Should pilot light always stay lit?

A pilot light should generally stay lit in appliances designed to have one, such as gas furnaces and water heaters, as it provides a continuous source of ignition for the burner. If the pilot light goes out frequently, it may indicate a problem, such as a draft, a faulty thermocouple, or a gas supply issue. However, for appliances not requiring a pilot light, it’s important to follow manufacturer guidelines. Always ensure safety precautions are taken when dealing with gas appliances.