" position. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows to the pilot burner. Now press and hold the ignition button. You may hear clicking sounds as the igniter sparks — this is normal. Keep the button pressed while you light the burner.
If your water heater has an electronic ignition (battery-powered), the button will spark automatically when pressed. If it has a manual ignition, you will need to use a match or lighter. Do not release the button yet — hold it down throughout the next step.
Light the pilot burner with a match or lighter
While still holding the ignition button, bring a lit long match or long lighter to the pilot burner opening. You are aiming for the small opening where gas is flowing out. The flame should catch within a few seconds. Once it does, continue holding the ignition button for another 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve that the pilot is burning safely.
The pilot flame should be blue with perhaps a small yellow tip at the top. If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, the burner opening may be clogged. In that case, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again. If it remains discolored, the opening may need cleaning by a technician.
Release the button and switch to On
After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the ignition button while watching the pilot flame. If the flame stays lit, you have succeeded. Now turn the gas control knob from "Pilot" to "On" or to your desired temperature setting (usually marked in degrees or as "Low," "Medium," "High"). The main burner should ignite within a few seconds, and you will hear the roar of the larger flame.
If the pilot flame goes out as soon as you release the button, the thermocouple is not working properly. Turn the knob back to "Off" and wait a minute before trying again. If it fails a second time, the thermocouple needs replacement — this is a job for a licensed technician.
What to do if the pilot will not light
If you have tried multiple times and the pilot still will not light, check for these common problems. First, make sure you are holding the ignition button the entire time you are lighting the burner — releasing it too early is the most frequent cause of failure. Second, verify that you are using a long match or lighter that can reach the opening safely. A regular match often burns down before you can position it.
Third, check whether you smell gas. If you do, stop when ready, turn the knob to "Off," and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not attempt to light the pilot again. If you do not smell gas but the pilot still will not light after several careful attempts, the gas supply to the pilot may be blocked, or the igniter may be faulty. Contact a water heater technician for diagnosis.
Safety precautions while lighting the pilot
Never force the gas control knob or the ignition button. If either one feels stuck or unusually stiff, stop and call a technician. Do not attempt to light the pilot if you smell gas in or around the water heater — this indicates a leak. Turn off the gas at the main valve and call your gas company when ready.
Keep your face and hands at a safe distance from the burner opening. The flame and the metal around it will be hot. Do not reach into the burner chamber or touch any part of the heater while it is operating. If you have long hair, tie it back before working near the pilot. Keep the access panel open only as long as necessary, and close it fully once the pilot is lit and the main burner is running.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the ignition button down?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame catches. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve that the pilot is safe. If you release it too early, the pilot will go out.
What color should the pilot flame be?
The pilot flame should be blue, possibly with a small yellow tip. If it is mostly yellow or orange, the burner opening may be clogged with dust or debris. Try lighting it again, or contact a technician if the color does not improve.
The pilot lights but goes out when I release the button. What does this mean?
The thermocouple — a safety sensor that detects the pilot flame — is not working. This part needs to be replaced by a licensed technician. Do not attempt to replace it yourself.
Can I use a regular match instead of a long lighter?
A regular match often burns down before you can safely position it at the pilot opening. A long lighter or long fireplace match is much safer and easier to use. Both are inexpensive and widely available.
What should I do if I smell gas while trying to light the pilot?
Stop when ready and turn the gas control knob to "Off." Do not attempt to light the pilot again. Call your gas company's emergency line right away. A gas smell indicates a leak that needs professional attention.