The basic steps to relight your gas log pilot
To light a gas log pilot light, you need to locate the control knob on the gas valve (usually at the base of the logs or behind the front panel), turn it to the "Pilot" position, press and hold the knob while holding a long lighter or match to the pilot burner opening, and keep holding the knob for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the knob to "On" to restore heat to the main burner.
The whole process takes about two minutes if the gas is flowing and the ignition point is clear. If the pilot won't stay lit after you release the knob, or if you smell gas but see no flame, stop and check the issues covered in the sections below before trying again.
Key Takeaways
- The control knob must be turned to "Pilot" before you attempt to light, and you must press and hold it while igniting to open the gas valve.
- A long lighter or fireplace match works better than a regular match because the pilot opening is often recessed and hard to reach.
- You need to hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple heats up and signals the valve to stay open.
- If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely faulty and needs replacement by a technician.
- If you smell gas but cannot get a flame, turn the knob to "Off" and wait five minutes before trying again—gas may have pooled in the line.
Locating the control knob and pilot opening
The gas control valve is usually mounted on the underside of the firebox or on the back wall behind the logs. Look for a knob labeled with positions like "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Some units have the valve mounted low and forward, so you may need to crouch or lie on your side to see it clearly. Take a photo with your phone if the angle is awkward—you can refer to it while you work.
The pilot burner opening itself is a small hole or nozzle near the control valve, often with a thin metal tube running to it. It may be partially hidden by the logs or the firebox structure. Before you attempt to light, make sure you can see where the flame should appear. If the opening is clogged with dust or debris, use a straightened paper clip or a thin wire to gently clear it—do not force anything, as the opening is fragile.
Preparing to light and safety checks
Before you turn any knob, make sure the room is well-ventilated and that no one is using aerosol sprays, hair dryers, or other devices that draw air from the room. These can interfere with the pilot flame. Also check that the main gas valve to the fireplace (usually a lever handle on the gas line itself, not the control knob) is in the "On" position—it should be parallel to the pipe, not perpendicular.
If you smell gas before you start, do not attempt to light the pilot. Turn the control knob to "Off," leave the room, open windows, and wait at least five minutes. Gas may have pooled in the line from a previous failed attempt. If the smell persists after five minutes, turn off the main gas valve and call a technician.
The step-by-step lighting process
Turn the control knob slowly to the "Pilot" position. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows to the pilot line. Do not turn it past "Pilot"—stop when it clicks or seats in that position.
Hold a long lighter or fireplace match to the pilot opening. The flame should ignite within a few seconds. If it does not, wait 10 seconds, remove the lighter, and try again. Do not hold the lighter in place for more than 15 seconds at a time, as this wastes gas and can be uncomfortable.
Once the pilot flame appears, keep pressing and holding the control knob down. This is critical—the knob must stay depressed to keep the gas valve open while the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device inside the valve) warms up. Hold it for a full 30 to 60 seconds. You can release the lighter after the flame is clearly established, but keep holding the knob.
After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. The pilot flame should stay lit. If it does, turn the knob to "On" to restore gas to the main burner. If the pilot goes out as soon as you release the knob, see the troubleshooting section below.
Why the pilot goes out when you release the knob
The most common cause is a faulty thermocouple—the small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a tiny electrical signal to hold the gas valve open. If the thermocouple is worn out, corroded, or positioned too far from the flame, it will not heat up enough during those 30 to 60 seconds, and the valve will close when you release the knob.
Before you assume the thermocouple is bad, check that you held the knob down for the full time. Many people release it after 20 or 30 seconds, which is not long enough. Try again and count slowly to 60 while holding the knob. If the pilot still goes out, the thermocouple needs to be replaced. This is a job for a technician—the thermocouple is a sealed part of the valve assembly, and improper installation can create a gas leak.
Another less common cause is a draft or air current blowing out the pilot flame. If the fireplace is near a door, window, or return air vent, close those temporarily and try again. If the pilot stays lit with the door closed but goes out when you open it, you have an air-flow problem that a technician should assess.
Troubleshooting when the pilot won't light at all
If you turn the knob to "Pilot," hold a lighter to the opening, and see no flame at all, the problem is usually one of three things: no gas is reaching the pilot line, the opening is clogged, or the ignition spark is not working (if your unit has an electronic igniter instead of a manual lighter).
First, check that the main gas valve on the supply line is fully open. The handle should be parallel to the pipe. If it is perpendicular, turn it parallel and try again. If the main valve is open and you still smell gas at the pilot opening but see no flame, the opening may be clogged. Turn the knob to "Off," wait five minutes, then use a straightened paper clip to gently probe the opening and clear any dust or spider web. Do not enlarge the hole or explore force.
If you have an electronic igniter (a small button you press instead of using a lighter), and it is not sparking, the battery may be dead or the igniter may be faulty. Check whether there is a battery compartment on the control valve or nearby on the fireplace. If so, replace the batteries with fresh ones and try again. If there is no battery compartment or the igniter still does not spark, the igniter itself needs replacement by a technician.
When to call a technician instead of troubleshooting further
Stop troubleshooting and call a technician if any of the following is true: you smell gas but cannot get the pilot to light after two or three attempts; the pilot lights but goes out when ready when you release the knob, even after holding it for a full 60 seconds; you hear a hissing sound but see no flame and the smell of gas is strong; or the control knob is cracked, stuck, or does not turn smoothly.
A technician can test the thermocouple with a meter, clean or replace the pilot assembly, check the gas pressure, and inspect the valve for leaks. These are not jobs to guess at—a faulty valve or thermocouple can create a safety hazard, and the parts are inexpensive compared to the cost of a service call, so a technician will usually replace rather than repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the knob down after the pilot lights?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. The thermocouple needs time to heat up and generate the signal that tells the valve to stay open. If you release it too early, the pilot will go out. Count slowly or use a watch to make sure you are holding long enough.
Can I use a regular match instead of a long lighter?
A regular match will work if you can reach the pilot opening, but a long lighter or fireplace match is safer and easier because the opening is often recessed. A regular match may burn your fingers before you reach the flame, or the match may go out before you get it close enough.
What does it mean if I smell gas but the pilot won't light?
Gas is reaching the pilot line but not igniting. This usually means the opening is clogged, the igniter is not working, or there is a draft blowing out the flame. Turn the knob to "Off," wait five minutes, and check that the opening is clear. If the problem persists, call a technician.
Is it normal for the pilot to go out on its own after it has been lit?
No. Once the pilot is lit and you have held the knob for 30 to 60 seconds, it should stay lit indefinitely. If it goes out after an hour or a day, the thermocouple is likely failing. A technician should inspect it.
Do I need to turn off the main gas valve if I cannot get the pilot to light?
If you have tried two or three times and the pilot will not light, turn the control knob to "Off" and wait five minutes before trying again. This clears any pooled gas from the line. If it still will not light after that, turn the main gas valve (the lever on the supply line) to "Off" and call a technician. Do not keep trying indefinitely.