The basic steps to relight a pilot light

A pilot light that has gone out can usually be relit in under five minutes using the ignition button on your appliance. Most modern gas appliances—water heaters, furnaces, stoves, and ovens—have a piezo igniter (a button you push) or an electronic spark system that creates the flame without needing a match. Older appliances may require a long lighter or match.

The process is the same across most appliances: locate the pilot light access panel, find the control knob, set it to the "Pilot" or "Ignite" position, hold down the ignition button while bringing a flame near the pilot opening, and wait for the flame to catch. Once it does, release the button and turn the knob to "On." If the pilot light won't stay lit after three or four attempts, the problem is usually a faulty thermocouple or gas supply issue that requires a technician.

Key Takeaways

  • Most pilot lights relight using a push-button igniter on the appliance itself—you do not need matches or a lighter for modern units.
  • The control knob must be turned to "Pilot" or "Ignite" before you press the ignition button; holding it down for 30 to 60 seconds gives the thermocouple time to sense the flame.
  • If the pilot light goes out repeatedly after you relight it, the thermocouple is likely worn and needs replacement by a technician.
  • Drafts, dust, or a bent pilot tube can blow out or clog the flame; check for obstructions before assuming the ignition system is broken.

Locating the pilot light and control knob

The pilot light sits inside an access panel or chamber at the base of your appliance. On a water heater, this is usually a small door at the bottom front. On a furnace, it is typically behind a removable panel in the combustion chamber. On a stove or oven, the pilot light is often under the cooktop or inside the oven itself, near the burner assembly.

The control knob is mounted on the outside of the appliance, usually near the access panel. It has three or four positions: "Off," "Pilot," "On," and sometimes "Ignite." Read the label on the knob or the appliance manual to confirm which position is which. If the label is worn away, "Pilot" is almost always the middle position.

Setting the knob and pressing the igniter

Turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position. Do not turn it to "On" yet. Once the knob is set, locate the ignition button—it is usually a red or black push-button near the knob, or sometimes integrated into the knob itself. Press and hold this button firmly.

While holding the button down, bring the flame from a long lighter, long match, or grill lighter to the pilot opening. The pilot opening is a small hole or tube inside the access chamber where the flame should appear. Hold the flame near this opening for 5 to 10 seconds. You should see a small blue flame ignite. Once it does, keep holding the button for another 30 to 60 seconds—this allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) to warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open.

After 30 to 60 seconds, release the button. If the flame stays lit, turn the control knob to "On." If the flame goes out when you release the button, wait a minute and try again. Most pilot lights catch on the second or third attempt.

What to do if the pilot light won't stay lit

If you have tried relighting the pilot three or four times and it keeps going out, the thermocouple is likely faulty. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and sends a signal to the gas valve when it senses heat. If it is worn or misaligned, the valve closes as soon as you release the ignition button, cutting off gas to the pilot.

A bent or dirty pilot tube can also cause the flame to blow out. Look inside the access chamber and check whether the pilot tube (the small metal tube that delivers gas to the pilot opening) is straight and free of dust or debris. If it is bent, do not try to straighten it yourself—call a technician. If it is dusty, use a thin wire or compressed air to clear the opening gently.

If the tube is clear and straight but the pilot still will not stay lit, the thermocouple needs replacement. This is not a task for a homeowner; contact a technician who services your appliance type.

Checking for drafts and obstructions

A strong draft can blow out a pilot light even if the ignition system is working correctly. If your pilot light goes out frequently but relights easily, check for drafts near the appliance. Close nearby doors and windows, and look for cracks in the access chamber or around the appliance base. Seal small gaps with high-temperature caulk or weatherstripping.

Dust and debris can also clog the pilot opening over time. If the flame is weak or yellow instead of bright blue, the opening may be partially blocked. Turn off the appliance, wait for it to cool, and use a thin wire (a straightened paper clip works) or a compressed-air can to clear the pilot opening. Do this gently—the opening is small and easily damaged.

Safety reminders when working with pilot lights

Always turn the control knob to "Off" and wait at least five minutes before opening the access panel. This clears any gas that may have accumulated. If you smell gas while working, stop when ready, close the access panel, turn the knob to "Off," and leave the area. Do not use an open flame to search for gas leaks.

If you are using a match or lighter to ignite the pilot, keep your hand and face clear of the opening. The flame can flare up briefly when it catches. Long lighters and long matches are safer than short ones because they keep your hand farther from the opening.

When to call a technician

If the pilot light will not stay lit after three or four attempts, or if it goes out repeatedly after you relight it, a technician should inspect the appliance. A faulty thermocouple, a gas supply problem, or a damaged ignition system requires professional repair. Attempting to force a pilot light to work when the underlying cause is a worn part can waste gas and create a safety hazard.

Similarly, if you smell gas but cannot see a leak, or if the pilot flame is very weak or discolored, stop and call a technician. These are signs of a problem that goes beyond relighting the pilot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button down?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release the button too soon, the flame will go out as soon as you let go.

Can I use a regular match instead of a long lighter?

Yes, but a long lighter or long match is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the pilot opening. If you use a short match, be careful not to burn your fingers when the flame catches.

Why does my pilot light keep going out after I relight it?

The most common cause is a worn thermocouple that is no longer sensing the flame properly. A bent pilot tube, a clogged opening, or a strong draft can also blow out the flame. If relighting does not solve it, a technician should inspect the appliance.

Is it safe to relight a pilot light myself?

Yes, relighting a pilot light is a safe task for a homeowner. The gas flow to the pilot is very small. If you smell gas, stop and turn the knob to "Off," then call a technician.

What does a healthy pilot flame look like?

A healthy pilot flame is bright blue with a small yellow tip. If the flame is mostly yellow or very weak, the opening may be clogged with dust or debris, and you should clean it gently with a thin wire or compressed air.