The basic steps to light your fireplace pilot
To light a pilot light on a gas fireplace, you turn the control knob to "Pilot," hold it down, and press the igniter button while holding a lit match or lighter near the pilot opening. The pilot flame should catch within a few seconds. Once it does, keep the knob pressed for another 30 seconds, then release it and turn the knob to "On." If the pilot stays lit after you release the knob, your fireplace is ready to use.
The exact location of the pilot opening and igniter button varies by fireplace model, so check your manual first — it will show you exactly where to find these parts and how far to hold the flame from the opening. Most pilot openings are small brass tubes near the bottom of the firebox, often with a small electrode or spark gap nearby.
If your fireplace has an electronic igniter (a button that creates a spark), you do not need a match or lighter — the spark does the work. If it has a piezo igniter, you may hear a clicking sound when you press the button, which is normal. Manual ignition with a match or lighter is still an option even if the electronic igniter is broken.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press and hold it down, then ignite the pilot flame with a match, lighter, or the electronic igniter button.
- Keep the knob pressed for 30 seconds after the pilot lights to allow the thermocouple to heat up and sense the flame.
- If the pilot goes out when ready after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty and needs cleaning or replacement.
- Your fireplace manual shows the exact location of the pilot opening and igniter, which differs by model.
- If the pilot will not light at all, check that the gas valve is on and that you hear a hissing sound when the knob is in the Pilot position.
Why you need to hold the knob down for 30 seconds
The knob controls a safety device called a thermocouple, which is a heat-sensing switch. When you hold the knob down, you bypass this safety switch so gas can flow to the pilot. The thermocouple sits in the pilot flame and heats up. After about 30 seconds, it becomes hot enough to sense the flame and hold the valve open on its own.
If you release the knob too soon, the thermocouple has not warmed up yet, and the gas shuts off when ready. The pilot flame dies, and you have to start over. This is the most common reason a pilot light will not stay lit — not because the thermocouple is broken, but because it was not given enough time to heat.
Some newer fireplaces have a longer hold time, up to 60 seconds. Check your manual to see what your model requires. If you hold the knob for the full time and the pilot still goes out, the thermocouple itself is likely faulty and needs replacement.
What to do if the pilot will not light at all
First, confirm that gas is reaching the fireplace. Turn the control knob to "Pilot" and listen near the pilot opening for a hissing sound — that is gas flowing. If you hear nothing, the gas valve may be off. Check for a separate gas shut-off valve (usually a small lever or knob) near the fireplace or behind the access panel, and make sure it is turned to the "On" position.
If gas is flowing but the pilot will not ignite with a match or lighter, the opening may be clogged with dust or debris. Turn off the gas, wait a minute, then use a straightened paperclip or a thin needle to gently clear the opening. Do not force it — you can damage the brass tube. Blow out any debris and try again.
If you have an electronic igniter, test whether it is working by listening for a clicking sound when you press the button in a dark room — you may also see a small spark. If there is no click and no spark, the igniter battery may be dead (if it is battery-powered) or the igniter itself may be faulty. Replace the battery first, or contact a technician if the igniter is built into the fireplace.
Cleaning a thermocouple that keeps shutting off the pilot
If the pilot lights but goes out within seconds of releasing the knob, even after you hold it for the full time, the thermocouple is probably dirty. Dust and soot can coat the tip and prevent it from sensing heat properly. Turn off the gas and let the fireplace cool completely.
Locate the thermocouple — it is a thin metal rod, usually copper or steel, that sits in or very near the pilot flame. Gently wipe the tip with a soft, dry cloth or very fine steel wool. Do not use water or liquid cleaners. If the thermocouple is held in place by a nut or fitting, you can unscrew it carefully to clean it more thoroughly, but be gentle — these fittings are fragile.
After cleaning, reinstall it (if you removed it) and try lighting the pilot again. If it still goes out, the thermocouple has likely failed internally and needs replacement. Replacement thermocouples are inexpensive and widely available, but installation usually requires a technician unless you are comfortable working with gas fittings.
Manual ignition when the electronic igniter fails
Even if your fireplace has an electronic igniter, you can always light the pilot manually with a match or a long lighter. This is useful if the igniter battery is dead or the igniter itself is broken and you are waiting for a replacement.
Use a long-handled lighter or a long match — fireplace matches are ideal because they burn longer and keep your hand farther from the flame. Turn the knob to "Pilot," press and hold it, then bring the flame close to the pilot opening. The gas should ignite within a second or two. Hold the knob down for the full 30 seconds, then release it slowly.
Manual ignition works just as well as electronic ignition, so do not worry if the button is broken. The only drawback is that you have to be present to light it — you cannot use a remote control or wall switch until the electronic igniter is repaired.
Safety steps before you start
Before lighting the pilot, make sure the fireplace has been off for at least five minutes. If you have been trying to light it repeatedly without success, wait longer — unburned gas can accumulate in the firebox, and igniting it suddenly can cause a small explosion or a large flame that is dangerous.
Open a window or door in the room to provide fresh air. Gas fireplaces produce carbon dioxide and can use up oxygen in a sealed space, especially if the pilot or main flame is on for a long time. Proper ventilation is important for safety and comfort.
Keep your face and hands away from the pilot opening. Even though the pilot flame is small, it can still burn skin. Use a long match or lighter to keep distance between yourself and the flame. If you have long hair, tie it back so it does not drift into the flame.
When to call a technician instead of troubleshooting
If you have followed these steps and the pilot still will not light or stay lit, or if you smell gas but see no flame, stop and contact a professional. A gas leak or a faulty valve is not safe to troubleshoot on your own. Many fireplace manufacturers and gas companies offer service calls, and the cost is usually worth the safety assurance.
You should also call a technician if the pilot lights but the main burner will not turn on when you switch the knob from "Pilot" to "On." This usually means the thermocouple is working but another safety switch or valve is stuck or faulty. Attempting to force the main burner on can damage the fireplace or create a safety hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the knob down after the pilot lights?
Hold it for 30 seconds in most cases, though some models require 60 seconds. Check your manual for the exact time. The thermocouple needs this time to heat up and sense the flame. If you release too early, the pilot will go out and you will have to start over.
Can I light the pilot with a match if the electronic igniter is broken?
Yes. Use a long-handled match or lighter, turn the knob to "Pilot," press and hold it, then bring the flame near the pilot opening. The gas should ignite within a second or two. Manual ignition works just as well as electronic ignition.
What does it mean if the pilot lights but goes out when I release the knob?
The thermocouple is not sensing the flame. Either you released the knob too soon (try holding it longer next time), or the thermocouple is dirty or faulty. Clean the thermocouple tip with a soft cloth, or contact a technician if cleaning does not solve the problem.
Is it normal to smell gas when lighting the pilot?
A slight gas smell is normal for a few seconds when gas first flows to the pilot. If the smell is strong or lingers after the pilot is lit, turn off the gas when ready and open windows. This could indicate a leak. Do not try to light the fireplace again until a technician has checked it.
Why does my pilot light keep going out even after I hold the knob for 30 seconds?
The thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty. Try cleaning the thermocouple tip with a soft cloth or fine steel wool. If it still goes out, the thermocouple has probably failed and needs replacement by a technician.