The basic steps to relight a pilot light

To turn your pilot light on, you need to locate the control knob on your appliance (usually on the front of a water heater, furnace, or stove), set it to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while holding a lit match or lighter to the pilot opening, and keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. The pilot should stay lit once you release the button and turn the knob to "On".

The exact location of the pilot opening and control knob varies by appliance type and manufacturer. On a water heater, the pilot opening is typically at the bottom front of the unit, behind a small access panel. On a furnace, it is usually inside the combustion chamber, visible through a small window or opening. On a gas stove, the pilot sits beneath the burner grates. Always check your appliance's manual for the exact location before you start.

If the pilot does not stay lit after you release the button, or if you smell gas but cannot see a flame, stop and wait five minutes before trying again. Repeated failed attempts can flood the combustion chamber with gas, which is a safety hazard.

Key Takeaways

  • Set the control knob to "Pilot" and hold the ignition button while explore heat from a match or lighter to the pilot opening.
  • Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and sense the flame.
  • The pilot opening location depends on your appliance type — check your manual to find it on your specific unit.
  • If the pilot will not stay lit after two or three attempts, stop and wait several minutes before trying again to avoid gas buildup.
  • If you smell gas but see no flame, or if you cannot locate the pilot opening, contact a technician rather than continuing to attempt relighting.

What to do if you smell gas but see no flame

A strong gas smell with no visible pilot flame usually means gas is flowing but not igniting. Turn the control knob to "Off" when ready and wait at least five minutes before trying again. Do not attempt to relight more than two or three times in a row, because unburned gas can accumulate in the combustion chamber.

If the smell persists after you turn the knob to "Off", or if it gets stronger, leave the area and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not use electrical switches, lighters, or anything that could create a spark. Open windows and doors to ventilate the space while you wait for help.

Why the pilot light goes out

Pilot lights go out for several common reasons: a draft or wind blowing out the flame, a faulty thermocouple that no longer senses the flame, a clogged pilot opening, or a gas supply interruption. Drafts are the most frequent cause in water heaters and furnaces located in basements or garages. A thermocouple failure is the second most common reason, especially in older units.

If your pilot light goes out repeatedly even after you relight it successfully, the thermocouple is likely failing and will need replacement by a technician. If it goes out only occasionally during windy weather, you may be able to shield the pilot opening with a small baffle or have a technician install a wind guard.

How long the pilot should stay lit

Once you release the control knob after 30 to 60 seconds, the pilot flame should remain lit indefinitely until you turn the knob to "Off" or the appliance reaches its set temperature. The thermocouple — a small metal rod in the flame — heats up during those 30 to 60 seconds and sends a signal that tells the gas valve to stay open. If you release the knob too early, before the thermocouple is hot enough, the flame will go out when ready.

If the pilot stays lit for a few seconds and then goes out, you did not hold the knob long enough. Try again and count to at least 45 seconds before releasing.

Safety precautions before you start

Before you attempt to relight a pilot, make sure the area is well-ventilated and that you have a working match or lighter ready. Do not use a candle, because the flame is harder to control and can burn your hand. Keep the appliance manual nearby so you can refer to the exact location of the pilot opening and any specific instructions for your model.

Wear long sleeves or use a long lighter to keep your hand away from the ignition area. If you have long hair, tie it back so it cannot catch fire. Never attempt to relight a pilot if you smell a strong gas odor before you start — call your gas company first.

When to call a technician instead

If the pilot light will not stay lit after three or four attempts, or if it goes out repeatedly within hours of relighting, a technician should inspect the appliance. A failing thermocouple, a clogged pilot opening, a faulty gas valve, or a cracked heat exchanger can all prevent the pilot from staying lit, and these repairs require specialized tools and training.

You should also contact a technician if you cannot locate the pilot opening, if the ignition button does not click or respond, or if you see rust or corrosion around the pilot area. Attempting to force a repair on a corroded or damaged unit can create a safety hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the button down?

Hold the control knob in the "Pilot" position 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 too early, the flame will go out as soon as you let go.

What if the ignition button does not click?

A silent or unresponsive button usually means the ignition mechanism is broken or the battery (if it is electronic) is dead. Check your manual to see if your model uses a battery and whether it can be replaced. If the button is mechanical and does not click, a technician will need to inspect it.

Can I use a lighter instead of a match?

Yes, a lighter works well and is often easier to control than a match. Use a long lighter so your hand stays farther from the flame. Avoid candles, because the flame is harder to aim and you risk burning yourself.

How do I know if the thermocouple is broken?

If the pilot light stays lit while you hold the button but goes out when ready when you release it, the thermocouple is likely failing. A technician can test it with a multimeter and replace it if needed. Thermocouple replacement is a common and relatively inexpensive repair.

Is it safe to relight the pilot myself?

Yes, relighting a pilot light is a safe task for most people if you follow the steps carefully and stop if you smell gas. However, if the pilot will not stay lit, or if you are uncomfortable working with gas appliances, contact a technician instead of making repeated attempts.