The basic steps to light a pilot light

To light a pilot light, you turn the control knob 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 catches. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the knob to "On" and listen for the main burner to ignite. If the pilot won't stay lit after you release the button, the thermocouple (a safety sensor) may need cleaning or replacement.

The exact location of the pilot opening and the control knob varies by appliance—water heaters, furnaces, and stoves all have slightly different layouts—but the sequence is always the same: position, ignite, hold, release, test.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot" before you try to light anything, or the gas will not flow to the pilot opening.
  • Hold the ignition button down continuously while you bring a flame to the pilot opening; releasing too early is the most common reason pilots fail to light.
  • Keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after you see the flame, even though it feels like the pilot should be lit already.
  • If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the button, the thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty and needs attention before you try again.

Locate the pilot opening and control knob on your appliance

Before you attempt to light the pilot, you need to find where the pilot opening is and where the control knob sits. On a water heater, the pilot opening is usually a small brass or steel tube near the bottom of the tank, and the control knob is mounted on the gas valve directly below or beside it. On a furnace, the pilot opening is typically inside the combustion chamber, accessible through a small window or opening in the front panel. On a gas stove, the pilot opening is often a small hole near the burner you want to light, or there may be a single pilot that serves all burners.

Check your appliance's manual or look for a label on the gas valve itself—most manufacturers print a diagram showing the pilot location and the correct knob positions. If you cannot find the manual, take a photo of the gas valve and search online for your appliance model number plus "pilot light diagram."

Set the control knob to "Pilot" and prepare to ignite

Turn the control knob slowly to the position marked "Pilot." You should feel it click or seat into place. Do not skip this step—if the knob is in any other position, gas will not flow to the pilot opening, and you will be trying to light air.

Gather your ignition source before you begin. A long-reach lighter or long fireplace match works better than a short match, because you need to keep your hand steady while holding the button and bringing the flame to a small opening. If you are using a match, light it first and hold it ready. If you are using a lighter, have it in your hand and ready to click.

Press the ignition button and light the pilot

Press and hold the ignition button (or the knob itself, depending on your appliance's design) with one hand. While holding it down, bring your lit match or lighter to the pilot opening with your other hand. You should see a small blue flame appear within a few seconds. The moment you see the flame, keep the button pressed—do not release it yet.

If you do not see a flame within 10 seconds, release the button, wait 30 seconds for any gas to clear, and try again. Trying repeatedly without waiting allows gas to build up, which can cause a larger-than-normal flame or a small pop when it finally ignites.

Hold the button for 30 to 60 seconds after ignition

This is the step most people rush, and it is why pilots often go out when ready after lighting. The button heats the thermocouple—a safety sensor that tells the gas valve it is safe to stay open. If you release the button too soon, the thermocouple has not warmed up yet, and the valve closes, shutting off the pilot flame.

Count slowly to 30, or better yet, count to 60. Watch the pilot flame while you hold the button. It should be a steady, blue flame about the size of a pea or smaller. If the flame is yellow or orange, the pilot opening may be clogged with dust, and you should clean it before trying again.

Release the button and turn the knob to "On"

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the button while watching the pilot flame. If the flame stays lit, you have succeeded. Now turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On." On a water heater or furnace, you may hear a click or a whoosh as the main burner ignites. On a stove, the burner you selected should light.

If the pilot goes out the moment you release the button, the thermocouple is not working correctly. Wait a few minutes, then try again, holding the button for the full 60 seconds. If it still goes out, the thermocouple needs to be cleaned or replaced—see the troubleshooting section below.

Troubleshoot if the pilot will not stay lit

If the pilot lights but extinguishes when you release the button, the thermocouple is the most likely culprit. A thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a tiny electrical signal when heated. If it is dirty, bent, or failing, it cannot signal the gas valve to stay open. To clean it, turn the knob to "Off," wait for the appliance to cool, and locate the thermocouple (a thin rod, usually copper or steel, sitting in the pilot flame). Gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth or very fine steel wool. Do not bend it or explore pressure. Then try lighting the pilot again.

If cleaning does not work, or if the pilot lights and stays lit but the main burner does not ignite when you turn the knob to "On," the gas valve itself may be stuck or faulty. At that point, you should contact a technician—gas appliance repairs are not safe to attempt without training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my pilot light keep going out?

The thermocouple is almost always the reason. It sits in the pilot flame and signals the gas valve to stay open. If it is dirty, bent, or worn out, the valve closes and the pilot goes out. Try cleaning the thermocouple with a soft cloth first. If that does not work, it needs replacement.

How long should I hold the button down?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after you see the flame. The longer you hold it, the more time the thermocouple has to warm up and signal the gas valve. Many people release too early and think the pilot is broken when it is just not warm enough yet.

What if I smell gas but do not see a flame?

Stop when ready and turn the knob to "Off." Wait 5 minutes with the area ventilated, then try again. If you smell gas without seeing a flame after a second attempt, do not try a third time—call a technician or your gas company's emergency line. Gas buildup can be dangerous.

Can I light the pilot with anything other than a match or lighter?

A match or lighter is safest because you can control the flame and see what you are doing. Do not use paper, cloth, or anything that could catch fire unexpectedly. A long-reach lighter or fireplace match is ideal because it keeps your hand farther from the opening.

Do I need to turn off the appliance before lighting the pilot?

Yes. Turn the control knob all the way to "Off" and wait a minute before you begin. This clears any gas that may be in the line and prevents a large flame when the pilot finally ignites.