The fastest way: use the ignition button or a long lighter

If your pilot light is out, you can light the fireplace directly without relighting the pilot first. Most modern gas fireplaces have an ignition button on the control panel or remote. Hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the gas flows, then release. The spark should ignite the main burner. If the button doesn't work, a long-handled barbecue lighter or fireplace lighter will do the same job — hold it near the burner opening while you turn the gas valve to the on position.

This method works because the pilot light's only job is to keep a small flame burning so the main burner ignites automatically when you turn it on. If the pilot is out, you are just doing that job yourself with a spark or an open flame instead. The fireplace will operate normally once lit, even though the pilot is not running.

Key Takeaways

  • An ignition button or long lighter can light the main burner directly without a working pilot light.
  • Hold the ignition button for 10 to 15 seconds while gas flows, or use a barbecue lighter near the burner opening.
  • If the ignition button does not spark, check that the battery in the control panel is not dead.
  • A pilot light that goes out repeatedly usually means the thermocouple is failing and should be replaced by a technician.
  • Never force gas to flow if you smell gas but see no flame — turn off the valve and open windows instead.

When the ignition button does not spark

If you press the button and hear nothing, the problem is usually a dead battery in the control panel. Most fireplace ignition systems run on two AA or AAA batteries. Open the panel (usually held by a single screw or clip) and replace the batteries. Try the button again.

If the batteries are new and the button still does not spark, the ignition module itself may be broken. At that point, a long lighter becomes your backup. A long-handled barbecue lighter or a fireplace lighter (sold at hardware stores for under $10) will work as long as you can reach the burner safely. Light it, hold it near the burner opening, and turn the gas valve on slowly. The flame from the lighter will ignite the gas.

Using a long lighter safely

A long lighter is the simplest tool if you do not have an ignition button or it is not working. Light the lighter first, then turn the gas valve on. Keep your hand and face back from the opening — gas ignites quickly and the flame will jump up. Do not lean over the fireplace or put your face near the burner.

If you are lighting a fireplace insert or a unit where the burner is hard to reach, a fireplace lighter (which has a longer, thinner nozzle than a barbecue lighter) works better. These are made for this exact job and cost $5 to $15. Keep one in a drawer near the fireplace so you have it if the ignition button fails.

What to do if you smell gas but see no flame

If you turn on the gas and smell it but the lighter or ignition button does not produce a flame, stop when ready. Turn the gas valve to off and open windows and doors to let the gas out. Do not try again right away. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the gas to clear.

Gas that is not igniting means it is building up in the fireplace and the room. This is a safety hazard. Once the air has cleared, check that the burner opening is not blocked by debris or soot. If it looks clear and you still cannot light it, the problem is likely with the gas line or valve, and you should contact a technician. Do not keep trying to light it yourself.

Why the pilot light keeps going out

If you are lighting the fireplace without a pilot light because the pilot will not stay on, the underlying issue is usually the thermocouple — a safety device that shuts off the gas if the pilot flame goes out. When the thermocouple is failing, it stops sensing the pilot flame even when it is lit, so the gas shuts off and the pilot dies. You can relight it, but it will go out again within hours or days.

A failing thermocouple cannot be fixed at home. It must be replaced by a technician, which usually costs $150 to $300 in labor and parts. Until then, you can light the fireplace using the ignition button or a lighter each time you use it. This is safe as long as you follow the steps above and never force gas to flow without a flame.

Difference between relighting the pilot and lighting the main burner

Relighting the pilot light is a separate process from lighting the main burner. The pilot is a small, steady flame that burns all the time (or whenever you want heat). The main burner is the larger flame you see when the fireplace is on. If your pilot is out, you have two choices: relight the pilot (so it will ignite the main burner automatically next time), or skip the pilot and light the main burner directly each time you use the fireplace.

Most people choose to light the main burner directly if the pilot keeps failing, because it is faster and does not require the pilot to stay lit. The fireplace works exactly the same way. The only downside is that you cannot turn the fireplace on with a remote or wall switch — you have to use the ignition button or lighter each time. If you want the convenience of a remote, the pilot light needs to be working, which means the thermocouple needs to be replaced.

When to call a technician

Call a technician if the ignition button does not spark even after you replace the batteries, if you smell gas but cannot light the burner, or if the pilot light goes out repeatedly. These are signs of a broken ignition module, a gas line problem, or a failing thermocouple. Trying to fix these yourself can be unsafe.

You do not need a technician just to light the fireplace without a pilot light — the ignition button or a long lighter will do that. But if the pilot keeps dying or the ignition system is not working, a technician should diagnose the problem. Most fireplace service calls cost $100 to $200 for diagnosis and a straightforward repair, and $200 to $400 if a part like the thermocouple needs to be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave the fireplace on without a pilot light?

Yes. The pilot light is a convenience feature, not a requirement. You can light the main burner with an ignition button or lighter every time you use the fireplace. The burner will stay on as long as the gas valve is open, and it will turn off when you close the valve. You just cannot use a remote control or wall switch to turn it on and off automatically.

Is it safe to light a gas fireplace with a lighter?

Yes, as long as you light the lighter first, then turn the gas on slowly. Keep your hand and face back from the burner opening. Gas ignites quickly and the flame will jump up. A long-handled lighter is safer than a short one because it keeps your hand farther from the heat.

Why does my ignition button not work even with new batteries?

The ignition module itself may be broken, or the wires connecting the button to the module may be loose or damaged. Check that the battery connections are clean and tight. If the button still does not spark, use a long lighter instead. A technician can replace the ignition module if you want the button to work again.

How long can I keep lighting the fireplace manually?

You can do this indefinitely if the gas line and burner are working. The only inconvenience is that you have to light it by hand each time. If the pilot light keeps dying, the thermocouple is likely failing and should be replaced so the pilot will stay on and the fireplace can be controlled by remote or switch.

What does it mean if the fireplace lights but then goes out?

If the main burner lights and then shuts off within a few seconds, the thermocouple is probably failing. The thermocouple senses the pilot flame and tells the gas valve to stay open. If it is not working, the valve closes automatically as a safety measure. A technician needs to replace the thermocouple.