Is Your Boiler Pilot Light Going Out?

The boiler’s pilot light is an essential part of the system that is responsible for igniting the gas in your boiler. A faulty pilot light can mean your boiler is putting you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Read our guide to resolve your boiler pilot light going out issue…

Is Your Boiler Pilot Light Going Out?

Normally, the pilot light constantly burns, however, sometimes it might go out. To relight it, you’ll need to identify if your boiler has a manual or an automatic pilot light.

• If there are three settings marked ‘off’, ‘on’ and ‘pilot’, you probably have a manual pilot light.
• There is usually a safety label on the front of your boiler that tells you if you have an automatic pilot light. If there are only two settings- ‘off’ and ‘on’, you probably have an automatic pilot light. You shouldn’t attempt to light an automatic pilot light manually.

How To Relight a Manual Pilot Light

• Ensure the gas control knob is turned to ‘off’ to prevent a build up of gas.
• Turn the thermostat to its lowest setting.
• Wait for 15 minutes to allow any gas fumes to dissipate.
• Remove the boiler cover or panel.
• Turn the gas control knob to ‘pilot’ – holding it down to release gas into the pilot light hole.
• Whilst holding the knob, light a long match and hold it to the tip of the pilot.
• Keep the gas control knob held for a further minute until the flame turns blue.
• The pilot light should continue to burn when you release the knob. If it goes out again, repeat the steps.

If your pilot light is not staying lit after two attempts, turn the gas control knob off and call a Gas Safe registered engineer.

How To Relight an Automatic Pilot Light

• Turn off the boiler at the electrical switch.
• Remove the cover or panel.
• Ensure the gas control knob is set to ‘off’.
• Wait for 10-15 minutes to allow any gas fumes to dissipate.
• Turn the gas control knob to ‘on’.
• Flip the electrical switch back on. You’ll hear a clicking sound as the automatic starter ignites the pilot light.

if it doesn’t reignite after 30 seconds or the clicking sound doesn’t stop, turn it off and contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.

L&W Heating and Plumbing

Whatever your heating and plumbing needs  – from an annual gas safety check to brand-new boiler installation, L&W Heating and Plumbing can help: call us for more information.

Wigan Central Heating Engineers 01942 417220
St Helens Central Heating Engineers 01744 776140
Newton Le Willows Central Heating Engineers 01925 394260
Warrington Central Heating Engineers 01925 394260
Runcorn Central Heating Engineers 01925 394260
Widnes Central Heating Engineers 01925 394260