The basic steps to light your pilot
To light a pilot on a gas fireplace, you need to locate the pilot light assembly (usually a small tube near the main burner), turn the gas control knob to "Pilot," 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 appears. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the knob to "On" to restore normal operation.
The exact location and appearance of your pilot assembly depends on your fireplace model, so check your owner's manual first — it will show you exactly where to look and may include a diagram. If you cannot find the manual, the model number is usually printed on a metal plate inside the fireplace or on the back of the unit, and you can search for it online.
The whole process takes about two minutes if the pilot lights on the first try. If it does not, the problem is usually a dirty pilot opening, a weak spark igniter, or insufficient gas flow — all of which have straightforward fixes.
Key Takeaways
- Locate your pilot assembly by checking your owner's manual or searching your fireplace model number online.
- Turn the gas control knob to "Pilot," press and hold the ignition button, and hold a flame to the pilot opening for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Keep the button pressed for another 30 seconds after the pilot lights to let the thermocouple heat up and sense the flame.
- If the pilot will not light, clean the pilot opening with a thin wire or needle, or check that gas is flowing to the unit.
What the gas control knob positions mean
Most gas fireplaces have a control knob with three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." "Off" shuts off all gas flow. "Pilot" opens gas only to the pilot light, which is what you use when lighting it for the first time or relighting it after it has gone out. "On" opens gas to both the pilot and the main burner, so the fireplace will heat normally.
Some fireplaces have a fourth position labeled "Ignition" instead of a separate button. In that case, turn the knob to "Ignition," hold it there while you explore a flame to the pilot opening, and release it once the pilot is lit. Check your manual to see which setup yours has.
Why the ignition button must stay pressed
The ignition button controls a safety device called a thermocouple, which is a heat-sensitive switch that sits in the pilot flame. When the pilot is lit, the thermocouple warms up and signals the gas valve to stay open. If you release the button too soon, the thermocouple has not warmed enough yet, and the gas valve closes, shutting off the pilot.
This is why you must hold the button down for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot lights, even though the flame is already visible. Once you release the button and the pilot stays lit, the thermocouple is doing its job. If the pilot goes out within a few seconds of releasing the button, the thermocouple is likely faulty and may need replacement.
Cleaning a pilot opening that will not light
If you hold a flame to the pilot opening and nothing happens, the opening is probably clogged with dust or debris. The pilot opening is very small — often the width of a sewing needle — so even a tiny blockage stops the gas from flowing out.
To clean it, turn the gas control knob to "Off" and wait five minutes for any residual gas to clear. Then use a thin, stiff wire (a straightened paper clip works) or a sewing needle to gently poke into the pilot opening. Do not force it or twist it; just push straight in and pull straight out a few times. Blow gently into the opening to dislodge any debris. Turn the knob back to "Pilot" and try lighting again.
If cleaning does not work, the problem may be that gas is not reaching the pilot at all, which usually means a valve is closed or a line is kinked. Check that the main gas shut-off valve (normally a lever on the gas line leading to the fireplace) is in the open position — the lever should be parallel to the pipe, not perpendicular to it.
When the spark igniter is not working
Some fireplaces have an electronic spark igniter instead of a button you hold down. You turn the knob to "Ignition," and the igniter creates a spark near the pilot opening automatically. If you hear clicking but no spark appears, or if you see a spark but the pilot will not light, the igniter may be wet, dirty, or failing.
If the igniter is wet (from humidity or cleaning), turn off the gas and let it dry for an hour in a warm room, or use a hair dryer on low heat held a few inches away. If it is dirty, use a dry cloth or a soft brush to gently wipe the igniter electrode — the small metal rod that creates the spark. Do not use water or solvents.
If the igniter still does not spark after cleaning and drying, it has likely failed and needs replacement. This is a job for a service technician, as it involves opening the fireplace and working with gas lines.
Safety steps before you start
Before you light the pilot, make sure the room is well ventilated — open a window or door so fresh air can flow in. Gas fireplaces produce carbon dioxide and water vapor, and you want those to escape rather than build up in the room.
Do not use a match if you can avoid it; a long lighter (the kind used for candles or grills) is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. If you must use a match, light it before you turn the gas knob to "Pilot," so you are not fumbling with a lit match while trying to turn the knob.
If you smell gas at any point — a strong, rotten-egg odor — turn the knob to "Off" when ready, leave the room, and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not try to light the pilot again until a technician has checked the unit.
What to do if the pilot keeps going out
If the pilot lights but goes out within a few minutes, the thermocouple is probably too far from the flame or is failing. A thermocouple that is positioned correctly should sit right in the tip of the pilot flame. If it is bent or loose, gently straighten it or tighten the fitting that holds it (usually a small nut you can turn by hand or with a wrench).
If the thermocouple is in the right position and the pilot still goes out, the thermocouple itself has likely failed and needs replacement. This is not a repair you can do yourself — call a service technician. A new thermocouple costs between $50 and $150 in parts and labor, depending on your fireplace model and your region.
Another reason the pilot may go out is a draft blowing it out. If your fireplace is near a window, door, or air vent, try closing the window or door temporarily to see if the pilot stays lit. If it does, you may need to adjust the pilot flame height (if your model allows it) or install a draft shield.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the ignition button down?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. The exact time depends on how quickly the thermocouple heats up, which varies by model. If you release it and the pilot goes out within a few seconds, hold it longer next time — try a full minute.
What if I cannot find the pilot light on my fireplace?
Check your owner's manual first, as the location varies widely. If you do not have the manual, search online for your fireplace model number (usually on a metal plate inside the unit or on the back). The manual will include a diagram showing exactly where the pilot assembly is located.
Can I light the pilot with just a match, or do I need a special lighter?
A regular match works, but a long lighter designed for candles or grills is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame and gives you better control. Light the match or lighter before you turn the gas knob to "Pilot" so you are not juggling a flame and a knob at the same time.
Is it normal for the pilot to smell like gas when it first lights?
A faint gas smell when the pilot first ignites is normal. If the smell is strong and does not fade within a minute, or if you smell gas anywhere else in the room, turn the knob to "Off" and call your gas company's emergency line.
How often do I need to relight the pilot?
Under normal conditions, the pilot should stay lit continuously and never need relighting. If it goes out regularly, the thermocouple is likely failing, or there is a draft problem. Have a technician inspect the unit to find out which.