The Basic Steps to Light Your Pilot

To light the pilot on a gas fireplace, you turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while holding a lit lighter or long match to the pilot opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, you turn the knob to "On" or "Ignite" to run the main burner. The whole process usually takes less than two minutes.

The pilot opening is a small brass or metal tube, usually located at the base of the fireplace where the burner sits. You'll see it clearly once you open the fireplace door or access panel. The exact location varies by model, but it's always near the main burner assembly and marked in your owner's manual.

If your fireplace has an electronic ignition button on the control panel, you may not need a lighter at all—pressing the button creates a spark that lights the pilot. Check your manual to see whether your model has this feature before you reach for a lighter.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," hold the ignition button, and light the pilot opening with a long lighter or match while holding the button down for 30 to 60 seconds.
  • The pilot opening is a small brass tube at the base of the burner assembly, and you need a clear view and steady hand to direct the flame into it.
  • Once the pilot flame is steady and stays lit after you release the button, turn the knob to "On" to ignite the main burner.
  • If the pilot won't stay lit after three or four attempts, the thermocouple may be failing and you should contact a technician rather than continue trying.

Locating the Pilot Opening and Control Knob

Open the fireplace door or remove the access panel at the front of the unit. The control knob is usually mounted on the right side of the fireplace frame or on a panel just inside the door. It will have positions labeled "Off," "Pilot," and "On" or "Ignite"—some models also have a "Reset" position.

The pilot opening itself is a small tube, often brass-colored, positioned near the main burner. It may have a small metal shield around it. Trace the gas line from the control knob down into the fireplace—the pilot opening sits where that line ends, usually at the lowest point of the burner assembly. Your owner's manual will show you the exact location for your model.

Before you begin, make sure the fireplace has been off for at least five minutes. This clears any gas that may have accumulated and makes the lighting process safer.

Preparing to Light and Using the Ignition Button

If your fireplace has an electronic ignition button on the control panel, the process is simpler. Turn the knob to "Pilot," then press and hold the ignition button while you listen for a clicking sound. The clicking is the spark igniter firing. Hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds—you should see a small flame appear at the pilot opening. Once it's lit, keep holding the button for another 20 to 30 seconds to warm the thermocouple, then release.

If the pilot doesn't light after 15 seconds of clicking, release the button, wait 30 seconds, and try again. Repeat this two or three times. If it still won't light, stop and check that the gas valve is fully open and that the fireplace is receiving gas—you may hear a faint hissing sound if gas is flowing.

Electronic ignition is the easiest method because you don't need an open flame near the unit. If your fireplace doesn't have an ignition button, you'll use a lighter or match instead.

Using a Lighter or Match When There's No Ignition Button

Turn the control knob to "Pilot" and hold it there. Use a long-handled lighter or a long fireplace match—a regular match is too short and puts your hand too close to the opening. Position the flame directly at the pilot opening, aiming for the small tube itself.

While the flame is at the opening, press and hold the ignition button (if there is one) or straightforward hold the knob in the "Pilot" position. You should see the pilot flame ignite within a few seconds. Once it does, keep the button or knob held in place for 30 to 60 seconds. This time allows the thermocouple—a heat-sensing device—to warm up enough to keep the gas valve open.

After 60 seconds, slowly release the button or knob. If the pilot flame stays lit, you're ready to turn the knob to "On" or "Ignite" to start the main burner. If the flame goes out as soon as you release, wait 30 seconds and try again. A weak or flickering pilot may need a second or third attempt before it stays lit.

What to Do If the Pilot Won't Stay Lit

If the pilot lights but goes out when ready when you release the button, the thermocouple is likely not warming up properly. Try the process again, but this time hold the button down for the full 60 seconds—some thermocouples need the longer warm-up time. Make sure the flame is directly on the thermocouple bulb, not just near the pilot opening.

If the pilot still won't stay lit after three or four attempts, stop trying. A pilot that won't hold a flame usually means the thermocouple is worn out or the gas valve is failing. Both of these are parts that a technician should replace—continuing to attempt lighting can waste gas and won't solve the underlying problem.

Before you call a technician, check one more thing: make sure the control knob is fully turned to "Pilot" and that you're holding it all the way in. Some models require you to push the knob in while turning it. If the knob feels loose or doesn't click into position, that can prevent the gas valve from opening properly.

Lighting the Main Burner After the Pilot Is Steady

Once the pilot flame is burning steadily and stays lit after you release the button, turn the control knob to "On" or "Ignite"—the exact label depends on your model. The main burner should ignite within a few seconds, usually with a small whoosh sound. You'll see the larger flame appear across the burner logs or grate.

If the main burner doesn't light within 10 seconds, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again. Make sure the pilot flame is still burning before you attempt to light the main burner. If the pilot has gone out, you'll need to light it again before the main burner will ignite.

Once the main burner is lit, you can adjust the flame height using the control knob or a separate flame adjustment dial, depending on your model. Some fireplaces also have a remote control that lets you adjust the flame without touching the unit.

Maintenance to Keep Your Pilot Lighting Reliably

The pilot opening can collect dust and debris over time, which blocks the gas flow and makes the pilot harder to light. Once a year, before the heating season starts, use a soft brush or compressed air to gently clean around the pilot opening. Do not use a sharp object to poke into the opening—you can damage the small tube.

If you notice the pilot flame is very small or yellow instead of blue, the opening may be partially blocked. A gentle cleaning usually fixes this. If cleaning doesn't help, the pilot assembly may need professional service.

Keep the fireplace door or access panel clean so you can see the pilot clearly when you're lighting it. A dirty window or panel makes it hard to aim the lighter and confirm the flame is lit. Wipe the glass with a soft cloth and mild cleaner once a month during the heating season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my pilot light go out every time I release the button?

The thermocouple isn't warming up enough. Hold the button down for the full 60 seconds and make sure the flame is directly touching the thermocouple bulb, not just the pilot opening. If it still goes out, the thermocouple is likely failing and needs replacement by a technician.

Can I light the pilot with a regular match instead of a lighter?

You can, but a long fireplace match or long-handled lighter is safer because it keeps your hand further from the opening. A regular match is too short and puts your fingers close to the flame and the hot fireplace frame.

What if I smell gas but the pilot won't light?

Turn the control knob to "Off" when ready and leave the fireplace alone. Do not try to light it again. A strong gas smell with no flame means gas is flowing but not igniting, which is a safety hazard. Open a window and contact a technician or your gas company to inspect the unit.

How long should I hold the ignition button after the pilot lights?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after you see the flame appear. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. Releasing too early is the most common reason pilots go out when ready.

Is it normal for the pilot flame to be small and blue?

Yes. A small, steady blue flame is exactly what you want. If the flame is large, yellow, or flickering, the pilot opening may be dirty or the gas pressure may be off. A yellow flame especially means incomplete combustion and usually indicates a blockage that needs cleaning.