The basic steps to relight your pilot light

To turn on a gas heater pilot light, you need to locate the control knob on your heater unit, set it to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while holding a lit match or lighter to the pilot opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the knob to "On" or "Heat".

The exact location of these controls varies by heater model. Most wall-mounted and floor-standing gas heaters have the control knob on the front or side of the unit, near the bottom. Some older models have the knob on a separate control box mounted nearby. Check your heater's manual or look for a diagram printed on the unit itself — most manufacturers include instructions on a sticker or plate attached to the heater.

Key Takeaways

  • Set the control knob to "Pilot" before attempting to light the pilot, or you risk gas flowing without ignition.
  • Hold the ignition button down for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and keep the valve open.
  • If the pilot does not stay lit after you release the button, wait five minutes and try again — the thermocouple may need a second attempt to reach full temperature.
  • If the pilot lights but goes out repeatedly, the thermocouple may be failing and will need replacement by a technician.

Finding the pilot light opening and ignition controls

Before you attempt to light the pilot, you need to see where it is. Most gas heaters have a small opening near the bottom of the unit where the pilot burner sits. This opening is usually protected by a metal shroud or access panel. You may need to remove a cover or panel to reach it — most are held on by one or two screws or clips.

Once you can see the pilot opening, look for the control knob and ignition button. The control knob is typically a dial or lever marked with positions like "Off," "Pilot," and "On" or "Heat." The ignition button is usually a small red or black button located next to or below the control knob. Some heaters have a spark igniter button instead of a match-light design — if yours has a button labeled "Ignite" or with a spark symbol, press it repeatedly while the knob is on "Pilot" rather than using a match.

Setting the knob and preparing to ignite

Turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position. This setting allows a small amount of gas to flow to the pilot burner without sending gas to the main heating element. If you skip this step and turn the knob directly to "On," gas will flow to both the pilot and the main burner, creating a safety hazard.

Once the knob is set to "Pilot," wait 30 seconds before attempting ignition. This pause allows any air in the gas line to clear. If you try to light the pilot when ready after turning the knob, the air may prevent the flame from catching. After the 30-second wait, you are ready to ignite.

Lighting the pilot with a match or lighter

Hold a lit match or lighter near the pilot opening. A long lighter or long fireplace matches work better than short matches because they keep your hand farther from the flame. Position the flame so it will reach the pilot burner opening when the gas ignites.

While holding the flame near the opening, press and hold the ignition button. You should hear a clicking sound as the spark igniter attempts to light the gas. If your heater uses match-light ignition instead of a spark igniter, straightforward hold the match steady near the opening — the gas will ignite when it meets the flame. Once you see the pilot flame appear, keep holding the button down for another 30 to 60 seconds. This time allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) to warm up enough to keep the gas valve open on its own.

What to do if the pilot does not stay lit

If you release the button and the pilot flame goes out when ready, the thermocouple did not heat up enough. Wait five minutes for the unit to cool, then repeat the process. On the second attempt, try holding the button down for a full 60 seconds instead of 30. Some thermocouples need the extra time to reach operating temperature.

If the pilot lights and stays on while you hold the button but goes out within a few minutes of releasing it, the thermocouple is likely worn out. A failing thermocouple will not generate enough electrical signal to hold the gas valve open. This part cannot be fixed by relighting — it must be replaced. Contact a heating technician or your heater manufacturer for a replacement thermocouple and installation instructions.

Turning the heater on after the pilot is lit

Once the pilot flame is burning steadily and stays lit after you release the ignition button, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On" or "Heat." The main burner should ignite within a few seconds. You should hear a whooshing sound as the larger flame comes on, and you may smell a brief burst of gas as the burner lights.

If the main burner does not ignite after you turn the knob to "On," turn it back to "Pilot" and check that the pilot flame is still burning. If it is, wait 30 seconds and try turning to "On" again. If the main burner still does not light, or if the pilot flame has gone out, the issue may be with the main burner ignition system rather than the pilot light itself.

Safety steps to follow every time

Never force the control knob. If it does not turn smoothly, stop and contact a technician — forcing it can damage the valve. Do not leave the heater unattended while the pilot is lighting or while you are adjusting the controls. If you smell gas but do not see a flame after several attempts, turn the knob to "Off," leave the area, and call your gas company or a heating technician. A gas leak is a serious hazard.

If you have a newer heater with an electronic ignition system, you may not have a pilot light at all — the main burner ignites directly when you turn on the heat. Check your manual to confirm whether your model has a pilot light before attempting these steps. Attempting to light a non-pilot system can damage the ignition components.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button after the pilot lights?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. The thermocouple needs time to heat up and generate the electrical signal that keeps the gas valve open. If you release too early, the pilot will go out. If the pilot goes out repeatedly even after holding for a full minute, the thermocouple is failing and needs replacement.

What does it mean if the pilot lights but the main burner won't come on?

The pilot ignition system is working, but the main burner ignition is not. This usually means the main burner's ignition electrode or spark igniter needs cleaning or replacement. Turn the knob to "Off" and contact a technician — this is not a repair you can do by relighting the pilot.

Can I use any type of lighter to light the pilot?

A long lighter or long fireplace matches work best because they keep your hand away from the flame. Avoid short matches or lighters that require you to put your hand very close to the pilot opening. If your heater has a spark igniter button, you do not need a match or lighter at all — just press the button.

Is it normal to smell gas when I light the pilot?

A brief gas smell when the main burner first ignites is normal. If you smell gas continuously, or if you smell gas before you even attempt to light the pilot, turn the knob to "Off" and leave the area. Call your gas company or a technician — this may indicate a gas leak.

How often do I need to relight the pilot?

A pilot light should stay on continuously once lit, so you should not need to relight it regularly. If you find yourself relighting it every few days or weeks, the thermocouple is likely failing. Have a technician inspect and replace it so the pilot stays on without your intervention.