If the pilot should go out, gas is immediately shut off to the main burner, however, there is still a small amount of gas that will continue to flow to the oven pilot. All free standing pilots are approved by the American Gas Association. There is not enough leakage to create a hazard.
Pilot lights have a temperature sensor (thermocouple) that turns off the gas if the flame goes out, so you will not be leaking gas. They also have an off position, as shown above. In this position the pilot flame is turned off and no gas, pilot or otherwise is allowed to the appliance.
Cutting off the supply of gas prevents additional gas from escaping can prevent exposure to natural gas. Even with the valve turned off, it's important not to go back in the house if there's a natural gas leak. Call 911 and wait for help.
If the pilot light is out and you smell gas, you have a leak or a bad gas valve, since the gas valve is supposed to turn off the pilot gas if it goes out.
If the safety devices are working properly, it is not dangerous if the pilot light goes out except for the damage which could occur by the failure of the furnace to heat the house.
Safety Considerations for Pilot Light Issues
If you smell gas or notice unusual sounds when your indicator flame goes out, leave your home immediately and contact emergency services. These signs could indicate serious safety concerns that require immediate professional attention.
Newer gas furnaces (since about 2010) do not have a traditional pilot light that burns all the time. Instead they use electronic ignition systems that light only as needed. Constant flame or “standing pilot” heating systems are still fairly common in older homes, and they can still be repaired in most cases.
In some instances, the smell of gas may be present naturally. However, leaks can occur, and we want to make sure they are resolved as quickly as possible. Natural gas is odorless, but an additive called mercaptan is included to alert people of leaks.
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.
Once the knob is depressed, you should smell and potentially hear gas flowing to the pilot. Keeping the knob pressed in, use your opposite hand to press the igniter button until you see that the pilot flame is lit.
Severe leaks can cause this problem in just five minutes. The EPA states that exposure to concentrations of nine ppm or more for eight hours is enough to produce harmful health effects for at-risk individuals. Exit the property and call 911 if you suspect your home has a gas leak.
Natural gas leaks are particularly likely to cause smells in small, enclosed areas where gas can build up. If the leak is outside, the smell may seem to come and go as the breeze blows it away. The other big sign to look out for is a strange noise.
DO leave the home, building, or area of the suspected leak. Get to a safe area as quickly as possible. After leaving your home, DO call the 24-hour emergency number for Peoples at 1-800-400-4271, or call your local emergency response number.
In addition to having a distinct smell, natural gas leaks are often visual, causing bubbling water, blowing dirt or dead vegetation. You may also see sinkholes or exposed pipe. It's also possible to hear a hissing sound near a natural gas line or meter.
Avoid Driving Until Fixed
Avoid driving the vehicle until the source of the gas smell is identified and repaired. Driving with a fuel leak or other fuel-related issue is extremely dangerous. It's better to err on the side of caution and have the problem addressed by a professional before getting back on the road.
All furnaces made within the last 20 years or so are typically equipped with a failsafe electrical shut-off valve. This valve operates automatically and shuts off gas flow as soon as the pilot goes out, preventing any risks of excessive gas buildup.
Having the pilot light turn off is not automatically cause for panic. If it goes out, follow your manufacturer's instructions and determine whether relighting it is safe. If relighting is not safe, or if your pilot light keeps going out, call for help from a trained technician.
A: Yes, turning off the pilot light when the fireplace isn't in use, such as during the warmer months, can help save energy and reduce your gas bill.
They can even go on for months undetected. But if there's a significant amount of gas escaping from your system, it can cause a spike in your gas bill.
If your home smells like gas, but there's no apparent leak, here are steps you should follow: Ventilate the house by opening all windows and turning on ceiling fans. After this, if the smell is persistent, evacuate your home. Put out any materials that can create a flame or cause a spark, such as any open flames.
No, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms cannot detect natural gas leaks. They are designed to detect the presence of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas formed during incomplete combustion of fuels like oil, gas, propane, and wood.
A gas-powered heater uses a pilot light to ignite the flame that heats your home. The pilot light is a small, continuous blue or yellow flame that is ignited by a spark from an igniter or thermocouple. When this flame goes out, it can cause the gas to leak from the burner and into your home.
A fireplace pilot light might consume about 24,000 BTU per day, adding up to about 720,000 BTU a month, or 7.2 therms. If you're paying $1 per therm, then leaving the pilot light on all the time throughout a month might cost you around $7 per month and $84 per year. This may or may not be a concern for you.
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.