Lighting a wall heater pilot light yourself
Most wall heaters have a pilot light you can relight by hand without calling a technician. The process takes about five minutes and involves locating the control knob, finding the ignition button, and holding a flame near the pilot opening while the gas flows. If your heater has been off for a while, you may need to let gas purge from the line first—this prevents a dangerous buildup when you light it.
The exact steps depend on your heater model, but the basic sequence is the same across most brands: turn the control knob to "Pilot," press and hold the ignition button (or use a lighter), and wait for the flame to catch and hold steady. Once lit, you turn the knob to "On" and the main burner should ignite within a few seconds.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to "Pilot" before attempting to light anything, and keep it there while you ignite the flame.
- Use a long-reach lighter or long match to reach the pilot opening safely, and hold the flame steady for 10 to 15 seconds after pressing the ignition button.
- If the pilot light goes out when ready after you release the button, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing, and you should clean it with a soft cloth first.
- Never force the control knob or ignition button, and do not attempt to light the heater if you smell gas—open windows and leave the space instead.
Locate the control knob and pilot opening
The control knob is usually mounted on the front or side of the heater's lower panel, often labeled with settings like "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Some knobs also have a temperature setting. The pilot opening is a small hole or tube near the burner area, typically marked with a label or arrow pointing to it. You may need to remove a front cover or access panel to see both clearly—check your heater's manual for the exact location on your model.
Before you touch anything, make sure the heater has been off for at least five minutes. This allows any residual gas to clear from the line. If you smell gas at any point during this process, stop when ready, open all nearby windows, and leave the space. Do not attempt to light the heater again until you have had it inspected by a technician.
Turn the knob to "Pilot" and prepare to ignite
Grasp the control knob firmly and turn it clockwise (or counterclockwise, depending on your model) until it stops at the "Pilot" position. You should feel it click or seat into place. Do not force it—if it does not turn smoothly, stop and consult your manual rather than risk breaking the knob.
Gather a long-reach lighter or a long match before you proceed. A standard lighter or short match will not reach the pilot opening safely, and you risk burning your hand or arm. Some heaters have a built-in ignition button that creates a spark; others require you to hold an open flame near the pilot opening. Check your manual to see which type yours is. If you have the manual nearby, read the lighting instructions specific to your model—they may differ slightly from these general steps.
Press the ignition button and hold the flame steady
If your heater has an ignition button (usually a red or black push button near the control knob), press and hold it down with one hand. With your other hand, bring the lighter or match flame close to the pilot opening—typically about one-quarter inch away. Hold the flame there steadily for 10 to 15 seconds. You should see a small blue flame appear at the pilot opening.
If your heater does not have an ignition button, straightforward hold the lighter or match flame near the pilot opening while the control knob is in the "Pilot" position. The gas will flow automatically, and the flame should ignite within a few seconds. Keep the flame in place for at least 10 seconds after ignition to may support the pilot catches fully.
Release the button and watch for the flame to hold
Once you see the pilot flame burning steadily, release the ignition button (if your heater has one) and remove the lighter or match. The pilot flame should remain lit on its own. If it goes out when ready after you release the button, wait 30 seconds and try again. Sometimes the thermocouple—a safety device that senses the pilot flame—needs a moment to warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open.
If the pilot light goes out a second time, turn the control knob back to "Off" and wait five minutes. Then check the pilot opening for debris or soot. Use a soft cloth or a small soft-bristled brush to gently wipe around the opening and the thermocouple tip (a thin metal rod near the flame). Dirt or buildup on the thermocouple is the most common reason a pilot light will not stay lit. After cleaning, repeat the lighting process.
Turn the knob to "On" to ignite the main burner
Once the pilot light is burning steadily and stays lit after you release the button, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On." Within a few seconds, you should hear a soft whoosh and see the main burner flame ignite. The main flame should be blue with a small yellow tip at the base—this is normal. If the main burner does not ignite within 10 seconds, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again.
After the main burner is lit, adjust the temperature setting on the knob if your heater has one. The heater should now warm the space. If the main burner goes out or will not stay lit, the problem is usually a dirty thermocouple or a faulty gas valve, and you should have the heater inspected by a technician.
Troubleshooting when the pilot light will not stay lit
The thermocouple is the most common culprit. This safety device sits in the pilot flame and tells the gas valve to stay open. If it is dirty, corroded, or failing, the valve will close as soon as you release the ignition button. Clean it first by turning the knob to "Off," waiting five minutes, and then gently wiping the thermocouple tip with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use water or solvents. Then try lighting the pilot again.
If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple may be worn out and need replacement. This is a job for a technician—do not attempt to replace it yourself. Other less common causes include a blocked pilot opening (clean it gently with a soft cloth), a faulty ignition button (try using a lighter instead), or a problem with the gas line itself. If you have tried cleaning and relighting twice without success, stop and contact a technician rather than continuing to attempt ignition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I smell gas while lighting the pilot?
Stop when ready and turn the control knob to "Off." Open all windows and doors to ventilate the space, and leave the area for at least 15 minutes. Do not attempt to light the heater again. Gas smell usually means a leak or a problem with the gas line, and the heater needs inspection by a technician before it is safe to use.
How long should I hold the ignition button down?
Hold it for at least 10 to 15 seconds after the pilot flame appears. Some thermocouples take a few seconds to warm up and signal the gas valve. If you release too quickly, the flame may go out. If it still goes out after 15 seconds, release the button, wait 30 seconds, and try again.
Can I use a regular lighter instead of a long-reach lighter?
A regular lighter will work, but a long-reach lighter is safer because it keeps your hand and arm farther from the flame and the heater. If you use a regular lighter, be very careful to keep your fingers away from the heat. A long match is also a safe option.
What does the pilot flame look like when it is lit correctly?
A healthy pilot flame is small, steady, and blue in color. It should be about the size of a pea or smaller. If the flame is yellow or orange, the pilot opening may be dirty. If it flickers or wavers, the thermocouple may be failing. A steady blue flame means the pilot is working correctly.
Do I need to call a technician if the pilot light will not light at all?
If you have tried lighting it three times and the flame will not appear, or if you smell gas, stop and contact a technician. A heater that will not light may have a blocked gas line, a faulty ignition system, or a safety valve that is stuck. These problems require professional repair.