The basic steps to light a pilot light
To light your gas fireplace pilot, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold it down, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the gas coming from the pilot opening while you hold the knob. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple — a heat-sensing device — warms up and signals the gas valve to stay open. Once you release the knob, the pilot should stay lit. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement.
The exact location of the pilot opening varies by fireplace model. On most units, you'll find it near the main burner, often marked with a small hole or tube. Some fireplaces have a window so you can see the pilot flame; others require you to feel for the heat or listen for the hiss of ignition. Check your owner's manual for the exact location on your model — the manual usually includes a diagram.
If you cannot locate the control knob or pilot opening, or if your fireplace has electronic ignition rather than a manual pilot light, do not attempt to light it by hand. Electronic systems have a button or switch you press instead, and forcing a manual light on an electronic unit can damage the ignition system.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to "Pilot," hold it down, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot opening while pressing the knob.
- Keep the knob held for 30 to 60 seconds after ignition so the thermocouple warms up and the pilot stays lit on its own.
- The pilot opening is usually near the main burner and may be visible through a window or marked on the fireplace body.
- If the pilot goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty and needs cleaning or replacement.
- Electronic ignition systems use a button or switch, not a manual lighter — check your manual to confirm which type you have.
What to do if the pilot won't stay lit
A pilot that lights but goes out when you release the knob usually means the thermocouple is not hot enough to keep the gas valve open. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical signal when heated. If it is dirty, bent, or failing, it cannot send that signal, and the valve closes.
To clean the thermocouple, turn off the gas at the control knob and wait five minutes. Locate the thermocouple — it is the thin rod closest to the pilot flame — and gently rub it with fine steel wool or a soft cloth to remove soot and buildup. Do not bend it or explore heavy pressure. Turn the gas back on, return the knob to "Pilot," and try lighting again. If the pilot still goes out, the thermocouple has likely failed and needs replacement by a technician.
A pilot that will not light at all may have a clogged opening. Dust and debris can block the small hole where gas flows. Use a straightened paperclip or a thin needle to gently clear the opening, then try lighting again. Do this only if you can see the opening clearly — do not force anything into a hole you cannot see.
Safety steps before you light
Before attempting to light the pilot, make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of flammable materials — curtains, papers, furniture, and bedding should be at least three feet away. Open a window or door in the room to may support fresh air circulation, because lighting the pilot and running the fireplace consumes oxygen.
Check that the gas supply is actually on. If the fireplace has a gas shutoff valve (usually a lever on the gas line leading to the unit), make sure it is parallel to the pipe, not perpendicular. A perpendicular lever means the gas is off. If you smell gas before or during lighting, stop when ready, turn off the gas at the control knob, leave the room, and call your gas company's emergency line — do not use your phone indoors if you smell gas.
If you have never lit this fireplace before, read the owner's manual first. Manuals often include warnings specific to your model and may describe a different sequence or safety feature you need to know about. If you no longer have the manual, search the manufacturer's website using your fireplace model number, which is usually on a label inside the unit or on the back.
When to call a professional instead
Do not attempt to light the pilot if the control knob is stuck, cracked, or does not turn smoothly. A damaged knob can fail to shut off the gas properly, creating a safety hazard. Similarly, if you smell gas but cannot locate a leak, or if the pilot lights but the main burner will not ignite after the pilot is steady, stop and call a technician. These are signs of a valve or line problem that requires professional repair.
If the fireplace has not been used in more than a year, air may be trapped in the gas line. In this case, you may need to bleed the line — a process that involves opening a small bleed valve to let air escape before lighting. This procedure varies by model and is best left to a professional. Attempting it without knowing your specific unit can introduce air into the system or waste gas.
A technician should also inspect and clean the fireplace annually if you use it regularly. This includes cleaning the burner, checking the thermocouple, and ensuring all connections are tight. Annual maintenance costs between $100 and $200 depending on your region and the complexity of your unit, but it prevents costly repairs and keeps the fireplace running safely.
Lighting with a fireplace remote or wall switch
Some gas fireplaces have a remote control or wall-mounted switch instead of a manual knob. These units use electronic ignition, not a manual pilot light. To light them, press the "On" or "Ignite" button on the remote or switch and hold it for a few seconds. The system will automatically light the pilot and then the main burner. You should hear a clicking sound as the igniter sparks.
If the remote or switch does not work, check that batteries are installed correctly (if the remote uses them) and that the wall switch is fully pressed. If the unit still does not light, the igniter may have failed. This requires a technician to replace, as it involves electrical components.
How to turn off the pilot light
To turn off the pilot, straightforward turn the control knob to the "Off" position. The pilot flame will go out, and no gas will flow to the fireplace. You do not need to do anything else — there is no waiting period or special procedure. If you plan to leave the fireplace unused for an extended period, turning the knob to "Off" is sufficient; you do not need to shut off the main gas supply unless you are performing maintenance or leaving the home for weeks or months.
If the knob is stuck in the "On" or "Pilot" position and will not turn to "Off," do not force it. Turn off the gas at the main shutoff valve (the lever on the gas line) and call a technician. A stuck knob usually means the internal valve is damaged and needs professional repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the knob down after the pilot lights?
Hold the knob for 30 to 60 seconds after you see the flame. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and send the signal to keep the gas valve open. If you release too early, the pilot will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine — just do not hold it for more than a few minutes, as this wastes gas.
What does it mean if the pilot lights but smells like rotten eggs?
A rotten-egg smell is the odor of mercaptan, a chemical added to natural gas so you can detect leaks. A faint smell during initial lighting is normal, but a strong or persistent smell means gas is leaking somewhere. Turn off the fireplace, open windows, and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not use the fireplace again until a technician has inspected it.
Can I light the pilot if the fireplace is in a bedroom?
Yes, but make sure the bedroom door is open and a window is cracked to provide fresh air. A running fireplace consumes oxygen, and a sealed bedroom can become unsafe. Never close the door while the fireplace is lit, and do not sleep with the fireplace running unless the room is well-ventilated.
What if I light the pilot but the main burner does not turn on?
Once the pilot is steady, turn the control knob to the "On" position to ignite the main burner. If the main burner does not light after 30 seconds, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again. If it still does not light, the main burner may be clogged or the valve may be faulty — call a technician rather than trying repeatedly, as this wastes gas.
Is it normal for the pilot flame to be blue or yellow?
A blue flame is normal and means the pilot is burning cleanly. A yellow or orange flame suggests incomplete combustion, usually caused by dust in the pilot opening or a dirty thermocouple. Clean the thermocouple and pilot opening as described above. If the flame remains yellow after cleaning, have a technician inspect the unit.