What To Do If Your Pilot Light Goes Out

Written on: February 14, 2022

Know how to keep your home and loved ones safe

Most modern propane-powered heating appliances feature an electronic ignition. However, many older gas heating systems as well as some contemporary models still employ a pilot light.

A pilot light is a tiny flame within your heating system that restarts the main burner and prevents gas leaks. It’s intended to be lit at all times.

A pilot light may sometimes go out. Dirt and dust might clog the intake valves, causing this to happen. It can be extinguished by a draft. The pilot light might have gone out automatically as a result of a leak in your heating system. A thermocouple may have failed.

If you detect the rotten-egg odor of propane gas, get everyone out of the house immediately. Once you are safely away, call 911 then Boehlke Bottled Gas.

How to troubleshoot your pilot light

You may be able to restart your pilot on your own without the need of a service call if you follow the instructions below. This troubleshoot is for pilot lights only, not heating systems with electronic ignitions.

To begin, read the manufacturer’s instructions for your heating system. The information may be found on the side of your furnace or boiler and in your owner’s handbook.

Find the gas valve for the pilot. It usually has markings for “ON,” “OFF,” and “PILOT.” Turn it to “OFF” and wait at least three minutes so it can reset.

When at least three minutes have passed, turn the valve to the “PILOT” setting. Then hold a lighted match next to — NOT inside — the pilot light opening. While holding the match, push and hold the reset button on the pilot control panel until the pilot light ignites. Once it ignites, set the valve to “ON.”

If this does not work, contact your equipment service provider to request a service call. Other potential causes need to be repaired by a professional service technician.

Request service from your service technician if you feel unsure or uncomfortable about performing any of these troubleshooting tips.

Boehlke Bottled Gas is dedicated to the safe delivery and handling of propane. Contact us with any questions you have about propane safety.