How do I turn on my electric pilot light?

Category: home and garden home appliances
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How to Relight an Automatic Pilot Light
  1. Set the thermostat on your furnace to its lowest setting.
  2. Remove the access panel covering the gas control knob.
  3. Turn the gas control knob to the OFF position.
  4. Turn the gas control knob or knobs to the ON position.
  5. Turn the electrical power to the furnace back on.



Just so, how do you turn on a pilot light?

Once the gas has had time to dissipate, turn the knob to "Pilot." Then, hold down the "Reset" button and bring the flame of a long lighter close to the pilot light opening. This should light the furnace pilot light. Once you are sure the pilot light is on, release your pressure on the reset button.

Furthermore, how do you reset the pilot light? Turn the valve to “Pilot.” Near the valve, you'll see a small button labeled “Reset.” Press this button while applying your lit match or butane fireplace lighter to the pilot light valve. Hold the flame steady until the pilot ignites, then release the button.

Besides, is it dangerous if your 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 you know if your pilot light is out?

The pilot gas line is a small metal tube below the burner assembly and distinctive by the slight upturn at the end. It will be apparent, if the pilot is lit, by the small blue flame burning at the end. If you do not see a small blue flame burning, the pilot light is out.

34 Related Question Answers Found

Should the pilot light always be on?

At the same time, that pilot light is burning off the gas and preventing the poisonous fumes from entering your home. Some pilot light tubes have automatic shut-offs if the flame goes out, but not all of them do, so each and every pilot light in the home should be routinely checked to make sure it is always on.

Why is my boiler not igniting?

Burner won't ignite: This is the most common cause of a boiler failing to provide heat. If the gas jets on the burner will not ignite, no heat will warm up the water in the tank. The trouble may be due to a failed electronic igniter/pilot light, or perhaps trouble in the gas line.

Why is my fireplace not turning on?

Pilot light systems are the most common reason gas fireplaces fail to light, so check the main gas valve to make sure the gas is turned on. It should usually run parallel to the gas line when it is on. The pilot lights, but not staying lit, indicates that the thermocouple is worn out or bad.

Why do pilot lights go out?

Usually, a problem with the thermocouple causes the pilot light to go out. The thermocouple is the small copper rod that the pilot light hits. The thermocouple's job is to shut a gas safety valve if the pilot light goes out. That's important because gas is always being supplied to the pilot to keep the flame lit.

How do I fix my pilot light?


Hold lighted match to pilot opening while you push reset button on pilot control panel. Keep this button depressed until pilot flame burns brightly, then set valve to on position. Step 4: If pilot flame won't stay lit, opening may be clogged. Turn gas valve off, and clean opening with piece of fine wire.

How do you relight an automatic pilot light?

How to Relight an Automatic Pilot Light
  1. Set the thermostat on your furnace to its lowest setting.
  2. Remove the access panel covering the gas control knob.
  3. Turn the gas control knob to the OFF position.
  4. Turn the gas control knob or knobs to the ON position.
  5. Turn the electrical power to the furnace back on.

Where are pilot lights located?

It's located near the gas burner tube assembly inside the furnace. Get your match or lighter ready. Sometimes the pilot is hard to reach.

How do you clean a thermocouple?

Remove Thermocouple from pilot assembly, using steel wool or emery cloth to lightly clean the tip removing any soot or build up that might have accorded due to an improper pilot flame. Using an eraser from a pencil; clean the threads of the nut that connects the Thermocouple to the control valve and then re-tighten.

Does gas turn off when pilot goes out?

It should be turned off, and must be turned off to allow the pilot to be relighted, but there is a safety feature in gas appliances that if the pilot light goes out, a heat operated valve cools off and shuts the gas supply to the pilot light and the main burner.

Can a pilot light cause carbon monoxide?


Carbon monoxide is only produced when fuel of any type; oil, gas, wood or coal is burned. And a pilot light out of adjustment can produce carbon monoxide gas. The amount produced by even a badly maladjusted pilot is small because the flame size is also small.

What do you do when your pilot light goes out?

What Should You Do If Your Pilot Light Goes Out?
  1. Locate the pilot light assembly, including the gas valve with “On,” “Off,” and “Pilot” settings, and pilot reset button.
  2. Rotate the valve to the “Off” position, and wait several minutes.

What does a thermocouple look like?

The thermocouple looks like a piece of metal tubing smaller than a soda straw. To find it, first locate the gas control box. This is the box that the main gas line enters, where you turn the gas on in the furnace. The other end of the thermocouple sits in the flame of the pilot light.

Can a broken water heater cause carbon monoxide?

A gas water heater that has been neglected, improperly installed or poorly vented could leak carbon monoxide, which can be downright deadly. Headache, dizziness, weakness and upset stomach are the most common signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

How much does it cost to keep a pilot light on?

A pilot light is a small flame that is kept lit to provide a catalyst for the main burner to be turned on when needed. The average fuel consumption of your standing Pilot light is: Natural gas is $0.60 a day = $219 a year. Liquid Propane is $1.80 a day = $657 a year.

Why is there a light switch on my furnace?


Beside or near your furnace will be a light switch, this controls the power to your furnace. Sometimes when your furnace does not respond to a request for heat from your thermostat, it is a power issue. First, check to make sure that the switch is in the "On" position.

How do you light an oven pilot light?

To light the oven pilot, push in and hold the oven control knob while lighting the pilot with a match. Once the oven pilot is lit, continue holding the oven control knob in for 1 minute before releasing. Replace the oven bottom, racks and oven door. No adjustments are required for natural gas.

Can a pilot light flame be adjusted?

Adjusting the Pilot Flame
If the pilot flame is too small, you may be able to make it larger by turning the pilot adjustment screw on the valve control counterclockwise with a screwdriver to open it. The cause of a weak flame may also be an obstruction in the pilot tube.