Umair Gaines
Lighting an electric pilot light is a useful skill to have, especially if you have an older model furnace, water heater, oven, or stove that uses natural gas. The pilot light is a small blue flame that ignites the main burner when the heater is turned on. If the pilot light goes out, you can relight it by turning the knob to Pilot and holding down the Reset button. Bring a flame close to the pilot light opening, and this should ignite the pilot light. Once the pilot light is on, release the pressure on the reset button.
How to Light an Electric Pilot Light
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Turn off the pilot light |
| Step 2 | Wait for the gas to clear the pipe |
| Step 3 | Turn the regulator valve to the "pilot" setting |
| Step 4 | Light the pilot light using a match or lighter |
| Step 5 | Hold down the regulator valve for about a minute after the pilot light ignites |
| Step 6 | Turn the regulator valve to the "on" position |
| Step 7 | Set the temperature to the desired setting |
| Note | If your water heater has an igniter, you will not need to apply a separate flame |
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What You'll Learn
Lighting a pilot light on a water heater
The first step is to determine what type of ignition system your water heater has. Older water heaters had a standing pilot light, which is a small flame that burns constantly. Newer water heaters may have an intermittent or automatic pilot light, which means the pilot light is only ignited when the water heater kicks on. Some water heaters use a direct spark ignition system, which uses a small spark to ignite the gas directly at the burner. Others use a hot-surface ignition system, which uses a small metal probe that becomes red-hot and ignites the gas.
If you have a gas water heater, you will need to relight the pilot light if the gas has been turned off. Before attempting to relight the pilot light, it is important to turn off the gas and wait for at least 10 minutes to allow any built-up gas to disperse and reduce the risk of an accident. Once it is safe, you can attempt to relight the pilot light. Many water heaters have an electric igniter button near the gas knob that can be used to ignite the pilot light. If your unit does not have an igniter button, or if it does not spark, you can use a match or a stick lighter to ignite the pilot light.
After igniting the pilot light, you may need to hold the pilot knob down for a few seconds to keep it lit. It is important to follow the specific instructions for your water heater, which should be detailed in the owner's manual or written on the unit itself. If you are unable to relight the pilot light or if it won't stay lit, it is recommended to contact a professional for assistance, as there may be an issue with the thermocouple, control valve, or another component.
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Lighting a pilot light on a furnace
Precautions and Preparations
Before attempting to light the pilot light, there are a few safety precautions and preparations to be aware of. Firstly, read the manufacturer's guidelines for your furnace and follow any specific instructions or warnings. Check for the smell of gas. If you suspect a gas leak, do not try to light the pilot light. Turn off the main gas supply, evacuate the building, and call your energy provider. If everything appears safe, open nearby windows and doors to ensure proper ventilation.
Locating the Pilot Light
The pilot light is typically located near the bottom of the furnace, at the front, and may be behind a small access panel or window. It should have a switch or knob with "on," "off," and "pilot" settings, and possibly another switch or button labelled "reset."
Lighting the Pilot Light
Once you've located the pilot light, follow these steps:
- Turn the switch to the "off" position and wait at least five minutes to allow any remaining gas to dissipate.
- Turn the switch to "pilot" and hold down the reset button.
- Use a long lighter to ignite the pilot light.
- Hold the reset button for 30 to 60 seconds until you see a steady flame. The flame should be blue-green with a bit of yellow at the tip, indicating that it's hot enough.
- Release the reset button and turn the switch to "on."
Troubleshooting
If the pilot light doesn't stay lit, there may be a blockage or leak in your furnace. Check the furnace's intake valve for any debris that may be blocking it. Clean out any debris and relight the pilot light. If the pilot light still doesn't stay lit, there may be a more serious problem, such as a dirty thermocouple or broken gas regulator. At this point, it's recommended to call a heating professional for assistance.
Remember, if you're uncomfortable performing these steps or if your furnace doesn't have a pilot light, seek help from a qualified HVAC company or technician.
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Lighting a pilot light on a stove
If your stove has a ventilation fan, turn it on while lighting the pilot. Before lighting, turn all the stovetop control knobs to the "off" position. Remove covers from the stove burners and clean them with a damp cloth. Built-up grease or dirt may prevent them from lighting. If you have a four-burner stovetop, locate the central pilot light ports on the left and right. Wipe the pilot light valves with a cleaning rag or paper towel.
To light the pilot, use a grill lighter or a long match to ignite the central pilot light valves. You may need to hold down the reset button while doing this. Once the pilot light stays lit, turn the valve to the "on" position. Close the stovetop lid and replace the burner grates. Turn on one of the burners to make sure it lights properly, then turn it off.
If your pilot light won't light after multiple attempts, you may have a mechanical failure. Call a service technician for assistance.
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Lighting a pilot light on a wall heater
Lighting a pilot light on a gas wall heater can be a dangerous process due to the number of steps involved. It is recommended that you seek the assistance of a qualified electrician for safe operation.
Firstly, locate the selector dial or knob on the heater. This dial should have settings for "Off", "Pilot", and "On". Turn the selector dial until it reaches the "Pilot" setting. If your heater does not have a "Pilot" setting, it may be necessary to turn the knob to "Off" and wait for some time to allow any gas to dissipate before attempting to ignite the pilot light.
If your heater has an ignite button, simply push down on the button and hold it for about 10-15 seconds until the pilot light turns on. If your heater does not have an ignite button, you will need to use a long match or a lighter flame. Ensure that the gas regulator valve is "Off" before starting a flame to prevent the release of flammable gas that could cause a fire or explosion.
Once the pilot light is lit, turn on your heater to verify that it is working. You can do this by adjusting the thermostat to a warmer temperature. If the pilot light does not stay lit, repeat the process and hold the knob or button down for a little longer.
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Safety precautions when lighting a pilot light
Pilot lights are a small flame that serves as an ignition source for a gas burner. They are used in many gas appliances, such as water heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers, and stoves. While lighting a pilot light is a relatively simple task, it is important to take certain safety precautions to prevent accidents or injuries. Here are some essential safety measures to follow when lighting a pilot light:
Firstly, always ensure that you are familiar with the appliance's instructions for lighting the pilot light. Most appliances will have a label or instructions attached that specify the steps to light the pilot light safely. If you are unsure about the process, it is best to consult a professional for guidance.
Before attempting to light the pilot light, turn off the gas supply to the appliance for a few minutes to allow any residual gas to dissipate. This step is crucial to reducing the risk of gas buildup and preventing explosions or fires.
When lighting the pilot light, use a long match or a long lighter to maintain a safe distance from the flame. Alternatively, a tightly rolled piece of paper can be used to extend your reach and keep you a safe distance from the ignition source. Ensure that you are using the correct ignition tool, as specified in the appliance's instructions.
Never attempt to light a pilot light if you suspect a malfunction or if the appliance is not working properly. For example, if the pilot light repeatedly goes out or is difficult to light, there may be an underlying safety issue. In such cases, do not try to fix the problem yourself. Instead, contact a qualified professional to inspect and repair the appliance.
Always be mindful of your surroundings when lighting a pilot light. Keep combustible materials, such as gasoline, paint thinners, and other flammable liquids, away from the appliance. Ensure proper ventilation in the area, and never use a gas appliance for a purpose other than its intended function.
By following these safety precautions, you can help ensure a safe and successful pilot light lighting experience. Remember, when in doubt, always seek the assistance of a qualified professional to ensure your safety and the proper functioning of your gas appliances.
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Frequently asked questions
First, turn the gas regulator valve to "off" and wait 5-10 minutes for any residual gas to clear the pipe. Then, turn the knob to "Pilot" and hold down the "Reset" button. Bring a flame close to the pilot light opening to light it. Once the pilot light is on, release the "Reset" button.
To light the pilot light on your furnace, turn the knob to "Pilot" and push and hold down the knob. Light a match and follow the aluminium gas line to know where to place the match to light the pilot. Keep holding the knob down for 30-60 seconds before releasing the button. If the pilot light stays on, turn the gas valve knob to the "On" position.
First, turn the gas regulator valve to "off" and wait for the gas to clear the pipe. Then, turn the regulator valve to "Pilot". If your water heater has a standing pilot light, push down on the regulator valve and apply a flame to the pilot burner. Continue holding down the regulator valve for a minute or so after the pilot light ignites. If your water heater has an igniter, press and hold down the regulator valve and then press the igniter button.
First, turn off the remote thermostat and power ON/OFF switch on the control unit at the bottom of the furnace. Then, locate the access panel on your wall heater and open it to reveal the pilot light and control knob. Press and hold the control knob in the "Pilot" position and press and hold the red reset button. Continue to hold the reset button for about a minute after the pilot is lit and then release the control knob slowly. If the pilot light stays lit, turn the control knob from the "Pilot" position to the "On" position.
Lighting a pilot light can be dangerous due to the risk of excess gas in your home, which can cause serious damage and injury. If you smell gas when attempting to light the pilot light, contact a qualified technician to inspect and repair your heater.
