The basic steps to light your fireplace pilot light

To light a gas pilot light fireplace, you turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while holding a lit lighter or long match to the pilot burner opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, you turn the knob to "On" to run the main burner. The whole process takes about two minutes and requires no tools.

The pilot light is a small flame that stays on continuously and ignites the main gas burner when you want heat. If your pilot has gone out—from a draft, a power outage, or straightforward age—relighting it is a straightforward task you can do yourself. Most fireplaces have the controls and pilot burner positioned so you can reach them easily from the front.

Key Takeaways

  • The control knob must be turned to "Pilot" before you attempt to light the flame, and the ignition button must be held down continuously during the lighting process.
  • You need a lighter with a long stem or a long match to reach the pilot burner opening safely without burning your hand.
  • After the pilot flame appears, keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds so the thermocouple heats up and holds the gas valve open.
  • If the pilot will not stay lit after you release the button, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing and will need cleaning or replacement.

Locate the control knob and pilot burner opening

Open the fireplace door or access panel and look for the control knob, usually mounted on the front or side of the firebox. The knob has three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Near the knob you will see a small button labeled "Ignition" or sometimes just a red or black button you press to spark the flame. Below or beside the control knob is the pilot burner opening—a small brass or metal tube where the pilot flame burns.

If you cannot see the pilot burner opening from the front, check inside the firebox near the bottom. Some fireplaces have the pilot positioned low and to the side. Consult your fireplace manual if you are unsure; the manual will show you exactly where to look and may include a diagram of the control panel.

Turn the knob to "Pilot" and prepare to ignite

Turn the control knob clockwise or counterclockwise (depending on your model) until it points to "Pilot." Do not turn it to "On" yet. At this point, gas is flowing to the pilot burner but no flame is lit. You should hear a faint hissing sound, which is the gas flowing.

Gather your lighting tool before you proceed. A long-stemmed lighter or a long fireplace match works best because it keeps your hand away from the pilot opening. Do not use a short match or a regular lighter—you risk burning your fingers. Have the lighter or match ready in your hand so you can light the pilot quickly once you press the ignition button.

Press the ignition button and light the pilot flame

Press and hold the ignition button with one hand while bringing the flame from your lighter or match to the pilot burner opening with the other hand. You should see a spark or hear a clicking sound from the ignition button. Hold the flame steady at the pilot opening until you see the pilot light ignite—this usually happens within a few seconds.

Once the pilot flame appears, keep holding the ignition button down. Do not release it yet. The button must stay pressed for 30 to 60 seconds so the thermocouple—a heat-sensing device inside the fireplace—warms up enough to hold the gas valve open. If you release the button too soon, the pilot will go out when ready. Count slowly to 30 or 60 in your head, or watch the second hand on a clock.

Release the button and check if the pilot stays lit

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the ignition button while keeping your eyes on the pilot flame. If the flame stays lit and burns steadily, the thermocouple is working correctly. You can now turn the control knob to "On" to ignite the main burner. The fireplace should produce a larger flame and begin heating.

If the pilot flame goes out as soon as you release the button, wait a few minutes and try again. Sometimes the thermocouple needs a longer warm-up period. If it goes out a second time, or if it stays lit but the main burner will not ignite when you turn the knob to "On," the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty and will need attention (see the troubleshooting section below).

Troubleshooting a pilot that will not stay lit

If the pilot light goes out repeatedly, the thermocouple may be covered in dust or soot. Turn the knob to "Off" and let the fireplace cool for five minutes. Then locate the thermocouple—a thin metal rod near the pilot burner—and gently wipe it with a dry cloth or soft brush to remove any buildup. Do not use water or cleaning fluid. Try lighting the pilot again.

If cleaning the thermocouple does not work, the thermocouple itself may be worn out and need replacement. This is a part you can purchase from a fireplace supply store or online, but installation requires removing the control panel or burner assembly. If you are not comfortable doing this, contact a fireplace service technician. A faulty thermocouple is a common reason pilots fail to stay lit and is relatively inexpensive to replace.

If the pilot lights but the main burner will not ignite when you turn the knob to "On," check that the knob is fully turned to the "On" position. If it is and the burner still does not light, the main burner orifice may be clogged. This also requires professional cleaning or service.

Safety reminders while lighting the pilot

Keep your face and hands away from the pilot opening while lighting it. The flame can flare up slightly as it ignites, and you do not want to be in its path. Wear long sleeves if possible to protect your arms from accidental contact with the flame or hot metal around the burner.

Make sure the fireplace area is clear of flammable materials—curtains, papers, or furniture should be at least three feet away from the front opening. If you smell gas but cannot light the pilot after several attempts, turn the knob to "Off" and leave the fireplace alone. Unlit gas can accumulate and become a hazard. Open a window and wait a few minutes before trying again, or contact a service technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button down?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release it too early, the pilot will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine—just do not release it before 30 seconds have passed.

What if I cannot get the lighter close enough to the pilot opening?

Use a long fireplace match or a long-stemmed lighter designed for grills and fireplaces. These extend 6 to 12 inches and make it much easier to reach the pilot safely. You can find them at hardware stores or online. A regular lighter or short match will not work well and puts your hand too close to the flame.

Can I light the pilot with the fireplace door closed?

No. The door must be open so you can see the pilot burner and reach it with your lighter or match. Trying to light it through a closed door is unsafe and will not work. Always open the door or access panel fully before you begin.

Why does the pilot light go out right after I release the button?

The thermocouple did not warm up enough, or it is dirty or faulty. Try again and hold the button for the full 60 seconds. If it still goes out, turn off the fireplace and gently clean the thermocouple rod with a dry cloth. If cleaning does not help, the thermocouple may need replacement by a technician.

Is it normal for the pilot to make a hissing sound?

Yes. A small hissing sound is normal and means gas is flowing to the pilot burner. Once the flame ignites, the hissing should continue quietly in the background. If the hissing is very loud or the flame is unusually large, turn the knob to "Off" and contact a service technician.