The basic steps to relight a pilot light

Most pilot lights can be relit by hand in under a minute. Locate the pilot light opening on your appliance — usually a small brass or steel tube near the bottom of the unit. Turn the gas control knob to the "Pilot" or "Off" position, wait 30 seconds for any gas to clear, then switch it to "Pilot" while holding down the ignition button. Hold a long lighter or lit match to the pilot opening until the small flame catches, then release the button. If the flame stays lit after you release, turn the knob to "On" or the normal operating position.

The ignition button is the small red or black button you press while lighting. Some appliances have a piezo igniter (a button you click repeatedly) instead of an electronic spark. If your appliance has a piezo igniter, click it while holding the flame near the pilot opening — the clicking creates a spark that helps the gas ignite.

If the pilot light will not stay lit after you release the button, turn the knob back to "Off" and wait another 30 seconds before trying again. A second attempt often works because residual gas needs time to dissipate.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the gas control knob to "Pilot" or "Off", wait 30 seconds, then switch to "Pilot" while pressing the ignition button.
  • Hold a long lighter or lit match to the pilot opening until the flame catches, then release the button.
  • If the flame goes out when you release the button, wait 30 seconds and try again — the second attempt usually succeeds.
  • If the pilot light will not stay lit after two or three tries, the thermocouple or gas valve may need replacement, and a technician should inspect the appliance.

What to do if the pilot light won't catch at all

If you see no spark when you click the ignition button and hear no clicking sound, the igniter is broken. If you hear clicking but see no spark near the pilot opening, the spark electrode may be dirty or misaligned. Wipe the electrode with a dry cloth and try again.

If the pilot opening itself is clogged, you may see gas smell but no flame. Do not try to clear it with a pin or wire — this can damage the opening. Turn off the gas at the control knob and call a technician. A clogged pilot is usually a sign that the appliance needs professional cleaning.

Why the pilot light goes out and won't relight

The most common reason a pilot light will not stay lit is a faulty thermocouple, a safety device that shuts off gas if the pilot flame dies. When you hold the ignition button down, you bypass this safety feature temporarily. If the thermocouple is worn, it will not sense the pilot flame and will shut the gas off as soon as you release the button. A thermocouple costs between $15 and $40 and takes 10 to 20 minutes to replace if you are comfortable with basic appliance work, or you can hire a technician.

A second common cause is low gas pressure in the line. If multiple appliances in your home have weak pilot lights, the problem is likely upstream — call your gas company to check the line pressure. If only one appliance is affected, the control valve on that appliance may be failing.

Draft or wind can also blow out a pilot light, especially on water heaters in garages or outdoor spaces. If the pilot keeps going out but relights easily, check for open doors, windows, or vents near the appliance and close them if possible.

Safety steps before you start

Before you touch anything, smell the area around the appliance. If you detect a strong gas odor, do not attempt to light the pilot. Leave the space, open windows and doors, and call your gas company's emergency line. A gas leak is dangerous and requires professional attention.

Make sure you have a long lighter or long matches on hand — your fingers should stay at least 6 inches away from the pilot opening. Never use a regular match or lighter that puts your hand too close to the flame.

Read the label on your appliance for the exact location of the pilot light and the correct sequence of knob positions. Labels vary by manufacturer, and following the wrong sequence can prevent ignition or create a safety hazard.

When to call a technician instead

If the pilot light will not stay lit after three attempts, or if you smell gas while trying to light it, stop and call a technician. A persistent problem usually means the thermocouple, gas valve, or igniter needs replacement — these are not field repairs for most homeowners.

If your appliance is under warranty, lighting the pilot yourself may void coverage. Check the warranty paperwork or the manufacturer's website before you begin. Many warranties require a licensed technician to perform any service.

If you are not comfortable working with gas appliances, or if you have never done this before, hiring a technician is the safer choice. A service call usually costs $75 to $150 and takes less than an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button down?

Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds after the flame catches. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and sense the flame. If you release too quickly, the gas will shut off when ready.

What if I smell gas while lighting the pilot?

Turn the knob to "Off" when ready, leave the space, and open windows and doors. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the gas to clear, then try again. If the smell returns, do not attempt a third time — call your gas company or a technician.

Can I light the pilot with a regular match?

A regular match works, but a long lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. If you use a match, light it first, then hold it to the pilot opening — do not try to light the match while your hand is near the opening.

How often do pilot lights need to be relit?

A healthy pilot light should stay lit indefinitely once it is on. If you have to relight it more than once a month, the thermocouple or gas valve is likely failing and should be inspected by a technician.

Is it normal for the pilot flame to be blue or yellow?

A blue flame is normal and means the gas is burning cleanly. A yellow or orange flame suggests incomplete combustion and usually means the pilot opening is dirty. A technician can clean it, but do not attempt this yourself.