Light the pilot with a long lighter or match when the electronic ignitor fails

If your gas fireplace ignitor is broken or the battery is dead, you can light the pilot flame by hand using a long lighter, a long fireplace match, or even a straightened paperclip and match. The process takes about 30 seconds and requires only that you locate the pilot burner inside the firebox, turn the gas valve to the pilot setting, and hold a flame to the burner opening while you press the gas valve button.

The pilot light sits at the base of the fireplace, usually toward the front or side of the interior. It is a small brass or metal tube with a tiny opening. Before you attempt to light it, make sure the fireplace is completely cool, the main gas valve is off, and you have a clear view of the pilot burner location. Read your fireplace manual if you have it — the pilot location varies by model.

Key Takeaways

  • A long lighter or fireplace match works better than a standard match because it keeps your hand farther from the flame and gives you better reach into the firebox.
  • Turn the control knob to the pilot position (usually marked with a flame symbol or the word "pilot"), then press and hold the gas valve button while you hold a flame to the pilot opening.
  • Keep the flame on the pilot opening for 10 to 15 seconds after you see ignition, because the thermocouple needs time to heat up and signal that the pilot is lit.
  • If the pilot does not stay lit after you release the button, wait five minutes and try again — the thermocouple may not have heated enough on the first attempt.
  • If the pilot still will not light after three attempts, the gas supply to the pilot may be blocked, or the thermocouple may be faulty and need replacement.

Gather the right tools before you start

A standard kitchen match or lighter will work, but a long fireplace match or long-reach lighter is safer and easier. Fireplace matches are typically 10 to 12 inches long and are sold at hardware stores, grocery stores, and online retailers. A long-reach lighter (the kind used for candles) works just as well and costs about the same.

If you do not have either, a straightened metal paperclip held in a match flame can work in a pinch — light the match first, then hold the paperclip in the flame until it glows, then use it to ignite the pilot. This method is slower and requires more care, but it works. Do not attempt to use your fingers or a short match; the firebox gets hot and you risk burning yourself.

Locate the pilot burner and control knob

Open the fireplace door or access panel and look inside the firebox. The pilot burner is a small metal tube, usually brass-colored, positioned near the base of the main burner assembly. It may have a small metal shield around it. The control knob is mounted on the front of the fireplace, usually below or to the side of the main on/off switch. It will have settings labeled "off," "pilot," and "on" (or similar wording).

Some fireplaces have the control knob inside the firebox rather than on the front panel. If you cannot find it on the exterior, open the access panel and look for a small dial or lever near the pilot burner. Your manual will show the exact location for your model. If you do not have the manual, search online for your fireplace brand and model number — most manufacturers post PDFs for free.

Turn the gas valve to pilot and press the button

Make sure the main gas valve (the one that controls the whole fireplace) is in the on position. Then turn the control knob to the pilot setting. You will hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows to the pilot burner. Press and hold the gas valve button (usually a red or black button on the control knob itself) — this button opens the gas line to the pilot.

Keep the button pressed while you light the pilot. Do not release it yet. The button must stay pressed for the pilot to receive gas; if you let go, the gas stops flowing and the flame will go out. Most control knobs have a button you push down and hold, not a switch you flip. If your knob has a lever instead of a button, push the lever down and hold it in place.

Hold the flame to the pilot opening and wait

While holding the gas valve button down, bring your lighter or match to the pilot burner opening. The opening is very small — about the size of a pencil tip. Hold the flame directly over or into the opening. You should see the pilot light ignite within a few seconds. Once it ignites, keep the flame on the pilot for another 10 to 15 seconds. This time allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) to warm up enough to signal that the pilot is burning.

After 10 to 15 seconds, slowly release the gas valve button. If the pilot stays lit, you have succeeded. If it goes out when ready after you release the button, the thermocouple did not heat up enough. Wait five minutes for the fireplace to cool, then repeat the process. On the second attempt, hold the flame on the pilot for a full 15 to 20 seconds before releasing the button.

Troubleshoot if the pilot will not light or stay lit

If the pilot does not ignite at all, gas may not be reaching the pilot burner. Check that the main gas valve is fully on and that the control knob is set to pilot. Listen for the hissing sound that indicates gas flow. If you do not hear hissing, the gas supply may be shut off at the wall or at the meter. Check the wall valve behind or beside the fireplace and make sure it is in the on position (the handle should be parallel to the pipe, not perpendicular).

If gas is flowing but the pilot will not light, the pilot opening may be clogged with dust or debris. Use a thin wire or a straightened paperclip to gently clear the opening. Do this only when the gas is off and the fireplace is cool. If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the button, the thermocouple is likely faulty and needs replacement. This is a straightforward part swap that a technician can do, or you can order the part online and replace it yourself if you are comfortable working with gas appliances.

Turn the knob to on once the pilot is stable

Once the pilot is lit and stays lit after you release the gas valve button, turn the control knob from pilot to on. This opens the gas line to the main burner. The main burner should ignite from the pilot flame. If it does not, turn the knob back to off and wait a minute, then try again. Sometimes the main burner needs a moment to receive gas.

If the main burner still does not light, turn everything off and let the fireplace cool for 10 minutes. Repeat the pilot lighting process and try again. If the main burner lights but the pilot goes out when you switch to on, the pilot flame may be too small or positioned incorrectly. This usually means the pilot burner needs cleaning or adjustment, which is best done by a technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular lighter instead of a fireplace match?

Yes, a regular lighter works fine, but a long-reach lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the heat. A standard lighter may not reach far enough into the firebox, and your hand will be closer to the pilot opening when it ignites. If you use a regular lighter, be careful not to touch the firebox interior — it heats up quickly.

How long should I hold the flame on the pilot?

Hold the flame on the pilot opening for 10 to 15 seconds after ignition. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal that the pilot is burning. If you release the button too soon, the thermocouple will not be hot enough and the pilot will go out when you let go.

What if the pilot lights but goes out when I turn the knob to on?

This usually means the pilot flame is too small or not positioned correctly to ignite the main burner. Turn everything off, wait 10 minutes for the fireplace to cool, and try lighting the pilot again. If it keeps happening, the pilot burner may need cleaning or the thermocouple may need adjustment — contact a technician.

Is it safe to light the pilot by hand if the ignitor is broken?

Yes, hand-lighting the pilot is a normal and safe procedure. Gas fireplaces were designed to be lit this way before electronic ignitors became standard. Just make sure the fireplace is cool, you have a clear view of the pilot burner, and you use a long lighter or match to keep your hand away from the heat.

What should I do if the pilot will not light no matter what I try?

Check that gas is flowing to the pilot by listening for a hissing sound when the control knob is on pilot. If you hear nothing, the main gas valve or wall valve may be off. If gas is flowing but the pilot will not ignite, the pilot opening may be clogged — try gently clearing it with a thin wire. If neither works, the thermocouple or gas line to the pilot may be faulty and needs professional inspection.