The basic steps to light a fireplace pilot light
Most fireplace pilot lights can be lit by hand using a long lighter or match, but the exact process depends on whether your fireplace has an ignition button or a manual valve. If your fireplace has an ignition button, press and hold it while bringing a flame to the pilot opening — the button sends gas to the pilot burner so it can catch. If your fireplace has only a manual valve with no button, turn the valve to the pilot position, then hold a flame at the pilot opening while slowly turning the valve to increase gas flow until the flame catches and holds steady.
The pilot opening is a small hole or tube near the main burner, usually marked on the fireplace itself. You will need a long lighter, long-reach match, or fireplace lighter — a regular match or lighter will not reach safely. Once the pilot flame is burning steadily and blue, you can turn the main valve to the on position to light the full fireplace, or leave it on pilot only if you are just testing the system.
If the pilot does not light after 30 seconds of holding a flame to it, stop and wait five minutes before trying again. Repeated attempts without a break can flood the burner with gas and create a safety hazard.
Key Takeaways
- Press and hold the ignition button while explore a flame to the pilot opening if your fireplace has a button; turn the manual valve to pilot position and slowly increase gas flow if it does not.
- Use a long lighter or long-reach match to keep your hand at a safe distance from the pilot opening.
- The pilot flame should be blue and steady; if it does not light within 30 seconds, wait five minutes before trying again.
- Once the pilot is lit, you can switch the valve to the on position to ignite the main burner or leave it on pilot only.
What to do if the pilot light will not stay lit
A pilot that lights but goes out within seconds usually means the thermocouple is not sensing the flame. The thermocouple is a safety device that sits in the pilot flame and tells the gas valve to stay open; if it does not detect heat, the valve closes automatically to prevent gas from flowing without a flame. When you light the pilot, hold the ignition button down for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears — this gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the valve to hold the gas open on its own.
If the pilot still goes out after you release the button, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing. A thin layer of soot or dust on the thermocouple tip can block the heat signal. Try gently wiping the thermocouple with a dry cloth or soft brush — it is a thin metal rod about the size of a pencil lead, positioned right in the pilot flame. If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple may need to be replaced by a technician.
When the pilot light will not ignite at all
If you cannot get a flame to appear at the pilot opening even after holding a lighter or match to it for 30 seconds, the problem is usually a blocked pilot tube or no gas reaching the pilot. First, check that the main gas valve on your fireplace is in the on position — it is often a lever or knob on the gas line itself, separate from the fireplace control. If the main valve is on and you still have no flame, the pilot tube may be clogged with dust or debris.
You can try to clear a blocked pilot tube by using a thin needle or paperclip to gently poke through the opening, but do this only if you are comfortable working with small parts and can do it without forcing anything. If the tube is truly blocked or if you do not want to attempt this yourself, a technician can clean or replace the pilot assembly. Do not try to force gas through a blocked opening, as this can damage the valve.
Another possibility is that the gas supply to your fireplace is shut off at the meter or wall valve. Check whether other gas appliances in your home are working; if they are not, the problem is upstream and you will need to contact your gas provider or a technician.
Safety steps before you light the pilot
Before attempting to light the pilot, make sure the fireplace area is clear of flammable materials — keep curtains, furniture, and decorations at least three feet away from the fireplace opening. Check that the damper is open if your fireplace is wood-burning style; if it is a gas fireplace, the damper should be closed unless the manufacturer says otherwise. Read your fireplace manual to confirm the correct position for your model.
Never light the pilot if you smell gas in the room. If you detect a gas odor, leave the house when ready, go to a neighbor's home or safe location, and call your gas provider's emergency line or 911. Do not use any electrical switches, lighters, or phones inside the house, as a spark could ignite the gas.
If you have not used the fireplace in several months, air may be trapped in the gas line. When you first turn the valve to pilot, you may hear hissing or see no flame for the first 10 to 15 seconds — this is normal. Keep the lighter or match in position and wait; the air will clear and the gas will flow.
How to tell if the pilot light is working correctly
A healthy pilot flame is blue and steady, about the size of a dime or smaller, and does not flicker or dance. The flame should wrap slightly around the thermocouple rod. If the flame is yellow, orange, or red, the pilot may be burning dirty fuel or the air-to-gas ratio may be off — this is not dangerous in the short term, but it can cause the thermocouple to get dirty faster and may indicate a need for cleaning or adjustment by a technician.
Once the pilot is lit and holding steady, you can test the main burner by turning the valve to the on position. The main burner should ignite within a few seconds. If it does not, turn the valve back to off and wait a minute before trying again. If the main burner still will not light, the ignition system or gas line to the main burner may need service.
Fireplace pilot lights with electronic ignition
Some newer gas fireplaces have an electronic ignition system instead of a traditional pilot light that burns all the time. These systems use a spark or hot surface to ignite the gas when you turn on the fireplace, so there is no standing pilot flame to light by hand. If your fireplace has electronic ignition, you will not need to light a pilot — straightforward turn on the fireplace using the wall switch, remote control, or thermostat, and the ignition system will do the work automatically.
If your electronic ignition fireplace is not lighting, the problem is usually a dead battery in the remote, a tripped circuit breaker, or a failed ignition module. Check the remote batteries first, then look at the circuit breaker panel to see if the breaker for the fireplace has flipped to off. If both of those are fine, the ignition system itself may need repair by a technician.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the ignition button down when lighting the pilot?
Hold the button for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release the button too soon, the pilot will go out because the thermocouple has not warmed enough yet.
What does it mean if the pilot light is yellow instead of blue?
A yellow or orange pilot flame usually means the burner is dirty or the air-to-gas mixture is not balanced. While not when ready dangerous, it can cause soot to build up on the thermocouple faster. A technician can clean the pilot assembly or adjust the air shutter to restore a blue flame.
Can I light the pilot if I smell a faint gas odor?
No. Leave the house when ready and call your gas provider's emergency line or 911 from outside. Do not use any switches or create sparks inside. A strong gas smell means there is a leak that needs professional attention before the fireplace can be used safely.
Do I need to light the pilot every time I use the fireplace?
No. Once the pilot is lit, it burns continuously until you turn it off. You only need to light it once at the start of the season or after the fireplace has been off for a long time. If the pilot goes out on its own, you will need to relight it.
What should I do if the pilot lights but the main burner will not ignite?
Turn the valve back to off and wait one minute, then try again. If the main burner still does not light after a second attempt, the ignition system for the main burner or the gas line to it may need service from a technician.