The Basic Steps to Light Your Pilot
To light a gas fireplace pilot light, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold it down, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the gas at 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 — can warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open. Once you release the knob and the flame stays lit, turn the knob to "On" to resume normal fireplace operation.
The exact location of the pilot opening and the control knob vary by fireplace model, so check your owner's manual first. Most gas fireplaces have the control knob at the base or front of the unit, and the pilot opening is a small brass or steel tube nearby, usually marked with a label or arrow.
Key Takeaways
- The control knob must be turned to "Pilot" before you attempt to light the flame, and you must hold it down continuously while lighting and for 30 to 60 seconds afterward.
- A long lighter, long match, or grill lighter works best because the pilot opening is often recessed and difficult to reach with a standard match.
- If the pilot light does not stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty and may need cleaning or replacement.
- Smell the area around the fireplace before lighting — if you detect gas odor, do not attempt to light the pilot and contact your gas company or a technician instead.
Locating the Pilot Light and Control Knob
The pilot light assembly sits inside the fireplace, usually at the base or on the side wall of the firebox. Look for a small metal tube, often brass-colored, with a tiny opening at the end. This opening is where the pilot flame burns. Next to it or nearby, you will find the control knob — a dial or lever that rotates or slides to select "Pilot," "On," and "Off" positions.
If you cannot find these parts, open the fireplace door or access panel and look inside. The control knob is often mounted on the exterior of the fireplace body or on a valve assembly visible from the front. Your owner's manual will show you the exact location for your model. If you no longer have the manual, search the manufacturer's name and model number online — most companies post PDFs for free.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather a long lighter or long fireplace match before you begin. A standard kitchen match is too short and will burn your fingers before you reach the pilot opening. A long grill lighter, long-reach lighter, or fireplace match (sold at hardware stores and online) gives you the distance you need. Some people use a thin stick or rolled paper lit at another flame, but a purpose-made lighter is safer and more reliable.
Make sure the area is well-ventilated and that you smell no gas odor before you start. If you detect a rotten-egg or sulfur smell, stop when ready. This smell means gas is leaking. Leave the fireplace alone, open windows, and call your gas company's emergency line or a licensed technician. Do not attempt to light the pilot.
The Step-by-Step Lighting Process
First, turn the control knob fully to the "Pilot" position. You may hear a faint hiss as gas begins to flow to the pilot opening. Do not light anything yet — let the gas flow for a few seconds to clear any air from the line.
Next, hold the control knob down firmly in the "Pilot" position. While holding it, bring your long lighter or match to the pilot opening and ignite the gas. The flame should appear when ready at the opening. If it does not, release the knob, wait 30 seconds, and try again. Repeat this cycle up to three times. If the pilot still will not light, stop and contact a technician — a blockage or gas supply issue may be present.
Once the pilot flame is lit, keep the knob pressed down for 30 to 60 seconds. During this time, the thermocouple heats up and sends a signal to the main gas valve that the pilot is burning safely. After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. The flame should remain lit. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple may be faulty. Wait a minute and try again, but if it fails a second time, the thermocouple likely needs replacement.
When the pilot stays lit after you release the knob, turn the control knob to the "On" position. The main burner should ignite. If it does not, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again. If the main burner still will not light, the ignition system or gas supply may need service.
Why the Pilot Light Goes Out
A pilot light that will not stay lit usually points to a dirty or failing thermocouple. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a tiny electrical signal when heated. If dust or debris coats the rod, it cannot sense the heat properly and signals the gas valve to close. You can try cleaning it yourself with a soft brush or cloth, but replacement is often the better choice if cleaning does not work.
A draft or air current blowing across the pilot opening can also extinguish the flame. If your fireplace is in a room with open windows or doors, or near a ceiling fan or air vent, try closing those sources of air movement and lighting the pilot again. A persistent draft may require a technician to adjust the pilot flame or install a draft shield.
Less commonly, the gas supply itself may be low or interrupted. If you have recently had gas work done on your home, or if other gas appliances are not working, contact your gas company to check the supply line.
Cleaning the Thermocouple If the Pilot Won't Stay Lit
If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the knob, try cleaning the thermocouple before calling a technician. First, turn the control knob to "Off" and wait five minutes for any residual gas to clear. Then, locate the thermocouple — a thin rod, usually about the thickness of a pencil, that sits in or very near the pilot flame.
Use a soft-bristled brush, a clean cloth, or fine steel wool to gently rub the rod. The goal is to remove any soot, dust, or corrosion that may be blocking the heat sensor. Rub gently — do not bend or dent the rod. After cleaning, turn the knob back to "Pilot" and try lighting again. If the pilot now stays lit, you have solved the problem. If it still goes out, the thermocouple is likely worn out and needs replacement by a technician.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a licensed gas technician or your fireplace manufacturer if the pilot light will not light after three attempts, if it lights but will not stay lit even after cleaning the thermocouple, if you smell gas, or if the main burner will not ignite after the pilot is lit. A technician can test the thermocouple, check the gas supply, inspect the ignition system, and replace parts safely.
If your fireplace is under warranty, check the terms before paying for service — some manufacturers cover pilot light issues for a set period. Also, many gas companies offer annual maintenance visits that include pilot light inspection and cleaning at no charge or a flat fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the knob down after the pilot lights?
Hold the knob for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too early, the flame will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine — there is no harm in waiting a full minute.
What if the pilot light smells like rotten eggs?
That smell is mercaptan, an odor added to natural gas so leaks can be detected. If you smell it, stop when ready, do not light the pilot, open windows, and call your gas company's emergency line. A leak is present and needs professional attention before the fireplace is used.
Can I light the pilot with a regular match?
A regular kitchen match is too short and will burn your fingers before you reach the pilot opening. Use a long fireplace match, long lighter, or grill lighter instead. These are inexpensive and sold at most hardware stores.
How often should the pilot light be cleaned?
Most pilot lights do not need regular cleaning if the fireplace is used normally. Clean the thermocouple only if the pilot light goes out and will not stay lit. If you use the fireplace heavily or live in a dusty area, an annual cleaning during maintenance can help prevent problems.
Is it normal for the pilot flame to be small?
Yes. The pilot flame is typically a small blue flame about the size of a pea or pencil tip. It should be steady and not flicker or dance. If the flame is very large, very small, or orange instead of blue, contact a technician — the gas mixture or burner may need adjustment.