Let there be light (and heat)
The humble boiler pilot light is the difference between a brutally cold winter and a nice comfortable time curled up with your favorite book and a cup of tea. If the pilot light isn’t lit, the boiler won’t be able to heat water for the purposes of temperature-regulation and good, old-fashioned baths, showers and dishwashing. Don’t worry. Lighting a boiler is a simple process, even for newbies. Keep reading and we'll walk you through it.
First things first, you have to find the boiler, so head down to the basement or boiler room and take a look around. Boilers resemble hot water tanks, with obvious attachments to pipes, drains, shut-off valves, relief valves, and other plumbing fixtures.
It is crucial to know what type of boiler you have before you begin: a manual boiler or an automatic ignition boiler. Look for a safety label on the front, indicating an automatic ignition type boiler. Barring that, look for a control knob on the top with two settings, on and off, as this also suggests an automatic ignition unit. If you don’t find either of these features, you have a manual boiler. Safety Note: Automatic ignition mechanisms are complex and should never be lit manually, though there is an electrical method to reset one outlined below.
Once you’re sure you’re looking at a manual boiler, relight the pilot light in these 4 steps.
Once you’re sure you’re looking at a manual boiler, relight the pilot light in these 4 steps.
Your first step is to turn the boiler off and lower the thermostat to its lowest possible setting. Look for the gas control knob, likely attached to a gray box on the floor at the front of the boiler, and set it to the “off” position. If you smell gas, let the odor dissipate for 15 to 30 minutes before moving on—it’s important to be patient here because lighting the boiler can be dangerous if you don't wait. If you can smell gas, keep waiting. You can open windows to help ventilate at this stage.
Next, remove the access panel, which leads to the pilot light. In the vast majority of cases, this panel is right next to the gas control knob box. Some are held with gravity clips, while others with finger screws, so remove the fasteners by your preferred method. This will reveal an access hole that you can peer into with a flashlight, or by using ambient light. Look for the pilot light orifice inside of this access hole, which looks like an upturned piece of metal tubing.
Now it’s time to turn the gas control knob from the “off” position to the “pilot” position, which should be clearly labeled. Press down on the knob once you have it set to the pilot position, which will release gas into the orifice.
Grab your long candle lighter or fireplace match and insert it into the access hole to light the pilot light. Keep your other hand pressed down on the gas control knob as you do this, to allow the gas to grab ahold of that flame. Look for a blue flame, which lets you know the pilot light is sufficiently lit. Remove the lighter but keep your hand on the gas knob button for a few moments, to ensure it stays lit.
Remember, you’re not lighting an automatic ignition boiler—you need a certified expert to do that. Here are 4 steps to reset your system so it lights itself.
Start by shutting off the electrical switch that provides power to the boiler via an electrical box or the boiler itself. Failing that, just flip the appropriate breaker switch at the breaker panel.
Next, turn off the gas by switching the gas control knob to the “off” position. If you smell the tell-tale odor or gas, open up the windows and let the room ventilate for 15 to 30 minutes—again, be patient. Remove the access panel by turning finger screws or by simply lifting it up and pulling it off. This comes in handy later.
Once the room is vented and you no longer smell any lingering gas, turn the gas on by switching the knob to the “on” position. This will prepare the system for a reset in the next step.
Turn the electricity back on by flipping the switch on the boiler itself via an associated panel or by switching the breaker back on in the box. Once you do that, listen at the access hole for a clicking noise. This noise should abate after 10 to 30 seconds, followed by the pilot light igniting in all of its glory. If the noise stops, but there’s no light, call in a technician. Otherwise, seal up the access point and enjoy a functioning boiler.
Relighting a manual boiler is a DIY-friendly job and one that some homeowners have to do once or twice a season, depending on how old their boiler is. There are some caveats, however, when going the DIY route. First of all, you cannot light an automatic ignition system by yourself—that’s definitely a job for local boiler contractors. So you want to double-check, and even triple-check, to ensure you have a manual system. Also, if the light won’t start even when following the above steps, you likely won’t have the experience to dive too deep into troubleshooting. Having a pro on hand can speed up the diagnostic and repair process.
Great company! Price was competitive, technician showed up on time and completed the job (exterior electric Radon fan replacement) quickly. Would hire them again.
MaGen Property Inspections and Radon MitigationAs usual with ECO, tech Jordan was outstanding, very professional, very knowledgeable, and very thorough with repairs made to tankless water heaters. Very highly recommend ECO!!!
Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC TechniciansRaven and crew does absolutely fantastic job. They are very professional if any concerns were to occur with any of her work she always took responsibility and finished out with a great job. I have worked with her business for a year and have always been satisfied. Very trusted business and...
Creations of Transformation LLCI would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLCAce Fireplace Services' chimney sweep service is truly exceptional. They used advanced technology to ensure a thorough cleaning process, and my chimney has never looked better. I highly recommend their services.
Ace Fireplace ServicesThe technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimneyExcellent experience with hiring Tether House to Mount our 77’ Samsung TV in our bedroom. Fast, friendly, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
Tether HouseOn time, clean and finished fast. Windows seem sturdy and the finish is good. Caulking was done with no smudges. Would recommend.
Window Depot USA of Central OhioGreat job...edging and pre clean up went well with a great job with seal coat. Friendly, efficient and professional.
All Star Paving and SealingGood workers and they do a good job.
Mira ConstructionFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The average boiler installation cost depends on size, system type, and other factors. Keep reading to learn the cost of a new boiler.
The cost of boiler repair depends on the specific issue. Read our expert guide, which breaks down boiler service costs so you can budget accordingly.
Get the facts on propane boiler installation costs. Learn what impacts your price, compare options, and budget confidently for your home upgrade.
If you’re replacing your boiler or want to get the most out of your existing one, you might be asking: how does a steam boiler work? Learn more with this guide.
Boilers are a fast, efficient way to heat homes with radiant heat. If you’re interested in a new system, here’s how long it will take to set it up.
No one likes a cold shower or a frigid winter night. Regular boiler maintenance and repair will ensure your appliance stays in tip-top shape. Keep the hot water flowing year-round with these easy tips.
