Relighting a pilot light takes five to ten minutes and requires only a long lighter or match

Most standing pilot lights go out because of a draft, a clogged burner opening, or straightforward age. To relight yours, you will turn off the gas, wait a few minutes, locate the pilot light opening (usually a small brass tube near the main burner), and use a long lighter or match to ignite the gas as it flows. The flame should be blue and steady within seconds. If it won't stay lit after three or four attempts, the thermocouple—a safety device that senses heat—may be failing and need replacement by a technician.

The whole process is safe as long as you follow the order of steps and do not skip the waiting period. Gas appliances are designed with safety shutoffs, so you cannot accidentally create a dangerous situation by trying to relight the pilot. The most common mistake is rushing: people turn the gas back on when ready after turning it off, which does not give residual gas time to clear.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the oven's gas control knob to "Off" and wait three to five minutes before attempting to relight the pilot.
  • Locate the pilot light opening—a small brass tube or hole near the main burner—and look inside with a flashlight if the space is dark.
  • Use a long lighter or long match to ignite the gas at the pilot opening while holding the gas knob in the "Pilot" position.
  • The pilot flame should appear blue and steady within a few seconds; if it goes out after you release the knob, wait and try again up to three more times before calling a technician.
  • If the pilot will not stay lit after multiple attempts, the thermocouple likely needs replacement and requires a service call.

Gather your tools and materials

You will need a long lighter (the kind used for candles or grills) or a long fireplace match. A standard short match or lighter will work in a pinch, but your hand will be closer to the flame and the opening, so a long one is safer and easier. You may also want a flashlight if your oven's interior is dark, so you can see the pilot opening clearly before you attempt to light it.

Check that you have these items within arm's reach before you start. You do not want to turn the gas on, then leave to find a lighter—that wastes gas and creates an unnecessary smell in your kitchen.

Turn off the gas and wait

Locate the oven's gas control knob on the front panel. Turn it fully to the "Off" position. This stops new gas from flowing into the oven. Now wait three to five minutes. This pause lets any gas that is already inside the oven chamber escape safely. Skipping this step is the most common reason people struggle to relight the pilot—residual gas can prevent the pilot from igniting properly.

If your oven has a separate gas valve behind or below the unit (some older models do), make sure the main valve is also in the "On" position. If the main valve is off, gas will not reach the pilot at all. Check your oven's manual or look for a small lever or knob on the gas line itself.

Locate and inspect the pilot light opening

Open the oven door fully. Look at the bottom of the oven chamber, usually toward the back or to one side. You are looking for a small brass tube or a hole about the size of a pencil tip. This is the pilot opening. In some ovens it sits inside a small metal bracket or shield. If you cannot see it clearly, use a flashlight to peer into the space—do not put your head inside the oven.

Once you have found it, look for any visible debris, dust, or buildup around the opening. If the opening looks clogged with soot or food particles, use a thin wire or a straightened paperclip to gently clear it. Do not force anything into the hole itself—just clear the area around it. A clogged pilot opening is a common reason the pilot will not light or will not stay lit.

Turn the gas knob to "Pilot" and ignite

Turn the oven's gas control knob to the position marked "Pilot" or "Light." On most ovens this is a separate setting between "Off" and the temperature numbers. Hold the knob in this position—you may need to push it in slightly while turning, depending on your model. Holding it in the Pilot position tells the oven to send gas to the pilot opening only, not to the main burner.

While holding the knob in the Pilot position, bring your long lighter or match to the pilot opening and ignite it. You should see a small blue flame appear within one or two seconds. If you do not see a flame after three seconds, remove the lighter, wait ten seconds, and try again. Do not hold the lighter there for more than five seconds at a time—this wastes fuel and can be uncomfortable.

Hold the knob and let the thermocouple warm

Once the pilot flame is lit, keep holding the gas knob in the Pilot position for thirty to forty-five seconds. This allows the thermocouple—a heat-sensing device near the pilot flame—to warm up and signal the oven that the pilot is burning. If you release the knob too soon, the gas will shut off and the pilot will go out.

While you are holding the knob, watch the pilot flame. It should be steady and blue. If it flickers or looks yellow or orange, the flame may be too weak or the opening may still be partially clogged. After the thirty to forty-five seconds are up, slowly turn the knob to the desired oven temperature or to "On," depending on your model. The pilot should stay lit. If it goes out, wait a minute and repeat the process.

Troubleshoot if the pilot will not stay lit

If the pilot goes out after you release the knob, wait one full minute before trying again. Do not attempt more than three or four relights in a row—if it still will not stay lit after that, stop and let the oven rest for ten to fifteen minutes. Then try once more. Repeated failed attempts can flood the oven chamber with gas.

If the pilot still will not stay lit after this rest period and another attempt, the thermocouple is likely worn out and needs replacement. This is a job for a service technician—it involves removing the thermocouple, testing it, and installing a new one. Do not attempt to replace it yourself unless you have experience with gas appliances. Call your oven manufacturer's service line or a local appliance repair company and describe what you have tried. They can usually schedule a visit within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my pilot light keep going out?

The most common cause is a failing thermocouple, which loses its ability to sense heat as it ages. A draft from an open window or door can also blow out the pilot. Less often, the pilot opening is clogged with soot or debris. Try clearing the opening with a thin wire first; if that does not solve it, the thermocouple likely needs replacement.

Can I use a regular match instead of a long lighter?

Yes, but a long lighter is safer because your hand stays farther from the flame and the hot oven opening. If you use a short match, be careful not to burn your fingers on the match itself or on the oven edge as you reach in.

How long should I hold the knob in the Pilot position?

Hold it for thirty to forty-five seconds after the flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the oven to keep the gas flowing. If you release it too soon, the pilot will go out.

What does the pilot flame look like when it is working correctly?

A healthy pilot flame is blue and steady, about the size of a pea or smaller. If it is yellow, orange, or flickering, the opening may be clogged or the flame may be too weak. A blue flame means the gas is burning cleanly.

Is it dangerous to relight a pilot light myself?

No, it is safe as long as you follow the steps in order and wait after turning off the gas. Gas ovens have built-in safety shutoffs that prevent dangerous situations. The only time to call a technician is if the pilot will not stay lit after multiple attempts—that signals a thermocouple failure, not a user error.