The basic steps to light your fireplace pilot light

To light a fireplace pilot light, you need to locate the control knob (usually labeled "Pilot," "On," and "Off"), turn it to the Pilot position, press and hold it down, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the small flame at the pilot opening while holding the knob. Once the pilot flame catches, keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds so the thermocouple — a heat-sensing device — registers the flame and stays lit. Then release the knob and turn it to the On position.

The whole process takes about two minutes. If the pilot does not stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing, or the gas line may have an air pocket that needs to clear. Trying again after waiting a few minutes often works.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to Pilot, press and hold it, and light the pilot opening with a long lighter or match while the knob is depressed.
  • Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame ignites so the thermocouple senses the heat and keeps the pilot lit.
  • If the pilot goes out when ready after you release the knob, wait a few minutes and try again — air in the line often clears on a second attempt.
  • A pilot that will not stay lit even after multiple tries usually means the thermocouple needs cleaning or replacement, or the gas line has a blockage.

Locating the pilot light and control knob

The pilot light sits inside the firebox, usually at the base near the front or to one side. Look for a small opening or nozzle where a thin flame should burn. The control knob is mounted on the front of the fireplace unit or on the wall nearby, and it will have three positions marked: Off, Pilot, and On (or sometimes Heat or Ignition instead of On).

If you cannot find the pilot opening, check your fireplace manual — the location varies by model. Some pilot lights are recessed deep enough that you need a flashlight to see them clearly. If the manual is missing, the model number is usually printed on a metal plate inside the firebox or on the back of the unit.

Preparing to light the pilot

Before you turn any knobs, gather a long lighter or long fireplace matches. A regular kitchen match or lighter will work, but your fingers will be closer to the flame, and you risk burning yourself. Long fireplace lighters are inexpensive and sold at hardware stores and online.

Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of clutter and that you have good light. If the pilot opening is hard to see, position a flashlight so you can watch the flame catch. Turn off any ceiling fans or strong air currents that might blow out the pilot before it stabilizes.

The step-by-step lighting process

Turn the control knob all the way to the Off position and wait 5 minutes. This clears any gas that may have accumulated in the line. Then turn the knob to Pilot. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows to the pilot opening.

Press the knob down firmly and hold it. While holding it down, bring your lighter or match to the pilot opening and light it. You should see a small blue flame appear. If it does not light on the first try, release the knob, wait 30 seconds, and try again — do not hold the knob down for more than a few seconds without a flame, as this wastes gas.

Once the flame is lit, keep the knob pressed down for 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it goes out as soon as you release the knob, wait a few minutes and repeat the process.

When the pilot is burning steadily, turn the knob to the On position. The main burner should ignite. If it does not, turn the knob back to Off, wait a minute, and try again.

What to do if the pilot will not stay lit

If the pilot lights but goes out within seconds of releasing the knob, the thermocouple is usually the problem. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical signal when heated. If it is dirty, bent, or failing, it will not hold the valve open.

Before assuming the thermocouple is broken, try lighting the pilot two or three more times over the course of an hour. Air trapped in the gas line can cause the pilot to go out on the first or second attempt, but it usually clears by the third try. If it still will not stay lit after three attempts, the thermocouple likely needs cleaning or replacement — this is a job for a fireplace technician, as it requires opening the gas line.

If the pilot lights and stays lit, but the main burner will not ignite when you turn the knob to On, the problem is usually a blocked burner port or a faulty ignition switch. Again, a technician should handle this.

Safety notes while lighting the pilot

Never force the control knob. If it is stuck or very stiff, do not explore extra pressure — call a technician instead. Forcing it can damage the valve.

If you smell gas but do not see a flame after holding the knob down for 10 seconds, stop when ready. Turn the knob to Off, open a window, and leave the area for at least 5 minutes. Do not try again right away. If the smell persists, contact your gas company or a fireplace technician.

Do not leave the knob in the Pilot position for more than a few minutes without lighting the pilot. Holding it down without a flame wastes gas and can create a hazardous buildup.

When to call a professional

If the pilot will not light at all after three or four attempts, or if you smell gas but see no flame, stop and call a fireplace technician or your gas company. Do not keep trying — repeated attempts can create a dangerous gas pocket.

If the pilot lights but the main burner will not turn on, or if the flame is very weak or yellow instead of blue, a technician should inspect the unit. A yellow or orange flame can indicate incomplete combustion, which is a safety issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down after lighting the pilot?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the valve to stay open. If you release it too quickly, the pilot will go out. If you hold it longer, it does not hurt, but it is not necessary.

What if the pilot light is very small or hard to see?

A weak pilot flame can mean the thermocouple is dirty or the gas line has low pressure. Use a flashlight to see it clearly. If the flame is noticeably smaller than it should be, have a technician check the gas line and clean or replace the thermocouple.

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

Yes, but a long lighter is safer because your hand stays farther from the flame. If you use a match, light it first, then bring it to the pilot opening while holding the knob down. Work quickly so the match does not burn down before the pilot catches.

Why does the pilot go out when I turn the knob to On?

This usually means the thermocouple is not making good contact with the pilot flame or is failing. Try lighting the pilot again and holding the knob down for a full 60 seconds before releasing it. If it still goes out when you turn to On, the thermocouple needs inspection or replacement.

Is it normal for the pilot to take a few tries to light?

Yes, especially if the fireplace has not been used in a while. Air in the gas line can prevent the pilot from catching on the first or second attempt. Wait 30 seconds between tries and try again. If it lights on the third attempt and stays lit, the system is working normally.