Gas Stove Pilot Light Out? How to Safely Relight It (Guide)
If you own an older gas stove, your appliance relies on a pilot light—a small, constantly burning blue flame—to instantly ignite the main burners when you turn the control knob. When the pilot light goes out, your stove won’t work, and you face a potential safety hazard if the gas continues to flow.
Recognizing the cause and knowing how to safely relight the pilot is essential for both functionality and kitchen safety.
Part 1: Why Did My Pilot Light Go Out? (Common Causes)
A pilot light that goes out repeatedly or won’t stay lit signals an issue that goes beyond a simple draft.
| Cause | The Problem | The Solution |
| 1. The Dirty or Faulty Thermocouple | The thermocouple is the primary safety device. It must be heated by the pilot flame to keep the main gas valve open. If the thermocouple tip is dirty, bent, or worn out, it can’t detect the heat and mistakenly shuts off the gas supply, extinguishing the pilot. | Clean the thermocouple tip gently with an abrasive pad or fine sandpaper. If the problem persists, replacement is required. |
| 2. Dirty Pilot Orifice | The tiny hole (orifice) that delivers gas to the pilot light can become clogged with dust, grease, or soot, resulting in a weak, flickering, yellow flame that is easily blown out. | Clean the pilot opening gently with compressed air or a fine wire. |
| 3. Strong Drafts or Air Currents | Strong air movement from open windows, nearby doors, or powerful exhaust fans can physically blow the flame out. | Check the kitchen area for strong drafts. Reduce fan speed or shield the area while cooking. |
| 4. Gas Supply or Regulator Issues | If the pilot light went out across multiple appliances at the same time, the problem is likely with the main gas supply line or a faulty pressure regulator, preventing adequate gas flow. | Call your gas provider or a licensed technician immediately to check pressure and regulator function. |
Part 2: Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Relight Your Pilot Light
Safety is paramount. Never attempt to relight the pilot light if you smell gas. If you smell gas, turn off the supply, ventilate, and evacuate immediately.
Preparation and Safety Checklist
- Turn Off the Gas Supply: Locate the gas valve (near the appliance or cylinder) and turn it to the “OFF” position.
- Wait 5 Minutes: This is critical. Wait at least 5 full minutes to allow any residual, unburnt gas to dissipate from the appliance and reduce the risk of accidental ignition or explosion.
- Locate the Pilot: Access the pilot light assembly (usually near the main burners) and use a flashlight to locate the pilot light opening and the thermocouple.
Relighting Procedure
| Step | Action | Safety Focus |
| 1. Turn Valve to Pilot | Turn the gas control knob to the “PILOT” setting. This allows a small amount of gas to flow only to the pilot assembly. | Ensures gas does not flow to the main burners yet. |
| 2. Press & Hold Reset | Press and hold down the reset or pilot button (usually near the valve). This allows gas to flow to the pilot light. | You are manually overriding the safety valve (thermocouple). |
| 3. Ignite the Pilot | While holding the button, use a long-reach lighter or a matchstick to ignite the pilot gas. A small blue flame should appear. | Use a long-reach tool to avoid burns. |
| 4. Heat the Thermocouple | Continue to hold the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. This time is necessary for the pilot flame to heat the thermocouple. | This heating action signals the thermocouple to keep the gas valve open once the button is released. |
| 5. Release Slowly | Slowly release the reset button. Watch closely to see if the pilot stays lit. | If the pilot goes out, the thermocouple may not be hot enough or may be faulty. Repeat the process. |
| 6. Turn Valve to ON | Once the pilot light is burning steadily with a crisp blue flame, switch the gas control knob from “PILOT” to the “ON” position. | This allows gas to flow to the main burners, restoring stove function. |
| 7. Final Check | Ignite a main burner to ensure the pilot light immediately ignites it. Watch the pilot flame for a few minutes to ensure it remains stable. | Ensures the repair is functional and safe. |
Part 3: When to Seek Professional Help
While relighting is a simple fix, persistent issues or deep mechanical faults require a licensed gas appliance technician.
- Pilot Won’t Stay Lit: If the pilot light repeatedly goes out after you have cleaned the assembly and followed the relighting steps, the thermocouple is likely defective and needs to be replaced.
- Persistent Yellow Pilot Flame: A consistently yellow, weak, or flickering pilot flame that does not become a crisp blue after cleaning indicates a deep clog in the orifice or insufficient gas pressure.
- Sticky or Jammed Controls: Never try to force sticky or jammed gas valve controls. This can cause severe damage and lead to gas leaks.
- Smelling Gas: Any smell of gas, especially after the stove has been off, indicates a leak and requires immediate professional intervention.
Remember: Proper maintenance and prompt attention to symptoms help ensure your gas stove operates safely, even with older pilot-light models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gas Stove Pilot Light Issues
These FAQs provide in-depth answers to the most common questions about a gas stove’s pilot light, including causes, safety procedures, and when to call a professional.
I. Diagnosing the Pilot Light Problem
Q1: What is a pilot light, and what’s the most common reason it goes out?
A: A pilot light is a small, continuously burning flame in older gas stoves that ignites the main burners when you turn them on.1 The most common reasons for it to go out are:
- Strong Drafts: A simple gust of wind from an open window or a fan can blow it out.2
- Dirty Pilot Orifice: The tiny opening that supplies gas to the pilot can get clogged with dust, grease, or soot.3
- Faulty Thermocouple: A safety device may be dirty or failing, causing it to shut off the gas.4
Q2: My pilot light lights, but it goes out as soon as I let go of the button. What’s wrong?
A: This is the most common symptom of a dirty or faulty thermocouple.5 The thermocouple is a safety sensor that must be heated by the pilot flame.6 You must hold the button for 30-60 seconds after the flame is lit to give this sensor time to heat up.7 If it’s hot, it tells the gas valve to stay open.8 If it still goes out after holding it, the thermocouple is likely bad or not properly positioned in the flame.
Q3: Why is my pilot flame weak, flickering, or yellow instead of blue?
A: A healthy pilot flame should be small, steady, and blue.9 A weak, flickering, or yellow flame is a clear sign of a problem.10 It almost always means the pilot orifice is partially clogged with dirt or soot, which is restricting gas flow or preventing a proper air-fuel mixture. This is inefficient and can lead to the flame being easily blown out.
Q4: Is it dangerous if my gas stove’s pilot light is out?
A: It can be. A pilot light that is out isn’t dangerous if the safety devices (like the thermocouple) are working correctly, as they are designed to shut off the gas flow. However, the reason it’s out could be a sign of a gas supply problem. The main danger occurs if you attempt to relight it improperly or if you smell gas.11
II. Safety & Relighting Procedures
Q5: What is the absolute first thing I should do if I smell gas near my stove?
A: STOP. DO NOT try to relight the pilot.
- DO NOT turn on any lights or electrical appliances.12
- IMMEDIATELY open all windows and doors to ventilate the area.
- SHUT OFF the main gas supply valve (at the cylinder or main line).13
- EVACUATE the building and call your gas supplier or a licensed technician from a safe location.
Q6: Why is it critical to wait 5 minutes before relighting a pilot light?
A: This is a crucial safety step. When you turn the gas valve to “PILOT” and press the button, gas begins to flow.14 If the pilot light has been out, there may be a small amount of unburnt gas accumulated around the stove.15 Waiting at least 5 full minutes with the gas supply OFF allows this residual gas to dissipate (clear out), preventing a dangerous “flash” or small explosion when you introduce a flame.16
Q7: What is the safest tool to use for relighting a pilot light?
A: Always use a long-reach lighter (like a BBQ lighter) or a long fireplace match.17 This keeps your hand and face far away from the pilot assembly during ignition.
Q8: What is a thermocouple, and why is it so important?
A: A thermocouple is the stove’s most important safety device for a pilot light system. It’s a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame.18 Its job is to sense the heat of the flame. As long as it’s hot, it sends a tiny electrical signal to the gas valve, holding it open.19 If the pilot flame goes out, the thermocouple cools down, the signal stops, and it automatically shuts off the main gas valve, preventing gas from filling your home.20
III. When to Call a Professional Technician
Q9: I’ve tried relighting the pilot multiple times, but it just won’t stay lit. What’s next?
A: If you have correctly held the reset button down for 30-60 seconds (to heat the thermocouple) and the pilot light still won’t stay lit after several attempts, stop trying. This is the classic sign of a faulty, dirty, or misaligned thermocouple that needs to be professionally cleaned, repositioned, or replaced.
Q10: When should I stop troubleshooting and call a licensed gas technician?
A: Call a professional immediately if you experience any of the following:
- You smell gas or suspect a leak.21
- The pilot light will not stay lit after following all steps (a likely thermocouple failure).22
- The pilot flame is persistently yellow or weak even after you’ve tried cleaning the area.
- Any of the gas control knobs or valves are sticky, jammed, or hard to turn.23 Never force them.
Would you like to view a guide on how to perform a simple, 2-minute soap-water test to check your gas hose and connections for dangerous leaks?
