How do I get my pilot light back on?

Author: Prof. Jessika Leuschke  |  Last update: Sunday, January 18, 2026

Relight the pilot light. Turn the knob to “Pilot,” and let gas to flow to the pilot. Light a lighter or match, then push in the reset button. Hold your flame to the pilot light's opening. Keep the reset switch depressed until the pilot light is burning steadily.

Can I relight the pilot light by myself?

The Short Answer Is: It is generally safe for a homeowner to relight a furnace pilot light, as long as they follow proper precautions and guidelines. To do it yourself, first, turn off the furnace's gas supply and wait for a few minutes to allow any lingering gas to dissipate.

What to do if pilot light won t relight?

How to Fix Your Pilot Light
  1. Find your gas valve. ...
  2. You need to turn the valve to the off position for at least three minutes.
  3. Once you have had the valve at off for a few minutes, switch it over to pilot setting.
  4. You will need a match that is lit. ...
  5. Set the pilot valve to the on position.

Who to call to relight a pilot light?

Call Your Local Mr. Rooter Plumber! If you are having trouble getting your water heater pilot light on, or you can't get it to stay lit for long, rely on a plumbing professional for water heater repair, maintenance, and replacement services.

Who do you call if your pilot light goes out?

If after following the proper steps you still can't get your pilot light to stay lit, call an HVAC pro for a furnace repair.

How To Light A Furnace Pilot Light (DIY! Save $$ and Time)

How much does it cost to relight a pilot?

Additionally, a pilot light can blow out over time. A plumber can help reignite the pilot light. They will charge you an hourly fee of $40 to $150. This is usually a fairly brief project, and may just take an hour.

Why is the pilot light not coming on?

Your boiler's pilot light could go out for various reasons including a loose or broken gas valve, faulty thermocouples or heat exchangers, a vent issue, low gas pressure, or even high winds.

Can I manually light my pilot light?

If you don't see a spark when you press the igniter button or you can't get the pilot to light, you can try to manually light it with a match or stick lighter. Once you see the pilot flame, you will need to continue to hold the control knob in for around 30 seconds.

How long do you have to wait to relight a pilot?

This is the reason experts instruct homeowners to turn the gas off and let water heaters sit for at least 10 minutes before attempting to relight an extinguished pilot light. Those two steps — shutting off the gas and waiting — allow built-up gas to safely disperse, reducing the risk of an accident.

How do I get my pilot light lit?

Relight the pilot light.

Turn the knob to “Pilot,” and let gas to flow to the pilot. Light a lighter or match, then push in the reset button. Hold your flame to the pilot light's opening. Keep the reset switch depressed until the pilot light is burning steadily.

Is it OK if pilot light goes out?

Is It Dangerous if The Pilot Light Goes Out? The worry here is that when a pilot goes out, the gas valve that supplies the fuel for the pilot flame could still be pumping gas. This can mean a buildup of gas, and when the pilot is relit or relights itself, it could result in a very serious explosion.

How do I activate pilot activated light?

There are two types of PAL systems — type J and type K. Type J systems are activated by keying the microphone five times within five seconds, while type K is initially activated by clicking seven times within five seconds.

Will the gas company come light my pilot light?

Absolutely! We can send a gas service technician to light your pilot, and conduct a gas safety check of your gas fireplace or any other gas appliance to ensure your safety. You can schedule an appointment by logging into Your Account and selecting the Service Requests tab.

How to relight a pilot light with no push button?

Put the gas valve in the 'pilot' position and hold it there. If your appliance has an 'ignition' button, push it now. If there is no ignition button, use a match or lighter to relight the pilot. For at least a minute after relighting the flame, continue to hold the gas valve in the 'pilot' position.

Why is my pilot light not kicking in?

The issue could be: A dirty tube: If the pilot light tube is dirty, it can put out the light over time. You'll need to clean it with something abrasive to get it working again. Not enough gas: Sometimes, the gas valve will leak, or something else prevents gas from getting through the line.

Why won't my pilot light relight?

YOU EITHER NEED A NEW THERMOCOUPLE, OR THE EXISTING THERMOCOUPLE IS NOT IN THE FLAME, OR THE EXISTING THERMOCOUPLE IS ENCRUSTED WITH SOMETHING, OR WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO RE-LIGHT THE PILOT LIGHT YOU ARE NOT HOLDING THE GAS BUTTON IN FOR A LONG ENOUGH TIME.

What happens if the pilot light won't stay lit?

If the valve is turned ON, but your pilot light won't stay lit, the problem might be a broken gas valve. The solution most likely will be to replace the valve. The fix: Reach out to professionals to diagnose and possibly replace your gas valve.

Is it safe to relight your own pilot light?

Luckily, most homeowners are capable of relighting it on their own. Here are the steps you'll need to take to safely relight your furnace's pilot light. Warning! If you smell gas or suspect you have a gas leak, turn off the furnace and leave your home as soon as possible.

Who do you call to relight a pilot light?

If you are in need of an earlier appointment, a gas plumber, handyman, or maintenance person can also perform a pilot relight.

Why is the pilot light not coming on my furnace?

If there is a strong draft in your basement or attic, or if you are experiencing high winds, the pilot light may not light. In addition, if your furnace has a draft motor or blower that is malfunctioning or dead, the pilot won't light. The purpose of the draft motor is to pull air into and out of your chimney or vent.

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