The basic steps to relight your pilot light
To light a gas fireplace pilot light, you need to locate the control knob (usually labeled "Pilot," "On," and "Off"), set it to the pilot position, hold it down while you ignite the flame with a long lighter or match, and keep holding it for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the knob to the "On" position to restore normal fireplace operation.
The exact location of the control knob varies by model—it may be on the front of the fireplace, inside the firebox on the left or right side, or on a wall-mounted remote control. Check your owner's manual to find it on your specific unit. If you cannot locate the manual, the manufacturer's name and model number are usually printed on a metal plate inside the firebox or on the back of the unit.
Key Takeaways
- The control knob must be turned to "Pilot" and held down while you light the flame with a long lighter or match.
- You should see a small blue flame appear at the pilot burner within a few seconds of ignition.
- Continue holding the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and keep the gas valve open.
- If the pilot light goes out when ready after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty and will need professional inspection.
- Never force the knob or use excessive pressure—if it does not turn smoothly, stop and call a technician.
Preparing to light the pilot
Before you attempt to light the pilot, make sure the fireplace has been off for at least five minutes. This allows any residual gas to clear from the firebox and prevents a sudden ignition or small explosion when you light the pilot.
Locate the control knob and turn it all the way to "Off." Then turn it to the "Pilot" position. You may hear a faint hissing sound, which is gas flowing to the pilot burner. This is normal. Do not turn the knob to "On" yet—you must light the pilot first.
Gather a long lighter or long fireplace matches. A standard kitchen match or lighter will not reach the pilot burner safely. Long lighters designed for fireplaces are inexpensive and available at hardware stores, home centers, and online retailers.
Igniting the pilot flame
Press and hold the control knob down firmly in the "Pilot" position. While holding it down, bring the flame from your lighter or match to the pilot burner opening. The pilot burner is a small metal tube, usually located at the bottom of the firebox or inside a metal housing. You may need to lean down or use a flashlight to see it clearly.
Hold the flame near the pilot burner opening for a few seconds. You should see a small blue flame ignite. If nothing happens after five to ten seconds, release the knob, wait a minute, and try again. Do not hold the lighter in place for more than ten seconds at a time, as this wastes fuel and can overheat the lighter.
Once the pilot flame appears, keep holding the knob down. Do not release it when ready. The flame must stay lit while you hold the knob, or the process will not work.
Holding the knob to establish the flame
After the pilot flame ignites, continue pressing the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds. During this time, the thermocouple—a small heat-sensing device near the pilot flame—is warming up. The thermocouple tells the gas valve to stay open and supply gas to the pilot. If you release the knob too soon, the thermocouple will not be warm enough, and the gas valve will close, extinguishing the flame.
Watch the flame while you hold the knob. It should be a steady, blue color. If the flame is yellow or orange, or if it flickers and goes out, release the knob and wait a minute before trying again. A yellow flame may indicate dust or debris in the pilot burner, which a technician can clean.
After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob while keeping your eyes on the pilot flame. If the flame stays lit, you have successfully lit the pilot. If it goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely faulty or dirty and will need professional service.
Turning the fireplace back on
Once the pilot light is burning steadily and stays lit after you release the knob, turn the control knob to the "On" position. This opens the main gas valve and allows gas to flow to the main burner. The main burner should ignite automatically from the pilot flame.
If you have a wall-mounted remote control, use it to turn the fireplace on. The remote sends a signal to the fireplace to open the main gas valve. The pilot flame will ignite the main burner just as it would with a manual knob.
Allow the fireplace to run for a few minutes to make sure it is operating normally. The flame should be blue and steady, and you should feel heat coming from the unit. If the flame is yellow, orange, or uneven, or if you smell gas, turn the fireplace off when ready and contact a technician.
What to do if the pilot light will not stay lit
If the pilot light goes out as soon as you release the knob, or if it lights but then goes out after a few minutes, the thermocouple is the most common culprit. A thermocouple is a safety device that detects whether the pilot flame is burning. If it does not detect heat from the flame, it closes the gas valve to prevent gas from leaking into your home.
A thermocouple can fail for two reasons: it may be dirty, or it may be worn out. Dirt and dust can accumulate on the thermocouple over time, preventing it from sensing the pilot flame properly. A worn-out thermocouple straightforward stops working and must be replaced. Both situations require a professional technician to diagnose and fix.
Do not attempt to clean or replace the thermocouple yourself unless you have experience with gas appliances. Call a licensed HVAC technician or a fireplace service company. They can inspect the thermocouple, clean it if needed, or replace it if it is faulty. This service typically costs between $150 and $300, depending on your location and the technician's rates.
Safety reminders when lighting the pilot
Never use a regular match or lighter to light a gas fireplace pilot. The pilot burner is deep inside the firebox, and a short flame will not reach it safely. You risk burning your hand or face. Always use a long lighter or long fireplace matches.
If you smell gas while attempting to light the pilot, stop when ready. Turn the control knob to "Off," leave the room, and open windows to ventilate. Do not use electrical switches, light a match, or use a lighter. Call your gas company's emergency line from outside the house. A gas leak is a serious safety hazard.
If the control knob is stuck, cracked, or difficult to turn, do not force it. Forcing the knob can damage the internal mechanism and create a gas leak. Stop and call a technician instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the knob down after the pilot lights?
Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds. 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. If you hold it longer, that is fine—just do not hold it for more than a few minutes.
What does the pilot flame look like?
A healthy pilot flame is small, steady, and blue. It should be about the size of a pencil tip or smaller. If the flame is yellow, orange, or flickering, the pilot burner may be dirty. A blue flame means the gas is burning cleanly.
Can I light the pilot with a regular lighter?
A regular lighter will not reach the pilot burner safely. You need a long lighter or long fireplace matches so you can keep your hand and face away from the firebox. Long lighters are inexpensive and available at any hardware store.
What if the pilot light keeps going out after I turn the fireplace on?
If the pilot stays lit when you hold the knob but goes out after you release it or after turning the fireplace on, the thermocouple is likely faulty. This is a safety device that detects the pilot flame. A technician will need to inspect or replace it.
Is it safe to light the pilot myself?
Yes, lighting the pilot is a safe task for most homeowners if you follow the steps carefully. However, if you are uncomfortable working with gas appliances, or if the pilot will not stay lit after several attempts, contact a technician instead of continuing to troubleshoot.