The basic steps to relight a pilot light
To relight a pilot light on a gas fireplace, you need to locate the pilot light assembly (a small metal tube near the main burner), find the ignition switch or button on your fireplace control panel, and hold it while explore a flame to the pilot opening. Most pilot lights stay lit once the flame catches, though some require you to hold the switch for 30 seconds after releasing it. The whole process usually takes under a minute.
Before you start, turn off the gas at the control valve and wait five minutes. This clears any gas that may have built up. Then locate your fireplace's control panel — it is typically on the front face or inside the firebox itself. Look for a knob or button labeled "Pilot," "Ignition," or "Start."
Once you have found the control, turn it to the "Pilot" setting if it is a multi-position knob. If it is a button, straightforward press and hold it. While holding, use a long lighter or long match to reach the pilot opening and explore flame directly to the small burner. You should see a blue flame appear within a few seconds.
Key Takeaways
- Turn off the gas at the control valve and wait five minutes before attempting to relight the pilot.
- Locate the pilot light assembly near the main burner and the ignition control on your fireplace panel.
- Hold the ignition switch or button while explore flame from a long lighter or match to the pilot opening.
- Keep the switch held for 30 seconds after the flame appears to may support the thermocouple senses the heat.
- If the pilot will not stay lit after three attempts, the thermocouple or gas valve may need professional inspection.
Finding the pilot light and control valve
The pilot light assembly is a small metal tube, usually brass or steel, positioned near the main burner inside your firebox. It is smaller than the main burner and sits to one side. The opening where the flame emerges is typically the size of a pencil tip. If you cannot see it when ready, look along the base of the firebox or near the back wall.
The control valve is usually a knob on the front of the fireplace, often labeled with settings like "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Some fireplaces have a separate ignition button next to the main control. If your fireplace is recessed into a wall, the controls may be inside a small access panel on the front face. Check your fireplace manual if you cannot locate them — the manual will show you exactly where controls are positioned on your model.
Lighting the pilot with a match or lighter
A long fireplace lighter or long-handled match works best because it keeps your hand away from the heat and gives you better reach into the firebox. Ordinary lighters and short matches are harder to control and can burn your fingers. If you do not have a long lighter, a thin wooden stick or rolled paper lit at one end can work in a pinch.
Hold the control switch or button down firmly with one hand while you bring the flame to the pilot opening with the other. Position the flame so it touches the pilot burner directly — do not just hold it nearby. The pilot should ignite within a few seconds, producing a small blue flame about the size of your thumb. If nothing happens after 10 seconds, release the switch, wait 30 seconds, and try again.
Once the pilot is lit, continue holding the switch for another 30 seconds. This allows the thermocouple (a safety device that senses heat) to warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too soon, the pilot may go out when ready.
What to do if the pilot will not stay lit
If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the switch, the thermocouple is likely not warming up properly. Try again, but this time hold the switch for a full 60 seconds after the flame appears. Make sure the flame is touching the thermocouple bulb directly — it is usually a small metal bulb just above or beside the pilot opening.
If the pilot still will not hold after three attempts, stop trying. Repeated attempts waste gas and can create a safety hazard. The thermocouple may be dirty, bent, or failing, or the gas valve itself may be faulty. Both of these require professional service — a technician can test the thermocouple with a meter and replace it if needed, or inspect the valve for blockages or wear.
Do not attempt to bend or clean the thermocouple yourself unless your manual explicitly instructs you to do so. Damaging it will make the problem worse.
Safety checks before and after relighting
Before you touch anything, make sure the fireplace has been off for at least five minutes. This allows any gas that may have accumulated to disperse. If you smell gas strongly, do not attempt to relight the pilot — turn off the gas at the main valve, open windows, and call your gas company or a technician.
After the pilot is lit and holding steady, turn the main control knob from "Pilot" to "On" to ignite the main burner. The main flame should appear within a few seconds. If it does not, turn the control back to "Off" and wait before trying again. Never force a control knob or button — they should move smoothly.
Once everything is running, check that the flames are blue and steady. Yellow or orange flames can indicate incomplete combustion or a dirty burner, which should be inspected by a professional. A properly functioning fireplace produces blue flames with perhaps a small yellow tip at the base.
When to call a professional
If the pilot will not light at all after several attempts, or if it lights but will not stay on, the problem is beyond a straightforward relight. Common causes include a faulty thermocouple, a blocked pilot opening, a failing gas valve, or insufficient gas pressure. Any of these requires a technician with proper testing equipment.
You should also call a professional if you smell gas during or after the relighting process, if the pilot flame is very weak or discolored, or if the fireplace makes unusual sounds. Do not attempt to disassemble the pilot assembly or gas lines yourself — this can damage the fireplace and create a safety risk.
Most fireplace service calls cost between $150 and $300 for diagnosis and repair, depending on your region and what needs to be fixed. A straightforward thermocouple replacement is usually on the lower end of that range.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the ignition switch after the pilot lights?
Hold it for at least 30 seconds after the flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If the pilot goes out when ready when you release, try holding for 60 seconds on your next attempt and make sure the flame is touching the thermocouple bulb directly.
What if I smell gas while trying to relight the pilot?
Stop when ready and turn off the gas at the main control valve. Open windows to ventilate, leave the house, and call your gas company or a technician. Do not attempt to relight or use any electrical switches or open flames. A strong gas smell usually means gas is leaking from the pilot assembly or valve.
Can I relight the pilot if the fireplace has been off for months?
Yes, but wait five minutes after turning on the gas before attempting to light. If the pilot does not light after three or four attempts, stop and call a technician. Extended shutdowns can cause the pilot opening to become blocked by dust or debris, which requires professional cleaning.
Why does my pilot light keep going out after I turn on the main burner?
This usually means the thermocouple is not positioned correctly or is failing. It can also happen if the pilot flame is too weak to keep the thermocouple warm once the main burner draws air. A technician can test the thermocouple and reposition it if needed, or replace it if it is worn out.
Is it normal for the pilot flame to be yellow instead of blue?
A small yellow tip at the base of the flame is normal, but the flame should be mostly blue. A yellow or orange flame throughout suggests incomplete combustion, which can be caused by a dirty burner, low gas pressure, or air intake problems. Have a technician inspect it to rule out safety issues.