The basic steps to light your fireplace pilot
To light the pilot on a gas fireplace, you'll turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while holding a lit lighter or long match near the pilot opening, and keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. Once the thermocouple (a small sensor near the flame) warms up, you can release the button and turn the knob to "On" to run the fireplace normally.
The exact location of the pilot opening and control knob varies by model, so check your owner's manual first—it will show you exactly where to find these parts and may have a diagram. If you've lost the manual, search the manufacturer's name and model number online; most companies post PDFs for free.
The whole process takes about two minutes. If the pilot won't stay lit after you release the button, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement—that's covered below.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press the ignition button, and hold a flame near the pilot opening until it catches, then keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds while the thermocouple warms.
- Your owner's manual shows the exact location of the pilot opening and control knob on your specific model.
- If the pilot lights but won't stay on when you release the button, the thermocouple is likely dirty or failing and needs cleaning or replacement.
- A clicking sound from the ignition button is normal; if it clicks for more than a minute without lighting, turn everything off and wait five minutes before trying again.
- If you smell gas but see no flame after several attempts, turn off the gas, open windows, and call your fireplace service technician or gas company.
Finding the pilot light and control knob on your model
The pilot opening is usually a small hole or tube near the bottom of the firebox, often with a metal shield around it. The control knob is typically mounted on the front of the fireplace or on a panel below the opening. Some fireplaces have the knob on the side or even inside a small access door.
Before you start, make sure the fireplace is completely off and has cooled for at least five minutes. Check that the gas valve (usually a lever on the gas line behind or beside the fireplace) is in the "On" position—if it's perpendicular to the pipe, it's off. If the valve is off, turn it parallel to the pipe first, then proceed with lighting the pilot.
If you cannot locate the pilot opening or control knob after checking your manual, take a photo of the fireplace and send it to the manufacturer's customer service line. They can usually identify the parts in a few minutes and walk you through the process over the phone.
What to do if the pilot won't stay lit
If the pilot lights when you hold the button but goes out as soon as you release it, the thermocouple is not warming up properly. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and sends a signal to the gas valve to stay open. When it's dirty or failing, the valve closes automatically as a safety measure.
Start by turning off the fireplace and letting it cool for five minutes. Then locate the thermocouple—it's the thin rod that sits directly in the pilot flame, usually held in place by a small nut. Gently pull it out (you may need a wrench to loosen the nut), and use a soft cloth or fine steel wool to wipe away any soot or buildup on the tip. Reinsert it, tighten the nut by hand, and try lighting the pilot again.
If cleaning doesn't work, the thermocouple has likely failed and needs replacement. A new thermocouple costs $15 to $40 and takes about 10 minutes to swap out if you're comfortable with basic tools. If you're not, a service technician can replace it for $100 to $200 in labor. Order the exact model for your fireplace from the manufacturer or a parts supplier like Amazon or eBay.
Troubleshooting when the ignition button clicks but won't light
A clicking sound from the ignition button is the spark trying to ignite the gas. If you hear clicking for 30 seconds or more but see no flame, the spark may be too weak, the gas may not be reaching the pilot, or the pilot opening may be blocked.
First, turn everything off and wait five minutes. Then check that the gas valve is fully on (parallel to the pipe). If it is, try again, but this time hold the lighter or match closer to the pilot opening—sometimes the spark doesn't reach far enough. If the pilot still won't light after three attempts, stop and let the area air out for 10 minutes before trying again.
If the pilot lights with a match or lighter but the ignition button's spark won't work, the spark electrode may be dirty or misaligned. You can try gently cleaning the electrode with a dry cloth, but if that doesn't help, the ignition system likely needs professional service.
Safety steps before and after lighting
Before you light the pilot, make sure the room is well-ventilated and that you have not smelled gas in the area for at least a few minutes. If you do smell gas, do not attempt to light the pilot. Instead, turn off the gas valve, open all windows and doors, leave the house, and call your gas company's emergency line or a fireplace service technician.
After the pilot is lit and you've turned the fireplace to "On," the main burners should ignite within a few seconds. If they don't, turn the knob back to "Off" and wait 10 minutes before trying again. Never leave the fireplace running if the burners don't light—turn it off and call for service.
If you light the pilot successfully but the fireplace won't turn on when you adjust the thermostat or control knob, the issue is likely with the thermostat or control board, not the pilot. In that case, a service technician will need to diagnose the problem.
When to call a professional instead
You should call a fireplace service technician or your gas company if: the pilot won't light after three careful attempts; you smell gas but see no flame; the pilot lights but the main burners won't ignite; the pilot stays lit but goes out randomly during use; or you're uncomfortable working with the gas components at any point.
A service call typically costs $100 to $200 for diagnosis and basic repairs like thermocouple replacement. If the control board or ignition system has failed, repairs may run $300 to $600. Annual maintenance—cleaning the pilot and burners, checking the thermocouple, and testing the safety shutoff—costs $75 to $150 and can prevent many of these problems.
If your fireplace is under warranty, check the terms before paying for service. Some manufacturers cover pilot light repairs for one to five years, and calling an authorized technician may be required to keep the warranty valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the ignition button after the pilot lights?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release it too early, the pilot will go out. Your manual may specify an exact time for your model.
Can I use a regular lighter instead of a long match?
Yes, a regular lighter works fine, but a long lighter or long match is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the pilot opening. If you use a regular lighter, be careful not to burn your fingers on the fireplace frame.
What does the thermocouple do, and why does it matter?
The thermocouple is a safety device that detects whether the pilot flame is burning. If it gets too cold or dirty, it stops sending the signal that tells the gas valve to stay open, so the pilot goes out. A failing thermocouple is the most common reason a pilot won't stay lit.
Is it normal for the pilot to be a small blue flame?
Yes. The pilot should be a steady blue flame about the size of a pencil tip. If it's yellow, orange, or flickering badly, the pilot opening may be dirty or the gas mixture may be off. Clean the opening gently with a thin wire or call for service if cleaning doesn't help.
What if I turn the knob to "On" but nothing happens?
If the pilot is lit but the main burners don't ignite, wait 10 seconds—sometimes they take a moment. If they still don't light, turn the knob back to "Off," wait 10 minutes, and try again. If this happens repeatedly, the thermostat, control board, or gas line may have an issue that requires professional service.