The basic steps to relight a pilot light

To turn the pilot light on, you need to locate the control knob on your appliance (usually on the front or side 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 light should stay lit once you release the button and turn the knob to "On."

The exact location of the pilot opening and the control knob varies by appliance type and manufacturer. Water heaters and furnaces typically have the pilot opening at the bottom or side of the unit, while gas stoves have it underneath the burners or inside the oven. Check your appliance's manual or the label on the unit itself to find the exact spot before you start.

If the pilot light will not stay lit after you release the button, or if you smell gas but cannot see a flame, stop and wait 5 minutes before trying again. Do not attempt to relight a pilot light more than three times in a row — if it fails three times, the problem may be with the thermocouple or gas valve, and you should call a technician.

Key Takeaways

  • Set the control knob to "Pilot," press the ignition button, and hold a flame to the pilot opening for 30 to 60 seconds while keeping the button pressed.
  • The pilot opening is usually at the bottom or side of water heaters and furnaces, and underneath or inside the oven on gas stoves.
  • Keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open.
  • If the pilot light will not stay lit after three attempts, stop and contact a technician — the problem is likely a faulty thermocouple or gas valve.

Finding the pilot light opening on your appliance

On a water heater, the pilot opening is usually a small hole or tube at the bottom front of the tank, near the control knob. You may need to crouch or lie down to see it clearly. Some water heaters have a removable cover or access panel — if yours does, slide or unscrew it first. The opening itself is often protected by a small metal shield or bracket, but you should still be able to reach it with a match or lighter.

On a furnace, the pilot opening is typically on the side or bottom of the burner assembly, inside the furnace cabinet. You may need to open the furnace door or access panel to see it. Look for a small tube or opening near where the control knob is mounted. If you cannot locate it, check the label on the furnace door or the manual — it often includes a diagram.

On a gas stove, the pilot light is usually underneath the cooktop, near the front or back burners, or inside the oven itself. If it is under the cooktop, you may need to remove the grates and lift the cooktop to access it. If it is in the oven, look at the bottom or sides of the oven interior. Some stoves have a small access hole with a label that says "Pilot" — that is your target.

Preparing to light the pilot and gathering what you need

Before you start, gather a long-reach lighter or long matches. A regular match or lighter may not reach the pilot opening safely, especially on water heaters and furnaces. Long-reach lighters are sold at most hardware stores and supermarkets for a few dollars. You will also want a flashlight to see inside the appliance, since pilot openings are often in dark or hard-to-see spots.

Turn off the gas supply to the appliance if you smell gas but do not see a flame, or if you are unsure whether the pilot is lit. Most appliances have a shutoff valve near the control knob — turn it clockwise until it stops. Wait 5 minutes for any gas to clear before you try to relight the pilot. Do not use an open flame near the appliance while gas is escaping.

Make sure the area around the appliance is clear of clutter and that you have good access to the control knob and pilot opening. If you are working on a water heater in a basement or closet, prop the door open so you have light and ventilation. Never close the door while you are working with the pilot light.

The step-by-step process for relighting

First, locate the control knob on the front or side of your appliance. It usually has three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Turn the knob to "Pilot" — do not turn it to "On" yet. You should hear a faint hissing sound, which means gas is flowing to the pilot opening.

Second, press and hold the ignition button (or the control knob itself, depending on your model) while you hold a lit match or lighter to the pilot opening. The button may be labeled "Ignition," "Start," or it may just be a button you push in. Keep the flame steady and close to the opening — the pilot light should catch within a few seconds and burn with a small blue flame.

Third, keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. This gives the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) time to warm up and signal the gas valve that the pilot is lit. If you release the button too soon, the pilot light will go out. Count slowly to 30 or 40 before you let go.

Fourth, release the button and turn the knob to "On." The pilot light should stay lit. If it goes out when ready, wait 5 minutes and try again. The thermocouple may not have heated up enough, or there may be a small amount of air in the gas line.

Why the pilot light goes out and what to do if it will not stay lit

A pilot light that will not stay lit is usually caused by a faulty thermocouple — the small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and signals the gas valve to stay open. When the thermocouple is dirty, bent, or worn out, it cannot sense the heat from the pilot flame, so the gas valve closes and the pilot goes out. Cleaning the thermocouple sometimes helps: turn off the gas, wait 5 minutes, then gently wipe the tip of the thermocouple with a soft cloth or fine steel wool to remove any soot or buildup.

A blocked or dirty pilot opening can also prevent the pilot light from catching or staying lit. Dust, soot, or debris can clog the small hole where the gas flows. If you can see the opening clearly, use a thin wire or needle to gently clear any blockage. Do not force anything into the opening — you can damage the gas line.

If the pilot light still will not stay lit after you have cleaned the thermocouple and cleared the opening, the problem is likely a faulty gas valve or thermocouple that needs to be replaced. This is not a repair you should attempt yourself — contact a licensed technician to inspect and repair the appliance. Continuing to try to relight a faulty pilot can waste gas and create a safety hazard.

Safety warnings and when to call a professional

If you smell gas but do not see a flame, or if you smell gas after the pilot light is lit, stop when ready and leave the area. Turn off the gas supply at the main shutoff valve (usually near the meter outside your home) and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not use matches, lighters, or any open flame. Do not turn electrical switches on or off. Gas leaks are dangerous and require professional attention.

Do not try to relight the pilot light more than three times in a row. If it fails three times, there is likely a mechanical problem that a technician needs to diagnose. Repeated failed attempts can allow gas to build up inside the appliance, creating a safety risk.

If the pilot light is lit but the appliance is not heating (the furnace is not blowing warm air, the water heater is not producing hot water, or the stove burners are not igniting), the problem is not the pilot light itself — it is likely a faulty thermostat, gas valve, or ignition system. Contact a technician to inspect the appliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the button down after the pilot light catches?

Hold the button 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 soon, the pilot will go out. If you are unsure, count slowly to 40 before letting go.

What if I cannot reach the pilot opening with my lighter?

Use a long-reach lighter or long matches instead of a regular lighter. These are inexpensive and sold at most hardware stores. If the opening is still hard to reach, use a flashlight to see better and ask someone to help you hold the light while you work.

Is it normal for the pilot light to go out sometimes?

Occasional outages are normal — a strong draft, a power surge, or a minor gas line hiccup can blow out the pilot. If it goes out once every few months, you can straightforward relight it. If it goes out multiple times a week, the thermocouple or gas valve may be failing and should be inspected by a technician.

Can I light the pilot with just a match instead of a lighter?

Yes, but use long matches designed for lighting pilots or fireplaces, not regular kitchen matches. Regular matches are too short and may burn your fingers. Long matches cost just a dollar or two and are much safer to use.

What does the pilot light flame look like when it is working correctly?

A healthy pilot light burns with a small, steady blue flame about the size of a pea or pencil tip. The flame should be mostly blue with a small yellow tip. If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, the opening may be dirty — try cleaning it gently with a thin wire.