During an inspection, is the inspector required to ignite a pilot light?

An inspector is not required to ignite a pilot light during an inspection. This is based on the guidelines set forth by various inspection standards which prioritize safety and the avoidance of liability. Igniting a pilot light can present risks, such as gas leaks or fire hazards, which inspectors are generally trained to avoid.

Instead, inspectors focus on observing the condition of the systems and appliances without taking actions that could lead to danger. They may note a non-functional pilot light but won't take steps to light it during their assessment. This practice ensures that safety is prioritized while still delivering a thorough inspection of the home's features.

Though there are circumstances where a homeowner might request that an inspector light a pilot light or where it could be relevant for certain appliances, it remains outside the standard responsibilities of an inspector. Thus, the correct position is that igniting a pilot light is not a requirement during an inspection.