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Home » About Us » Blog » How Do I Light The Pilot Light On My Gas Stove?

How Do I Light The Pilot Light On My Gas Stove?

Written on: September 17, 2019

Gas stove pennsylvania
If you have an older gas stove, it probably has a pilot light – a small flame that remains constantly on, ready to light your stovetop burners.
Sometimes, that flame goes out – typically due to dust, debris, a draft, or simply problems related with an aging pilot light and burner mechanism. When the flame goes out, your burners won’t ignite – which means no homemade dinner for you!
The good news is that relighting a pilot light is easy to do…but do keep in mind that a chronic issue with your pilot light could mean that it’s time to replace your gas stove (on average, a gas stove lasts about 13 to 15 years, depending on upkeep). Today’s gas ranges and gas cooktops use an electric ignition system that skips the pilot light altogether, making your appliances more reliable and efficient.

Relighting your pilot light – here’s how to do it:

  1. Gear up. Get a microfiber cloth and a lighter or match; a long-wand lighter is best.
  2. Shut down. Turn off all burners; if you smell gas (you might if you have been trying to light your stove for a while), ventilate the room before continuing.
  3. Remove the grates. You’ll need to remove the stovetop grates to get to the pilot light (now would be the perfect time to clean them).
  4. Open up the stovetop. Follow instructions in your range’s owner’s manual to open the stovetop. In many models, the entire top will lift on a hinge, which will hold it in place.
  5. Find the pilot port. Below the stovetop, you will find gas lines connecting the burners; in the middle of each of those pipes is the port where the pilot light resides. If the mechanism is working properly, you’ll see a little blue flame there.
  6. Clean the pilot light area. Remove grease or debris on the pipes or gas pipe opening with your microfiber cloth.
  7. Light the pilot light. Use your lighter to light each of the openings. A small blue flame should shoot up.
  8. Close it up. Close the top of the stovetop and replace the burner grates.

If the pilot light continues to give you problems and you know your gas range is an getting on in years, it could be time for an upgrade – come visit our showroom in Tunkhannock, PA to see the latest and greatest gas stoves, cooktops, and ranges for your Pennsylvania home!