Lighting Your Pilot Light: The Basic Steps
To light a gas fireplace pilot, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold it down, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the small flame at the pilot opening while you hold the knob. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches so the thermocouple—a safety sensor—heats up and stays open. Then release the knob and turn it to "On" or "Ignition" to run the fireplace normally.
The whole process takes about two minutes. If the pilot won't stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement, or gas may not be reaching the pilot tube. Most homeowners can do this themselves without calling a technician, but a few safety checks beforehand will save you frustration.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press and hold it down, then light the pilot opening with a long lighter while keeping the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds.
- The thermocouple must heat up while you hold the knob down, or the pilot will go out as soon as you release it.
- If the pilot lights but won't stay lit, the thermocouple is usually dirty or failing and may need cleaning or replacement by a technician.
- Always check that the gas valve is in the "On" position and the fireplace is not in a draft before you attempt to light the pilot.
Prepare the Fireplace and Gather Your Tools
Before you touch the control knob, make sure the gas valve on the fireplace itself is turned to "On"—not the wall valve, but the one on the unit. Look for a small lever or knob on the gas line entering the fireplace box. It should be parallel to the pipe, not perpendicular. If it is perpendicular, turn it so it lines up with the pipe direction.
Gather a long lighter (the kind used for candles or grills) or a long wooden match. A regular match or lighter will not reach the pilot opening safely. Close any windows or doors near the fireplace so drafts do not blow out the pilot flame while you are lighting it. If the room is very drafty, wait for calmer conditions or close off the area temporarily.
Open the fireplace door or access panel so you can see the pilot opening clearly. The pilot tube is a small metal nozzle, usually located at the bottom front of the firebox. Locate it now so you do not waste time searching once you have the lighter in hand.
Turn the Knob and Hold It Down
Locate the control knob on the front of the fireplace or on a wall-mounted remote panel. It will have positions marked "Off," "Pilot," and "On" (or sometimes "Ignition" instead of "On"). Turn the knob clockwise to "Pilot" and press it in firmly. You will feel resistance—keep pressing. The knob must stay pressed down or the gas will not flow to the pilot.
Hold the knob down with one hand. Do not let go yet. With your other hand, bring the long lighter or match to the pilot opening and ignite it. You should see a small blue flame appear at the pilot nozzle within a few seconds. If no flame appears after 10 seconds, release the knob, wait 30 seconds for gas to clear, and try again.
Keep the Knob Pressed While the Pilot Heats Up
Once the pilot flame is lit, keep holding the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds. This is the most important step. While you hold the knob, the thermocouple—a small metal rod in the pilot flame—heats up. The thermocouple generates a tiny electrical signal that tells the gas valve to stay open. If you release the knob too soon, the thermocouple will not be hot enough, and the pilot will go out when ready.
Watch the pilot flame while you count. It should be steady and blue, about the size of a pea. If the flame is yellow or orange, or if it flickers wildly, something is wrong with the gas or air mixture, but continue holding the knob for the full time anyway. After 60 seconds, slowly release the knob and watch the pilot. If it stays lit, you are done with this step.
Turn the Knob to "On" and Test the Main Burner
Once the pilot is holding steady on its own, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On" or "Ignition." The main burner should ignite within a few seconds. You will hear a small click or pop as the igniter sparks, and then the main flame should appear across the burner. If you have a remote control, you can now use it to adjust the flame height or turn the fireplace off.
Let the fireplace run for a few minutes to make sure everything is stable. The flame should be blue with a small yellow tip at the base—this is normal. If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, or if it goes out after a minute, turn it off and wait 10 minutes before trying again. Repeated failures usually mean the thermocouple needs cleaning or the gas line has an obstruction.
What to Do If the Pilot Won't Stay Lit
If the pilot lights but goes out the moment you release the knob, the thermocouple is not heating up properly. This usually means it is dirty. Turn off the gas and let the fireplace cool for 10 minutes. Then locate the thermocouple—it is the thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame—and gently wipe it with a dry cloth or very fine steel wool. Do not bend it or scratch it deeply. Turn the gas back on and try lighting the pilot again.
If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple may be failing and will need replacement. This is a job for a technician, as it requires disconnecting the gas line and removing the old thermocouple. Do not attempt this yourself unless you are comfortable working with gas lines. Call a fireplace service company or your gas company's maintenance line.
If the pilot lights and stays lit but the main burner will not ignite, the problem is usually a blocked igniter or a faulty ignition electrode. Again, this requires professional service. Do not keep trying to light it repeatedly, as this wastes gas and can be unsafe.
Safety Checks Before and After Lighting
Before you light the pilot, smell the air around the fireplace. If you detect a strong gas odor, do not attempt to light it. Turn off the gas valve, open windows, and call your gas company's emergency line. A gas leak is a serious safety hazard and must be handled by professionals.
After the fireplace is running, check that the flame is blue and steady. A yellow or orange flame, or one that flickers excessively, can indicate incomplete combustion or a problem with the air intake. Turn off the fireplace and check that the air vents around the fireplace are not blocked by furniture, curtains, or debris. Clear any obstructions and try again.
Never leave a fireplace running unattended for more than a few hours. Always turn it off before you leave the room or go to sleep. If you smell gas while the fireplace is running, turn it off when ready, open windows, and call your gas company.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the knob down before releasing it?
Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and generate the signal that keeps the gas valve open. If you release it too soon, the pilot will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine—just do not hold it for more than a few minutes.
What if I cannot see the pilot opening?
Open the fireplace door or access panel wider, or use a flashlight to look inside the firebox. The pilot opening is usually a small metal nozzle at the bottom front, near the main burner. If you still cannot locate it, check your fireplace manual or take a photo and send it to the manufacturer's support line.
Can I use a regular match or lighter instead of a long one?
A regular match or lighter will not reach the pilot opening safely and may burn your hand. Always use a long lighter designed for candles or grills, or a long wooden match. These are inexpensive and available at any grocery or hardware store.
Why does the pilot light go out when I turn the knob to "On"?
This usually means the thermocouple is not hot enough or is not positioned correctly in the pilot flame. Try lighting the pilot again and hold the knob down for the full 60 seconds. If it still goes out, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing and will need cleaning or replacement.
Is it safe to light the pilot myself, or should I call a technician?
Lighting the pilot yourself is safe if you follow the steps carefully and check for gas leaks beforehand. However, if the pilot will not stay lit after you clean the thermocouple, or if you smell gas, stop and call a technician. Do not keep trying to light it repeatedly.