The Basic Steps to Light Your Pilot

To light a gas fireplace pilot light, you will turn the control knob from "Off" to "Pilot," hold it down for 30 to 60 seconds while pressing the igniter button, and then release the knob once you see a small flame. If your fireplace has an electronic igniter (a button you press), you may not need a lighter at all. If it has a manual igniter, you will hold a long lighter or match to the pilot opening while pressing or holding the control knob down.

The exact sequence depends on your fireplace model, so check the label on the control valve itself—most have printed instructions right there. The process usually takes less than two minutes, and the pilot should stay lit once you turn the knob to the "On" position.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot" and hold it down while you ignite the flame—this keeps gas flowing to the pilot burner.
  • Use either an electronic igniter button (if your fireplace has one) or a long lighter held near the pilot opening.
  • Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple heats up and keeps the valve open.
  • If the pilot will not stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing, and you may need to clean or replace it.
  • Never force the control knob or igniter button—if something feels stuck or broken, turn off the gas and call a technician.

Locating the Control Knob and Igniter

The control knob is usually mounted on the front or side of the fireplace, near the bottom, and is labeled with positions like "Off," "Pilot," and "On." The igniter button (if your model has one) sits right next to it or sometimes on the same assembly. Look for a small red or black button that clicks when you press it.

If you cannot find the igniter button, your fireplace uses a manual igniter—you will light the pilot with a long lighter or long match instead. Some older models have a small hole or opening where the pilot burner sits; you will aim the flame into this opening while holding the control knob down.

Using an Electronic Igniter

If your fireplace has an electronic igniter button, the process is straightforward. Turn the control knob to "Pilot," then press and hold the igniter button while holding the control knob down. You should hear a clicking sound and see a spark near the pilot opening. Keep pressing the button and holding the knob for 30 to 60 seconds—the pilot flame should appear within a few seconds, but you continue holding both for the full time to may support the thermocouple heats up.

Once the flame is clearly lit and steady, release the igniter button first, then slowly release the control knob. Turn the knob to "On" to open the main burner valve. If the pilot goes out when you release the knob, wait a minute and try again—sometimes the thermocouple needs a second attempt to heat fully.

Using a Manual Lighter or Match

For manual ignition, you will need a long lighter (the kind made for candles or grills) or long fireplace matches. Turn the control knob to "Pilot" and hold it down. With your other hand, hold the lighter or match near the pilot opening—this is usually a small hole or tube at the base of the fireplace, sometimes marked on the faceplate.

Light the pilot and keep the flame near the opening while still holding the control knob down. Maintain this for 30 to 60 seconds so the thermocouple heats up. Once the pilot flame is steady and clearly burning, release the knob slowly. If the pilot stays lit, turn the knob to "On." If it goes out, wait a minute and repeat the process.

What to Do If the Pilot Will Not Stay Lit

If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the control knob, the thermocouple is likely the problem. The thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and signals the valve to stay open; if it is dirty or damaged, it cannot do its job. Turn off the gas, wait a few minutes, and try again—sometimes the thermocouple just needs a second heating cycle.

If it still will not hold, you can try cleaning the thermocouple. Turn off the gas completely, let the fireplace cool for at least 10 minutes, and then locate the thermocouple (a thin rod near the pilot burner). Use a soft brush or fine steel wool to gently clean the tip where it sits in the flame. Wipe away any debris and try lighting the pilot again. If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple may need replacement—this is a job for a technician, as it requires disconnecting the gas line.

Safety Steps Before You Start

Before lighting the pilot, make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of anything flammable—curtains, papers, or furniture should be at least three feet away. Check that the gas valve on the wall or floor (if your fireplace has one) is in the "On" position; if it is off, no gas will reach the fireplace at all.

If you smell gas before or during the lighting process, stop when ready, turn off the control knob, and open windows to ventilate the room. Do not use the fireplace. Gas leaks are serious, and you should call your gas company or a technician. Never try to force a stuck knob or igniter button—if something feels jammed or broken, turn off the gas and call for service.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is releasing the control knob too soon. You must hold it down for the full 30 to 60 seconds even after the flame appears, because the thermocouple needs time to heat up. If you let go after just a few seconds, the valve will close and the pilot will go out.

Another mistake is not holding the lighter or match steady in the pilot opening. The flame needs to actually touch the pilot burner, not just hover near it. If you are using a manual lighter, keep it in place for the entire time you are holding the knob down. Also, do not turn the knob all the way to "On" until the pilot is clearly lit and stable—turning it too early can flood the burner with gas and make it harder for the pilot to catch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the control knob down?

Hold it down for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the valve to stay open. If you release it too early, the pilot will go out.

What if I do not hear a clicking sound from the igniter?

The igniter may be broken or the battery may be dead (some electronic igniters run on a small battery). Try using a manual lighter instead. If the igniter is broken, you will need a technician to replace it, but the fireplace will still work with manual ignition.

Can I light the pilot if the main burner valve is on?

No. Always make sure the control knob is set to "Pilot" before you light it. If the main burner valve is open, too much gas will flow and the pilot may not light properly. Turn the knob to "Pilot" first, light the pilot, and only then turn it to "On."

Is it normal for the pilot to flicker?

A small amount of flickering is normal, especially if there is air movement in the room. But the pilot should burn steadily most of the time. If it flickers constantly or goes out easily, the thermocouple may be dirty or the pilot opening may be clogged with dust.

What should I do if gas is leaking from the fireplace?

Turn off the control knob when ready and do not try to light it again. Open windows to ventilate the room and call your gas company or a licensed technician. Do not use the fireplace until a professional has checked it.