The basic steps to light a gas fireplace pilot

To light the pilot on a gas fireplace, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold it down, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the small flame at the pilot opening while you hold the knob. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot catches — this allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) to warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open. Once you release the knob and the pilot stays lit, turn the knob to "On" or "Ignite" to light the main burner.

The whole process usually takes less than two minutes. If the pilot won't stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement — a job for a professional. If you smell gas at any point, stop, turn the knob to "Off", open windows, and call your gas company's emergency line.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot", hold it down, and light the pilot flame with a long lighter while keeping the knob pressed.
  • Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot ignites so the thermocouple can warm and keep the valve open.
  • If the pilot goes out when you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely dirty or failing and needs professional service.
  • Never force the knob or turn it past the "Pilot" position — you can damage the valve or create a gas leak.
  • If you smell gas or the pilot won't light after three attempts, stop and call your gas company or a fireplace technician.

Locating the pilot opening and control knob

The pilot opening is a small hole or tube inside the fireplace, usually near the bottom of the burner assembly. On most fireplaces, it sits to the side of or slightly below the main burner. Look for a small brass or steel tube pointing downward — that is the pilot burner. The control knob is mounted on the front of the fireplace or on a wall-mounted remote panel, and it will have positions labeled "Off", "Pilot", and "On" or "Ignite".

If your fireplace has a glass front, you may need to open or remove it to reach the pilot opening. Check your owner's manual for the exact location — different models place the pilot in different spots, and some have the opening positioned so you can light it without removing the glass. A long lighter (the kind used for candles) works better than matches because it keeps your hand farther from the flame and gives you more control.

What to do if the pilot won't light

If the pilot won't ignite after three attempts, the problem is usually a clogged pilot opening or a faulty ignition system. Turn the knob to "Off", wait five minutes, and try again. If it still won't light, the pilot tube may be blocked by dust or debris — you can try gently blowing into the pilot opening from the side to clear it, but do not poke it with anything sharp, as you can damage the burner.

If the pilot lights but goes out when ready when you release the knob, the thermocouple is not detecting heat properly. This is a safety feature — the thermocouple shuts off the gas if the pilot flame dies, so the fireplace does not fill with unburned gas. A thermocouple that fails to hold the valve open usually needs cleaning or replacement, both of which require a technician. Do not try to force the knob to stay down or bypass the safety mechanism.

Why the pilot goes out and how to prevent it

A pilot flame can go out for several reasons: a draft blowing through the fireplace, a thermocouple that has cooled too quickly, or a gas supply that is too weak. If your pilot keeps going out shortly after you light it, check that all doors and windows near the fireplace are closed and that there are no fans running in the room. A strong draft can extinguish the pilot even if the thermocouple is working correctly.

If the pilot stays lit for a few seconds and then dies, the thermocouple may be positioned too far from the flame or may be coated with soot. A technician can reposition it or clean it. If the pilot lights and holds but the main burner won't ignite, the problem is usually in the ignition system or the main gas valve, not the pilot itself — this also requires professional service.

Safety steps to follow every time

Before you light the pilot, make sure the control knob is in the "Off" position and wait at least five minutes. This clears any gas that may have accumulated in the fireplace. Then turn the knob slowly to "Pilot" — do not force it. If you smell gas at any point during the process, stop when ready, turn the knob to "Off", and leave the room. Open windows and doors to ventilate, and call your gas company's emergency number. Do not use matches or lighters again until a technician has checked the fireplace.

Never leave the control knob in the "Pilot" position for more than a few minutes if the pilot does not light. Doing so allows gas to build up in the fireplace, which is a fire and safety hazard. If the pilot does not light within three attempts, turn the knob to "Off" and wait before trying again. If you are uncomfortable with the process or if the fireplace has been unused for a long time, a technician can light the pilot for you and check that everything is working safely.

When to call a professional instead

Call a fireplace technician or your gas company if the pilot will not light after three attempts, if it lights but will not stay on when you release the knob, or if you smell gas. You should also have a professional service the fireplace if it has not been used for more than a season, as the thermocouple and pilot opening may need cleaning. A technician can also show you how to light the pilot if you are unsure or uncomfortable doing it yourself.

If your fireplace has an electronic ignition system (some newer models do), you may not have a pilot light at all — instead, you press a button or turn a knob to "Ignite" and the system lights automatically. Check your owner's manual to see what type of ignition your fireplace has. If you have lost the manual, the manufacturer's website usually has a digital copy you can read by model number.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down 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 soon, the pilot will go out. If you hold it much longer than a minute, you are not gaining anything — the thermocouple reaches full temperature quickly.

Can I light the pilot with a match instead of a lighter?

Yes, but a long lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. If you use matches, light one, let it burn for a second to get a steady flame, and then hold it near the pilot opening while you press the knob. Be careful not to burn your hand or drop the match into the fireplace.

What does it mean if the pilot lights but goes out when I release the knob?

The thermocouple is not warming up enough to keep the gas valve open. This is usually because the thermocouple is dirty, positioned too far from the flame, or failing. A technician can clean or reposition it, or replace it if it is worn out. Do not try to hold the knob down longer — that will not fix the problem.

Is it normal for the pilot to flicker?

A small flicker is normal, especially if there is a slight draft in the room. But if the pilot flame is very unstable or keeps going out, close doors and windows to block drafts, or have a technician check the thermocouple and pilot opening for blockages or damage.

What should I do if I smell gas while lighting the pilot?

Stop when ready, turn the knob to "Off", and leave the room. Open windows and doors to ventilate the space. Call your gas company's emergency line — do not try to light the fireplace again. A gas leak is a serious safety hazard and requires professional attention.