Lighting a pilot heater yourself
To light a pilot heater, 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" or your desired temperature setting. The whole process usually takes less than five minutes.
The exact steps depend on whether your heater has a manual ignition button (the most common type in older units) or an electronic igniter. Both work the same way in principle: you introduce a flame to the pilot burner, hold it there long enough for the thermocouple to heat up and signal that the pilot is burning, then release and let the system run.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press and hold the ignition button, and light the pilot opening with a match or lighter while holding the button down.
- Keep the ignition button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple heats up and locks the pilot in place.
- If the pilot goes out when ready after you release the button, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing — try cleaning it first before calling a technician.
- Never force the control knob or ignition button; if either feels stuck or broken, stop and contact a professional rather than risk damaging the unit.
- If you smell gas but cannot light the pilot after three attempts, turn off the heater, open windows, and call your gas company or a technician.
Finding the pilot light assembly on your heater
The pilot light sits inside the combustion chamber of your heater, usually at the bottom front of the unit. You will see a small opening or window — sometimes covered by a metal shroud or access panel — with a tiny burner inside. Next to or below this opening is the control knob (labeled "Pilot," "On," and "Off") and usually a red or black ignition button.
If your heater is in a closet, basement, or attic, make sure you have good light and clear access to the control knob and ignition button before you start. A flashlight or headlamp helps you see the pilot opening clearly. Some heaters have a removable front panel; if yours does, remove it gently to expose the pilot assembly.
Step-by-step lighting process
Step 1: Turn the control knob to "Pilot." This position cuts off the main gas supply and allows gas to flow only to the pilot burner. Turn slowly and deliberately — the knob should click or stop at the Pilot position. Do not force it.
Step 2: Prepare your ignition source. Have a long lighter or long-reach match ready before you begin. A regular match works, but a long lighter or long-reach fireplace match keeps your hand farther from the flame and gives you better control. Hold it ready but do not light it yet.
Step 3: Press and hold the ignition button. Push the ignition button down and hold it — do not tap it. Keep steady pressure on the button throughout the next step. The button may feel stiff; that is normal.
Step 4: Light the pilot opening. While holding the ignition button down, bring your lit match or lighter to the pilot opening. You should see a small blue flame appear within a second or two. If you do not see a flame after 10 seconds, release the button, wait 30 seconds, and try again.
Step 5: Hold the button for 30 to 60 seconds. After the pilot flame appears, keep the ignition button pressed down for at least 30 seconds — some units need up to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) to warm up enough to signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too early, the pilot will go out.
Step 6: Release the button and check the flame. Slowly release the ignition button. The pilot flame should stay lit. If it goes out when ready, wait 30 seconds and repeat steps 3 through 5. If it goes out a second time, see the troubleshooting section below.
Step 7: Turn the knob to "On" or your desired temperature. Once the pilot is holding steady, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On" or to your desired temperature setting. The main burner should ignite within a few seconds, and you should hear the heater begin to run.
Why the pilot keeps going out
If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the ignition button, the thermocouple is usually the culprit. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical signal when heated. If it is dirty, corroded, or failing, it cannot send that signal, and the gas valve closes automatically for safety.
Before calling a technician, try cleaning the thermocouple. Turn the control knob to "Off," wait five minutes for the unit to cool, then locate the thermocouple (a thin rod about the size of a pencil lead sticking into the pilot area). Gently rub the tip with fine steel wool or a soft cloth to remove any soot or corrosion. Wipe away debris, then try lighting the pilot again.
If cleaning does not work, or if the thermocouple looks bent or damaged, the part needs replacement. This is a job for a professional — thermocouples are inexpensive (usually $15 to $40 for the part), but the work requires disconnecting gas lines safely.
When to stop and call a professional
Do not attempt to light the pilot if the control knob or ignition button feels stuck, broken, or unusually stiff. Forcing either one can damage the valve assembly and create a gas leak. Similarly, if you smell gas but the pilot will not light after two or three attempts, stop when ready. Turn the control knob to "Off," open windows to ventilate, and call your gas company's emergency line or a licensed HVAC technician.
If the heater makes unusual noises, the flame is yellow or orange instead of blue, or you see soot buildup around the pilot opening, the unit needs professional inspection. A blue pilot flame is normal; yellow or orange indicates incomplete combustion, which can produce carbon monoxide. Do not ignore this.
If you have not lit a pilot in years and feel uncertain, there is no shame in calling a technician for the first time. Many charge $75 to $150 for a pilot light service call, and you will know the job is done safely and correctly.
Preventing pilot light problems
The best way to avoid a dead pilot is to keep your heater serviced annually. A technician will clean the thermocouple, check the gas pressure, inspect the burner, and make sure everything is running safely and efficiently. This usually costs $100 to $200 and can catch small problems before they leave you without heat.
If your heater is more than 15 to 20 years old and the pilot keeps going out even after cleaning or thermocouple replacement, the unit may be nearing the end of its life. Older heaters become less reliable and less efficient. A technician can tell you whether repair or replacement makes more sense for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the ignition button down?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. The exact time depends on your heater model, but 30 seconds is usually enough. If you are unsure, check your heater's manual — it should be taped to the unit or available from the manufacturer's website.
What if I cannot see the pilot opening?
Use a flashlight or headlamp to look into the combustion chamber. If the opening is blocked by a metal shroud or access panel, remove it carefully — it usually slides or unscrews. If you still cannot locate the pilot, check your heater's manual or take a photo and show it to a technician.
Can I use a regular match instead of a lighter?
Yes, a regular match works fine, but a long-reach match or long lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. If you use a regular match, light it first, then carefully bring it to the pilot opening while holding the ignition button.
Is it normal for the pilot to smell like gas?
A faint gas smell near the pilot is normal, especially right after lighting. If the smell is strong, lingers after the pilot is lit, or comes from elsewhere in the heater, turn off the unit and call a technician or your gas company.
What if the pilot lights but the main burner does not turn on?
Turn the control knob to "On" or your desired temperature and wait 10 to 15 seconds — the main burner should ignite. If it does not, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again. If the main burner still will not light after two attempts, the ignition system or gas valve may need service from a professional.