education and learning | May 03, 2026

How do you light a pilot light on a gas boiler?

Turn the gas control knob to the "pilot" position, then press down on the knob. Pressing down on the knob will release gas into the pilot light orifice. Insert a lit fireplace match or a butane candle lighter into the access hole and light the pilot light. Keep holding down the control knob button as you do this.

.

Simply so, why won't my boiler pilot light come on?

If the pilot light on your boiler has gone out, the cause is usually debris blocking the jet. The jet for the pilot light is tiny. Even a small spec of dirt can block it, cause the pilot light to go out, and then the boiler won't re-ignite.

Similarly, 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.

Hereof, is it dangerous if the 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.

Why does my pilot light go out when I release the pilot light knob?

The most likely of those is that the thermocouple needs to be replaced. The button you press to light the pilot bypasses the thermocouple. When you release the button, the thermocouple ensures that unburned gas doesn't get released by shutting off the gas when it's not heated by the burning pilot light.

Related Question Answers

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.

Should a boiler pilot light always be on?

The pilot light is the blue flame that always stays lit under your boiler. When heat is required, the pilot light will inflame that gas and send it to the burners. The pilot light must always stay on or gas will easily escape. If the pilot light keeps turning off, then your boiler is not working.

How do you light a gas furnace with electronic ignition?

The pilot light has a separate small gas line running to it with its own valve. When the furnace comes on, this valve opens, and then the electric spark ignites the pilot. A flame sensor detects that the pilot is lit, opens the valve to the burners, and the pilot light ignites the burners.

How do you know if your boiler is overheating?

A build-up of limescale, sludge and other debris in the central heating system can be detected before the boiler will begin to overheat. If you've noticed that any strange sounds from your central heating system or that any radiators haven't been heating up properly, then they're strong indications of a blockage.

Is low boiler pressure dangerous?

The good news is that low boiler pressure is nothing to panic about and is not likely to cause any damage to your boiler. On the other hand, it can have a real effect on the efficiency and effectiveness of your heating system, making it hard to keep your house warm and costing you more on your energy bills.

Why is my heating not working but my hot water is?

If your boiler seems to be working and your hot water supply is still functioning, but your central heating is not working, then the problem is either down to the settings on your boiler and central heating system or because a component of the boiler – almost certainly the motorised diverter valve – is broken.

What does the orange light mean on a Vaillant boiler?

The lights you mention are indicating the operation the boiler is performing. ie, green light flashing = hot water mode and the amber light is telling you the burner is firing.

How do you reset a combi boiler?

What To Do Before Resetting A Boiler
  1. #1 – Diagnose And Fix The Fault. After experiencing a lockout, a boiler will display a fault code.
  2. #2 – Find The Reset Button. Most modern boilers will have a reset button that's located on the boiler's display.
  3. #3 – Press And Hold The Reset Button.
  4. #4 – Wait For The Boiler To Fire Up.

Why has my boiler suddenly stopped working?

Potential causes include broken diaphragms and airlocks, failure of motorised valves, issues with the thermostat or low water levels. A good place to start is to check if your boiler is not working because of an issue with boiler pressure or your thermostat.

How do I reset my Worcester boiler?

In the event of a fault, the blue mains indicator light will flash if there is a fault. To reset the boiler turn the Central heating temperature knob anticlockwise to the “RESET” position and hold for approximately five seconds and then turn the knob back to the original temperature setting.

How do you reset the pilot light on a Worcester boiler?

In most cases, you will simply need to hold the button marked 'reset' for three seconds. In some models you may see a reset light at the end of the temperature dial. In this case, just turn the dial down to the reset light, leave it there for three seconds and then turn it back to its original position.

How do I reset the pressure on my boiler?

Top tip!
  1. Switch off and allow your boiler to cool.
  2. Double-check that both ends of the filling loop are securely attached.
  3. Open both valves, to allow cold mains water into the system (you should hear it)
  4. Wait for the pressure gauge to read 1.5 bar.
  5. Close both valves, one after the other.

Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a pilot light?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced during burning fuel. It doesn't leak from a pilot light that's gone out, but if the light keeps going out even after you relight the pilot, it can indicate that you have other problems.

Does the gas shut off when pilot light goes out?

Use of a pilot generator or a thermocouple in the flame provides heating appliance safety as it generates enough electric current from the burning flame to hold the gas valve open. If the pilot light goes out, the pilot generator cools off and the current stops, closing the gas valve.

What happens when pilot light goes out?

If the pilot light blows out, the thermocouple quickly cools off. It stops generating electricity and the valve closes. To relight the pilot light, you have to push a button that opens the value manually. Then you light the pilot light and wait for the thermocouple to heat up (about 30 seconds).

How do you check 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.

Is it normal to smell gas after pilot?

If you think you smell gas and you have gas utilities, be safe. Note that it is totally normal on automatic pilots (pilots that do NOT stay lit all the time) to smell a little natural gas when the are first turned on. A little gas will escape as the pilot and burners light on your heat or appliance.

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.

How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?

Thermocouple Replacement - $20-$150 Calling a professional plumber to install a new thermocouple should only be up to $150. If you do the work yourself, you will only pay the price of the part which is about $20.