The basic steps to light a pilot light

To light a pilot light, you need to turn the control knob to the "Pilot" setting, hold down the ignition button while bringing 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" or the desired heat setting. The whole process usually takes less than two minutes.

The exact location of the pilot opening and the shape of the control knob vary by appliance — a water heater looks different from a furnace or stove — but the sequence is always the same: position, ignite, hold, release, confirm.

Key Takeaways

  • Set the control knob to "Pilot" before you try to light anything, or the gas will flow to the main burner instead of the pilot.
  • Press and hold the ignition button continuously while you light the pilot with a match or lighter held at the pilot opening.
  • Keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple heats up and tells the valve to stay open.
  • If the pilot goes out within a few seconds of releasing the button, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing and will need cleaning or replacement.
  • Never use a lighter or match to light a pilot if you smell gas — turn off the appliance and call your gas company or a technician first.

Setting the control knob correctly

Before you touch a match, locate the control knob on your appliance — usually a dial or lever near the bottom or back of the unit. Turn it all the way to the position marked "Pilot" or "Light Pilot". This setting directs gas only to the small pilot burner, not to the main heating element. If you skip this step or turn the knob to "On" instead, gas will flow to the main burner and you will not be able to light just the pilot.

Some appliances have a separate ignition button next to the knob; others have the button built into the knob itself. Look for a button labeled "Ignite" or a recessed button you can press with your thumb. If you cannot find it, check the appliance manual or look on the side of the control box itself — manufacturers often print the button location there.

Locating and lighting the pilot opening

The pilot opening is a small hole or tube, usually brass-colored, located near the control box. On a water heater it is often at the bottom front; on a furnace it may be inside the combustion chamber; on a stove it is typically at the edge of a burner. If you cannot see it clearly, use a flashlight or phone light to look into the appliance. The opening should be no larger than a pencil tip.

Hold a long lighter or a lit match near the pilot opening — close enough that the flame will reach it, but not so close that you burn your hand. A long-handled lighter designed for grills or fireplaces works better than a short one because it keeps your hand farther from the heat. Light the match or lighter before you press the ignition button, so you are ready the moment gas starts flowing.

Pressing the ignition button and holding it down

Once your match or lighter is lit and positioned near the pilot opening, press the ignition button with your other hand and hold it down. You should hear a clicking sound as the ignition sparks, or you may see a small spark near the pilot opening. At the same time, bring the flame from your match or lighter to the pilot opening. The pilot should light within a few seconds.

Do not release the button yet. Keep it pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This time allows the thermocouple — a heat-sensing device near the pilot — to warm up enough to signal the gas valve that the pilot is burning. If you release the button too soon, the valve will close and the pilot will go out. If the pilot lights but you are unsure whether 30 seconds have passed, count slowly to 40 before releasing.

Confirming the pilot stays lit

After you release the ignition button, watch the pilot flame for 10 to 15 seconds. It should stay burning steadily. The flame is usually blue with a small yellow tip and should be about half an inch tall. If it goes out when ready or within a few seconds, the thermocouple may not have heated enough, or there may be a problem with the gas supply or ignition system.

Once the pilot is holding steady, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On" or to your desired heat setting. The main burner or heating element should ignite. If it does not, turn the knob back to "Pilot" and try the lighting process again, or contact a technician if the problem persists.

What to do if the pilot will not stay lit

If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the button, the thermocouple is likely the problem. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical signal telling the valve to stay open. When it gets dirty or fails, it cannot send that signal and the valve closes. You can try cleaning it by gently rubbing the tip with a dry cloth or fine steel wool, then trying to light the pilot again.

If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple will need to be replaced — this is a job for a technician, as it requires disconnecting gas lines. If the pilot lights but the main burner does not ignite after you turn the knob to "On", the problem is usually a separate ignition system for the main burner, not the pilot light itself. In that case, also contact a technician.

Safety steps to take before lighting

Before you attempt to light a pilot, smell the air around the appliance. If you detect a strong rotten-egg or sulfur smell, do not light anything. That smell means gas is leaking. Turn off the appliance when ready, leave the area, and call your gas company's emergency line or a licensed technician. Gas leaks are dangerous and require professional repair.

Make sure the area around the appliance is clear of flammable materials — paper, cloth, or other items that could catch fire if they come near the flame. Keep children and pets away while you are working. If you have never lit a pilot before and are not comfortable doing it, or if the appliance is new to you, ask a technician to show you the first time or to do it for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button down?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the valve to stay open. If you are unsure, count to 40 slowly. Releasing too early is the most common reason a pilot goes out when ready after you let go of the button.

What if I cannot get the pilot to light with a match?

Try a long-handled lighter instead — it is easier to aim and keeps your hand safer. Make sure the lighter or match is actually lit before you press the ignition button. If the pilot still will not light after two or three tries, the ignition system or gas supply may have a problem and you should contact a technician.

Is it safe to light a pilot myself, or should I call someone?

Lighting a pilot is safe if you follow the steps and smell no gas. However, if you are uncomfortable doing it, have never done it before, or the appliance is unfamiliar, a technician can show you or do it for you. It is a quick and inexpensive service call.

Why does my pilot keep going out after I turn the knob to "On"?

If the pilot stays lit when you hold the button but goes out after you release it, the thermocouple is likely dirty or failing. Try cleaning the tip gently with a dry cloth. If it still goes out, the thermocouple needs replacement by a technician. If the pilot stays lit but the main burner does not ignite, the main burner's ignition system is the problem.

Can I light a pilot if I smell a little bit of gas?

No. Any smell of gas means there is a leak somewhere in the system. Do not light anything. Turn off the appliance, leave the area, and call your gas company or a technician. Even a small leak can be dangerous, and lighting a flame could make it worse.