The basic steps to relight a pilot light

Restarting a pilot light takes about five minutes and requires no tools. Turn the gas control knob to OFF, wait three minutes for any gas to clear, then switch it to PILOT. Hold a lit match or lighter near the pilot opening while pressing the ignition button (or holding the knob in) for 30 seconds. Once the small flame catches, release the button and turn the knob to ON. If the flame stays lit after you release the button, you are done.

The exact location of the pilot opening and the shape of the control knob vary by appliance — a water heater, furnace, or stove each look different — but the sequence is always the same: OFF, wait, PILOT, light it, hold the button, release, turn to ON. Your appliance manual will show you where the pilot opening is on your specific model. If you no longer have the manual, search the brand name and model number online and you will find a PDF.

If the pilot light will not stay lit after you release the button, or if it lights but then goes out within a few seconds, the thermocouple (a safety device that detects the flame) may be dirty or failing. This is covered in the troubleshooting section below.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the gas knob to OFF and wait three minutes before attempting to relight, so any leaked gas can disperse.
  • Use a match or lighter held at the pilot opening while you press and hold the ignition button for 30 seconds.
  • Once the flame catches, release the button and turn the knob to ON; the pilot should stay lit on its own.
  • If the pilot light goes out within seconds of release, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement.

Safety steps before you start

Never attempt to relight a pilot if you smell gas in the room. Leave the space when ready, open windows and doors, and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not use any electrical switches, lighters, or matches — a spark could ignite the gas. Your gas company will send someone to check for a leak at no cost.

If you do not smell gas but the pilot has been out for more than a few hours, open a window in the room before you begin. This is a precaution in case gas has accumulated. Wait at least three minutes after turning the knob to OFF before you try to light it; this gives any gas time to leave the appliance.

If you are uncomfortable working with gas appliances, or if you have tried the steps below twice and the pilot still will not stay lit, call a technician. A service call usually costs between $100 and $200, but it is safer than repeated attempts.

Finding the pilot light and control knob on your appliance

On a water heater, the pilot opening is at the bottom of the tank, usually behind a small metal door or access panel. The control knob is on the front or side of the tank and is labeled OFF, PILOT, and ON. Some water heaters have a red ignition button next to the knob; others require you to hold the knob itself in the PILOT position while you light it.

On a furnace, the pilot opening is inside the combustion chamber, which you reach by opening the front panel. The control knob is on the gas valve, usually mounted on the side of the furnace. Look for labels that say OFF, PILOT, and ON, or sometimes IGNITION instead of PILOT.

On a gas stove, the pilot light is a small flame that burns continuously near the burners. The control knob for the pilot is separate from the burner knobs and is usually located at the front or side of the stove. Some stoves have a dedicated pilot light knob; others use a single knob to control both the pilot and the oven burner.

If you cannot locate the pilot opening or the control knob, check your appliance manual or search online for "[Brand] [Model] pilot light location." A photo or diagram will show you exactly where to look.

Lighting the pilot step by step

Once you have located the pilot opening and control knob, follow this sequence. First, turn the knob all the way to OFF. Wait a full three minutes — do not rush this step. Then turn the knob to PILOT. Some knobs require you to push in while turning; others straightforward click into place.

Hold a lit match or lighter flame about one inch from the pilot opening. At the same time, press the ignition button (if your appliance has one) or push in and hold the knob itself in the PILOT position. Keep the flame near the opening and hold the button or knob for 30 seconds. You should see a small blue flame appear at the pilot opening.

Once the flame is lit, continue holding the button or knob for another 10 to 15 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal that the pilot is burning. Then slowly release the button or knob. If the flame stays lit, turn the knob to ON. The pilot should now burn continuously.

If the flame goes out as soon as you release the button, the thermocouple is likely not heating properly. Try again, but this time hold the button for a full 45 seconds before releasing. If it still goes out, see the troubleshooting section below.

Why your pilot light keeps going out

The most common reason a pilot light will not stay lit is a dirty or failing thermocouple. This is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical signal that tells the gas valve to stay open. If the thermocouple is covered in soot or corrosion, it cannot sense the flame, and the valve closes automatically for safety.

To clean the thermocouple, turn the gas knob to OFF and wait three minutes. Locate the thermocouple — it is a thin rod that sits directly in the pilot flame. Use a piece of fine steel wool or a soft brass brush to gently rub the tip of the rod. Do not use sandpaper or anything abrasive that could scratch it. Wipe away any debris with a dry cloth, then try to relight the pilot using the steps above.

If cleaning the thermocouple does not work, it may be failing and need replacement. A new thermocouple costs between $15 and $40 and takes about 15 minutes to install if you are comfortable with basic tools. You will need to unscrew the old one from the gas valve and screw in the new one. If you are not confident doing this, a technician can replace it for $100 to $200 in labor.

A second, less common cause is a blocked pilot opening. Dust or debris can clog the small hole where gas flows to the pilot. If you suspect this, use a thin needle or paperclip to gently clear the opening. Do not force it — if something is truly stuck, a technician should handle it.

When to call a technician instead

If you have followed the steps above twice and the pilot still will not stay lit, or if you smell gas at any point, stop and call a technician. Do not keep trying. A persistent problem usually means the thermocouple needs replacement, the gas valve is failing, or there is a small leak — all of which require professional tools or parts to fix safely.

You should also call a technician if the pilot light is yellow or orange instead of blue. A blue flame means the gas is burning cleanly; a yellow or orange flame suggests incomplete combustion, which can produce carbon monoxide. This is a safety issue that needs when ready attention.

Most appliance manufacturers and gas companies keep lists of certified technicians on their websites. You can also search "[Your city] gas appliance repair" to find local options. Get a quote before work begins; most technicians charge a service call fee of $75 to $150, plus parts and labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button before releasing it?

Hold it for 30 to 45 seconds. The longer you hold it, the more time the thermocouple has to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If the pilot goes out when ready when you release, try again and hold for the full 45 seconds.

Can I use an electric lighter instead of a match?

Yes. An electric lighter works just as well as a match and is often easier to aim at the pilot opening. Just make sure the flame is close enough to ignite the gas — usually within one inch.

What does it mean if the pilot light is yellow instead of blue?

A yellow or orange flame indicates incomplete combustion, which can produce carbon monoxide. This is a safety issue. Stop using the appliance and call a technician to inspect the burner and gas line.

How often should a pilot light need to be relit?

A healthy pilot light should stay lit indefinitely once you turn the knob to ON. If it goes out regularly — more than once a month — the thermocouple is likely failing and should be cleaned or replaced.

Is it dangerous to relight a pilot light myself?

No, if you follow the safety steps: turn the knob to OFF, wait three minutes, and make sure you do not smell gas. The pilot light is designed to be relit by the user. If you are uncomfortable at any point, stop and call a technician.