The basic steps to light your fireplace
To light a gas fireplace with a pilot light, turn the control knob to the Pilot position, press and hold it down, then use a long lighter or match to ignite the small flame at the pilot opening. Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot catches — this keeps gas flowing to the pilot while the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) warms up. Once you release the knob and it stays in the Pilot position without the flame going out, the pilot is lit. Then turn the knob to the On position to ignite the main burner.
The whole process usually takes less than two minutes. If the pilot does not stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement, or the gas supply may be off. If the main burner does not ignite after you turn to On, check that the control knob is fully turned and that you hear a clicking sound (the igniter trying to spark).
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to Pilot, press and hold it, then light the pilot opening with a long lighter or match.
- Keep the knob pressed down for 30 to 60 seconds so the thermocouple can warm up and sense the heat.
- If the pilot stays lit when you release the knob, turn it to On to light the main burner.
- A pilot that will not stay lit usually means the thermocouple is dirty or the gas valve is closed.
Where to find the pilot light opening
The pilot opening is a small hole or tube near the bottom of the fireplace, usually inside the firebox or on the front of the control box. Look for it before you start — it is typically marked with a small label or sits just below the main burner. Some fireplaces have the pilot opening on the left side, others on the right, so check your specific model.
If you cannot locate it, check the manual that came with your fireplace or look for a diagram on the inside of the access panel. The opening is small enough that you need a long lighter (the kind used for candles) or a long match to reach it safely without putting your hand too close to the burner area.
What to do if the pilot light will not stay on
If you light the pilot but it goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is usually the problem. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and sends a signal to the gas valve to keep gas flowing. When it gets dirty or fails, the valve closes and shuts off the gas.
To clean the thermocouple, turn off the gas at the control knob and wait five minutes. Then locate the thermocouple (a thin rod inside the firebox, usually near the pilot opening) and gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth or fine steel wool. Do not bend it. Turn the gas back on and try lighting the pilot again. If it still will not stay lit after cleaning, the thermocouple likely needs replacement — this is a job for a technician, as it requires disconnecting gas lines.
Checking the gas supply before you start
Before you try to light the pilot, make sure gas is actually reaching the fireplace. Look at the control knob — it should have three positions: Off, Pilot, and On. If the knob will not turn or feels stuck, the gas may be shut off at the valve. Check behind or below the fireplace for a small lever or knob on the gas line itself; it should be parallel to the pipe (in line with the flow) to be open, and perpendicular to turn it off.
If the gas valve is open but you smell gas when you turn the knob to Pilot, do not light anything. Turn the knob back to Off, open a window, and wait 15 minutes for the gas to clear. A strong gas smell means there may be a leak, and you should call a technician or your gas company before trying again.
Using a long lighter instead of matches
A long lighter designed for candles or grills is safer and easier than matches because it keeps your hand farther from the pilot opening and the burner. Hold the lighter so the flame points directly at the pilot opening, and light it at the same moment you press and hold the control knob in the Pilot position. The pilot should catch within a few seconds.
If you use matches, light one and hold it near the pilot opening while pressing the knob. Long fireplace matches (sold at hardware stores) work better than standard matches because they burn longer and keep your fingers away from the heat. Never try to light the pilot with a regular lighter held sideways — the flame will not reach the opening and you risk burning your hand.
Turning on the main burner after the pilot is lit
Once the pilot is burning steadily and stays lit after you release the knob, turn the control knob all the way to the On position. You should hear a clicking sound as the igniter sparks, and the main burner should light within a few seconds. If you hear clicking but the burner does not light, wait 10 seconds and try again — sometimes it takes a second or third spark.
If the main burner still does not light after three attempts, turn the knob back to Off and wait five minutes. Then try the whole process again from the Pilot position. If it fails a second time, the igniter may be wet or the burner ports may be blocked with dust. A technician can clean or replace these parts.
Safety steps to follow every time
Always make sure the fireplace area is clear of flammable objects — keep curtains, furniture, and decorations at least three feet away from the front. Do not light the pilot if you smell gas; instead, turn the knob to Off and ventilate the room. If you have a fireplace with glass doors, open them fully before lighting so you can see the pilot and burner clearly.
Never force the control knob or try to light the pilot if the knob feels stuck or broken. If the knob is damaged, the gas valve may not close properly, which is a safety hazard. In that case, turn off the gas at the main valve (the lever on the gas line) and call a technician to replace the control knob before using the fireplace again.
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 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 indefinitely.
What if I cannot reach the pilot opening with my lighter?
Use a longer lighter or long fireplace matches instead. If the pilot opening is still out of reach, the fireplace may need a professional inspection — the opening should be accessible without risk of burning yourself. Do not try to force your hand into a tight space.
Can I light the pilot if I smell a little bit of gas?
No. Even a faint gas smell means gas is leaking somewhere. Turn the knob to Off, open windows, and wait 15 minutes. If the smell persists, call your gas company or a technician before trying again.
Why does my pilot light keep going out after I release the knob?
The thermocouple is almost always the cause. It senses the pilot flame and tells the gas valve to stay open. When it is dirty or failing, the valve closes. Try cleaning it with a soft cloth first; if that does not work, it needs replacement by a technician.
Do I need to relight the pilot every time I use the fireplace?
No. Once the pilot is lit and burning, it should stay on continuously (unless you turn the knob to Off). You only need to light it once when you first set up the fireplace or after the pilot has gone out for some reason.