Relighting a gas fireplace pilot light yourself

You can relight most gas fireplace pilot lights without calling a technician. The process takes five to ten minutes and requires only a long lighter or long matches — no special tools. The steps are nearly identical across brands, though you should check your fireplace manual first because some models have safety switches that prevent relighting if something is wrong.

The pilot light is the small flame that stays on all the time and ignites the main burner when you turn the fireplace on. When it goes out, the main burner won't light either. A pilot light usually dies because of a draft, a clogged pilot tube, or because the thermocouple (a safety sensor) has failed. If it keeps going out after you relight it, the thermocouple is likely the problem and you'll need a professional to replace it.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off the gas at the control knob and wait five minutes before attempting to relight the pilot.
  • Locate the pilot light assembly — a small metal tube with a tiny opening — usually at the base of the fireplace or inside the burner area.
  • Hold the control knob in the "Pilot" position while you light the pilot opening with a long lighter, then hold the knob there for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears.
  • If the pilot light goes out again within a few hours or days, the thermocouple has likely failed and requires professional replacement.
  • Never force the control knob or explore excessive pressure — if it won't turn or feels stuck, stop and call a technician.

Locate the control knob and pilot assembly

The control knob is usually mounted on the front of the fireplace, at the base or on the side of the unit. It has three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." The pilot assembly itself — a small metal tube with a tiny opening — sits inside the fireplace, typically at the base of the burner or along the bottom edge. You may need to look inside the fireplace opening or remove a decorative cover to see it clearly.

Some fireplaces have the pilot assembly tucked behind the burner or logs, which means you'll need to reach in carefully or remove the burner assembly first. Check your manual for the exact location. If you cannot locate the pilot assembly or the control knob, or if the manual is missing, take a photo and contact the manufacturer — they can usually identify it from the model number.

Turn off the gas and wait

Turn the control knob to "Off" and leave it there for at least five minutes. This allows any gas that may have accumulated inside the fireplace to disperse safely. Do not skip this step — it prevents gas from building up and creating a hazard when you relight the pilot.

While you wait, gather a long lighter or long matches. A regular lighter or short matches will not reach the pilot opening safely. A fireplace lighter (a long-handled lighter sold at hardware stores) is ideal, but a long-reach barbecue lighter works just as well.

Relight the pilot light

After five minutes have passed, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position. You should hear a faint hissing sound — that is gas flowing to the pilot tube. Hold the knob in this position and when ready bring your lighter to the pilot opening. The flame should ignite within a few seconds.

Once the pilot light is burning, keep the control knob pressed in the "Pilot" position for 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve that the pilot is stable. If you release the knob too soon, the pilot will go out. After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob and turn it to the "On" position. The main burner should ignite. If it does not, turn the knob back to "Off," wait five minutes, and try again.

What to do if the pilot light won't stay lit

If the pilot light goes out within a few hours or days of relighting it, the thermocouple has almost certainly failed. The thermocouple is a safety device that detects the pilot flame and tells the gas valve to stay open. When it fails, the valve closes automatically, shutting off gas to the pilot. This is a safety feature, not a malfunction.

A failed thermocouple cannot be repaired — it must be replaced. This is a job for a professional because it involves disconnecting gas lines and ensuring the new thermocouple is properly calibrated. Call a gas fireplace technician or your fireplace manufacturer's service line. Replacement typically costs between $150 and $300, depending on your region and the technician's service fee.

When to call a professional instead

Do not attempt to relight the pilot if you smell gas inside your home. Turn off the gas at the main valve, open windows, and call your gas company's emergency line when ready. A strong gas smell means there is a leak somewhere in the system.

Also call a technician if the control knob feels stuck or won't turn smoothly, if you hear a loud hissing sound that does not stop after a few seconds, or if the pilot light ignites but the main burner does not light after you turn the knob to "On." These are signs of a problem beyond a dead pilot light — possibly a clogged burner, a faulty gas valve, or a broken ignition system.

Preventing pilot light outages

Pilot lights go out most often because of drafts from open windows or doors, or from air currents created by ceiling fans or HVAC vents. If your pilot light dies repeatedly even though the thermocouple is working, check for drafts near the fireplace. Close nearby windows and doors, or redirect air vents away from the fireplace opening.

A clogged pilot tube can also cause repeated outages. Dust and debris accumulate inside the small opening over time. If relighting does not solve the problem and the thermocouple is fine, a technician can clean the pilot tube with compressed air or a small brush. This is a quick job that usually costs $75 to $150.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the control knob in the Pilot position?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. 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 when ready.

What if the pilot light ignites but goes out when I turn the knob to On?

Turn the knob back to "Off," wait five minutes, and try again. If it happens a second time, the thermocouple is likely failing. A professional will need to replace it.

Can I use a regular lighter instead of a long lighter?

A regular lighter can work, but it is harder to reach the pilot opening safely without burning your hand or arm. A long-reach lighter or fireplace lighter is much safer and costs only a few dollars.

Is it dangerous to relight the pilot myself?

No, relighting a pilot light is a safe, routine task if you follow the steps — especially the five-minute wait before attempting to light. The danger comes from skipping that step or ignoring a gas smell.

Why does my pilot light keep going out even after I relight it?

The most common cause is a failing thermocouple, which needs professional replacement. Less common causes are drafts near the fireplace or a clogged pilot tube. A technician can diagnose which one is the problem.