Manual ignition is your fastest option when the pilot is out

If your fireplace has no working pilot light, you can light it by hand using a long lighter or long matches. Hold the flame to the burner or logs while you turn the gas valve to the on position — the gas will ignite as soon as it meets the flame. This takes about 30 seconds and works on nearly every gas fireplace, whether the pilot failed or was never lit to begin with.

The exact steps depend on whether your fireplace has a control knob or a wall switch, but the principle is the same: introduce flame to gas at the moment you release the gas. This method is safe as long as you keep your hand clear of the burner opening and do not hold the lighter in one spot long enough to overheat it.

Key Takeaways

  • A long-reach lighter or long fireplace matches will light your fireplace by hand without a working pilot light.
  • Turn the gas valve to the on position only after you have the flame in place and ready at the burner.
  • Keep your hand and the lighter away from the burner opening to avoid burns from the initial ignition.
  • If the fireplace does not ignite within a few seconds, turn the gas off, wait a minute, and try again.
  • A dead pilot light usually means the thermocouple needs replacement, which costs $150 to $300 and requires a technician.

What you need to light it by hand

A long-reach lighter is the easiest tool. These are sold at hardware stores and online under names like fireplace lighters, grill lighters, or BBQ lighters. They have a wand 8 to 12 inches long with a spark or flame at the tip, which keeps your hand far enough from the burner. Cost is usually $8 to $15.

Long fireplace matches work the same way but burn down faster. You need to light the match, get it to the burner, and turn the gas on all within the time the match stays lit — usually 20 to 30 seconds. Regular household matches are too short and will burn your fingers before you reach the burner.

Do not use a regular lighter or your fingers. A standard lighter puts your hand too close to the burner opening, and the initial ignition can singe your hand or the lighter itself.

Step-by-step: lighting with a control knob

Most fireplaces have a knob on the front or side of the unit. The knob usually has three positions: off, pilot, and on. Some knobs have a fourth position for continuous operation.

First, make sure the knob is in the off position and wait two minutes. This clears any gas that may have built up. Then hold your long-reach lighter or lit match to the burner opening — the spot where the flame will come out. Hold it steady about 2 inches from the burner. Once the flame is in place and you are ready, turn the knob slowly to the on position. The gas will ignite as it flows out and meets your flame.

Keep the flame there for 5 to 10 seconds after ignition to make sure the fire catches. Then move your hand and lighter away. The fireplace should stay lit on its own. If it goes out after you remove the flame, wait a minute and try again — the burner may need a longer warm-up.

Step-by-step: lighting with a wall switch

Some fireplaces use a wall-mounted switch instead of a knob. These switches are usually labeled on and off, or sometimes have a pilot position. The switch controls an electronic valve that opens and closes the gas line.

Position your lighter or match at the burner opening first, just as you would with a knob. Once the flame is steady and ready, flip the switch to the on position. The gas will flow and ignite when ready. Keep the flame there for several seconds, then remove it and let the fireplace burn on its own.

If the switch has a pilot position, try that first — it may relight the pilot automatically. If the pilot does not catch after 30 seconds, move to the on position and use your lighter as described above.

What to do if it will not stay lit

If the fireplace lights when you introduce the flame but goes out as soon as you remove it, the problem is usually a failed thermocouple. This is a safety device that senses whether the pilot light is burning. When it fails, the fireplace shuts off the gas automatically because it thinks there is no flame to ignite it.

You can still light the fireplace by hand each time, but you will need to hold the lighter in place for the entire time you want the fire to burn — which is not practical. A technician can replace the thermocouple for $150 to $300 depending on the fireplace model and your location. This is a common repair and takes about an hour.

If the fireplace lights and stays lit without your flame, the thermocouple is probably fine and the pilot straightforward needs to be relit. See the pilot light section for how to do that.

Safety steps to follow every time

Always turn the gas off and wait two minutes before you light the fireplace. This prevents gas from building up inside the unit, which can cause a small explosion when you introduce the flame. You will smell gas if too much has accumulated — if you do, open a window and wait five minutes before trying again.

Keep your face and hand away from the burner opening. The initial ignition can flare up, especially if gas has pooled. A long-reach lighter protects you by keeping your hand 8 to 12 inches back. Never lean over the fireplace to look inside while you are lighting it.

Do not light the fireplace if you smell gas and cannot find the source. Turn off the gas at the valve, open windows, and call your gas company's emergency line. A gas leak is a serious hazard.

When to call a technician instead

If the fireplace does not light at all — even with a flame held directly at the burner — the problem is likely a gas valve that is stuck closed or a line that is blocked. These require a technician to diagnose and repair. Do not try to force the valve or disassemble any part of the fireplace yourself.

If you smell gas but the fireplace lights normally, there may be a leak in the line or a loose connection. Turn off the gas, open windows, and call a technician or your gas company. Do not light the fireplace again until the leak is found and fixed.

A fireplace that lights but produces very little flame, or a flame that is yellow or orange instead of blue, usually means the burner needs cleaning or the air shutter needs adjustment. These are jobs for a technician, not a DIY fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I light a fireplace with no pilot light permanently?

No. You can light it by hand each time, but it will not stay lit without a working thermocouple or a pilot light. If you want the fireplace to turn on and off with a switch or remote, you need the pilot light repaired or the thermocouple replaced.

Is it safe to light a fireplace by hand every time?

Yes, as long as you follow the steps: turn off the gas first, wait two minutes, position your flame at the burner, then turn the gas on. The danger comes from gas building up before you light it, which is why the waiting period matters.

What if the lighter keeps going out before I reach the burner?

Use a longer lighter — 10 to 12 inches is better than 8 inches. If you are using matches, light them closer to the fireplace so they do not burn down as much on the way. You can also try lighting the match, walking quickly to the fireplace, positioning it, and then turning the gas on all in one motion.

Why does my fireplace smell like gas after I light it?

A small amount of gas smell right after lighting is normal — it clears in a few seconds as the burner warms up. If the smell lingers or gets stronger, turn off the gas and wait. Persistent gas smell means there is a leak, and you should not light the fireplace again until a technician checks it.

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

You can, but it is not safe. Your hand will be too close to the burner opening, and the initial ignition can burn your fingers or damage the lighter. A long-reach lighter costs $10 to $15 and is worth the investment if you plan to light the fireplace by hand regularly.