Turn off the pilot light by closing the gas valve and letting the flame die

The fastest way to turn off a pilot light is to locate the gas control knob on your appliance — usually on the front of the unit or inside the access panel — and turn it to the OFF position. The flame will go out within seconds. The knob typically has three settings: ON, PILOT, and OFF. Turning it fully to OFF shuts off both the pilot and the main burner.

If your appliance has a separate pilot control valve (common on older water heaters and furnaces), you may need to turn that valve a quarter-turn clockwise to close it. Check your appliance manual to see whether your model has a combined control or separate pilot valve.

Never use water to extinguish a pilot light. The flame will go out on its own once the gas supply stops. Pouring water on it can damage the ignition system and create a safety hazard.

Key Takeaways

  • Most pilot lights turn off by rotating the gas control knob to the OFF position on the front or inside the appliance.
  • Some older appliances have a separate pilot valve that requires a quarter-turn clockwise to close the gas supply to the pilot only.
  • The flame dies within seconds of closing the valve — do not use water or attempt to blow it out.
  • If the pilot light will not stay off or reignites after you close the valve, the gas valve may be faulty and needs replacement.

Locating the gas control knob on your appliance

The gas control knob is usually mounted on the front face of the appliance, below or beside the burner area. On water heaters, it is typically on the lower front panel. On furnaces, it may be inside the access door or on the side of the unit. On stovetops and ovens, the control is often integrated into the burner knobs themselves.

If you cannot find a dedicated control knob, check inside the access panel or the area directly behind the burner. Your appliance manual will show the exact location and the position of each setting. If you no longer have the manual, search the manufacturer's name and model number online — most companies post PDFs for free.

What happens when you turn the knob to OFF

Turning the control knob to OFF closes the gas valve that feeds the pilot burner. Gas stops flowing, the flame consumes the remaining gas in the line, and the pilot light goes out. This process takes only a few seconds.

Once the pilot is off, the appliance will not heat until you turn the knob back to ON or PILOT. Some appliances require you to hold the knob in the PILOT position for 30 seconds while pressing an ignition button to relight the pilot. Check your manual for the exact relight procedure before you turn the pilot back on.

When the pilot light will not turn off

If you turn the knob to OFF and the flame continues to burn, the gas valve is stuck or faulty. Do not leave the appliance running. Turn the knob as far as it will go and leave it there for at least one minute to may support the valve has fully closed.

If the flame still does not go out, turn off the main gas supply to the appliance at the shutoff valve (usually located on the gas line leading to the unit). Then call a technician or the appliance manufacturer. A stuck valve can leak gas and poses a fire risk. Do not attempt to repair the valve yourself.

Turning off the pilot light for maintenance or repair

Before you clean the burner, replace the thermocouple, or perform any other maintenance, always turn off the pilot light first. This prevents accidental ignition and keeps you safe while you work.

After you finish the repair or cleaning, follow your appliance manual to relight the pilot. Most pilots require you to hold the control knob in PILOT mode, press the ignition button (or use a long lighter), and hold it for 30 to 60 seconds until the flame catches and stays lit. Once the pilot is stable, turn the knob to ON to restore normal operation.

Turning off the pilot light during extended shutdowns

If you are closing a vacation home, winterizing a property, or shutting down an appliance for the season, turn the pilot light off to save gas and reduce the risk of a malfunction while the unit sits unused.

Turn the control knob to OFF and leave it there. When you return or reopen the appliance, you will need to relight the pilot following the procedure in your manual. If the appliance has been off for more than a few weeks, have a technician inspect it before you turn it back on to may support no gas has leaked and all components are working correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn off just the pilot light and leave the main burner on?

No. The pilot light ignites the main burner, so if the pilot is off, the main burner cannot light. Turning the control knob to OFF shuts down both. If you want to use the appliance, the pilot must be on.

Is it safe to leave the pilot light on all the time?

Yes, pilot lights are designed to run continuously. They use a small amount of gas and are safe when the appliance is working correctly. However, if you smell gas or the pilot will not stay lit, have the unit inspected before using it again.

What if the pilot light goes out on its own?

A pilot that goes out by itself usually means the thermocouple (the safety device that detects the flame) is worn out or dirty. Turn the control knob to OFF, wait 30 seconds, then try to relight it. If it goes out again within a few minutes, the thermocouple needs replacement — contact a technician.

Do I need to turn off the main gas valve to turn off the pilot?

No. The control knob on the appliance is enough to shut off the pilot. The main gas shutoff valve (on the gas line outside the appliance) is only needed if the control knob fails or you smell a gas leak.