If your pilot light won't light, first turn the gas dial to "Off" and wait 10–20 minutes to let accumulated gas dissipate. Then, turn to "Pilot," press and hold the reset/bypass button, and activate the igniter. Hold the button for 30–60 seconds after the flame appears to warm the sensor.
Why The Pilot Light Won't Light Up: Troubleshooting Tips
Yes, you can safely relight a water heater pilot light yourself. Most units have a convenient push-button spark igniter, though some older models require a long match. Always air out the area first, and if you ever smell a strong sulfur or rotten egg odor, do not attempt to light it and call your gas provider immediately.
To reset a gas water heater pilot light, first turn the gas knob to OFF and wait 5 minutes for any leaked gas to dissipate. Turn the knob to PILOT, press and hold it down, and continuously press the igniter button. Hold the gas knob down for 30–60 seconds after the pilot flame ignites before turning it to ON.
To relight a pilot light, turn the gas valve to Off and wait 5 minutes for gas to clear. Switch the valve to Pilot, press and hold the reset button, light the pilot with a long lighter, and keep holding the button for 30–60 seconds before turning the valve back to On.
To get your furnace to kick on, first verify your thermostat is set to "Heat" and raised at least 5 degrees above room temperature. Next, check that the furnace power switch (usually resembling a standard light switch on or near the unit) is toggled "ON".
Yes, you can manually light the pilot light on older furnaces equipped with a standing pilot. However, before starting, turn off the thermostat and wait 5 minutes to allow any built-up gas to clear out. Always check for a gas leak smell first; if you smell gas, do not attempt to light it and call an HVAC professional immediately.
Inspect Your Water Heater
Most water heaters will have a reset button, though some gas water heaters require you to relight the pilot light. This button may be near the unit's thermostat, but most water heaters have a removable metal panel on the side that houses the button. Use a screwdriver to remove this panel.
If your system doesn't have an igniter button, you'll need to manually light the flame using a long match or long lighter. With the gas regulator valve in the “Pilot” position, light your multipurpose lighter and depress the reset button, if your furnace or water heater has one.
SIGNS OF PILOT LIGHT ISSUES
A weak or flickering light indicates dirt accumulation or blockages in the pilot light assembly. This results in hindering gas flow. The consistent extinguishing of a pilot light is another sign that indicates a faulty thermocouple or problems with the gas supply.
When the pilot light goes out on a gas water heater, the main burner stops heating, and the water in the tank will gradually turn cold. Fortunately, modern safety mechanisms prevent dangerous gas buildup by automatically shutting off the gas supply.
Pilot Light Issues: The pilot light may go out due to a blocked or damaged thermocouple. Relighting is typically inexpensive unless the thermocouple requires replacement, which can range between $120 and $300.
Any pilot lights on your appliances will go out if your propane tank runs out -– a problem that can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly.
A pilot light going out is not always dangerous, but it should be addressed quickly. Most modern furnaces include safety features that shut off the gas supply if the pilot flame goes out. However, if you smell gas or cannot safely relight the pilot light, you should contact an HVAC professional immediately.
To troubleshoot a furnace with a lit pilot but no heat, check the thermostat batteries, ensure the thermostat is set to "heat" and "auto" mode, and verify the gas valve is open. "If the pilot light is on the thermal couple is good enough! Got to check all the thermostat wiring and the gas valve."
It's sometimes called the “flame sensor.” It shuts the gas off if the pilot goes out. Gas that flows through your furnace could enter your house if the thermocouple fails to turn it off. Protecting your home from gas buildup is the thermocouple.
The total cost to replace or repair a furnace pilot light typically ranges from $𝟕𝟓 to $𝟐𝟓𝟎. This includes a standard diagnostic fee ($𝟓𝟎 to $𝟏𝟎𝟎), parts, and labor. If the issue is simply a faulty thermocouple or ignitor, you can expect to pay around $𝟏𝟓𝟎 to $𝟒𝟐𝟓 fully installed.
To reset your furnace safely, lower the thermostat and turn off the power at the furnace switch or circuit breaker. Wait 2 to 5 minutes, then turn the power back on. If your furnace has an internal reset button (usually red or yellow), press and hold it for 30 seconds.
To determine if your furnace fuse is blown, turn off the power to the unit, remove the automotive-style fuse from the control board, and inspect it for a broken metal filament or dark burn marks. Alternatively, use a multimeter to check for electrical continuity.
When your furnace clicks but refuses to turn on, it typically means the electronic ignition sequence has failed. This is often caused by a dirty flame sensor, a cracked or burnt-out igniter, or a faulty gas valve.
6 Common Reasons Your Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
Yes, if a pilot light goes out, you will often smell a faint or noticeable odor. Natural gas is naturally odorless, but utility companies add a distinct chemical called mercaptan, which smells like rotten eggs or sulfur, so you can easily detect it.
DIY Cleaning: If the issue is a dirty thermocouple or pilot orifice that you can safely clean yourself, the cost is essentially free. Professional Thermocouple Replacement: If the thermocouple is faulty and needs to be replaced by a professional, costs typically range between $100 – $250, including parts and labor.