The basic steps to light your fireplace pilot

To light a pilot light in a gas fireplace, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while holding a lit lighter or long match to the pilot opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the knob to "On" or "Ignite" to heat the main burner.

The exact location of the pilot opening and the control knob varies by fireplace model, but the sequence is the same. Most modern fireplaces have an ignition button you press; older models may require you to manually light the pilot with a match or lighter. If the pilot won't stay lit after you release the button, the thermocouple — a safety device that senses heat — may need cleaning or replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot" before attempting to light, and locate the pilot opening in your fireplace manual or by looking near the main burner.
  • Hold the ignition button down continuously while lighting the pilot with a match or lighter, then keep holding for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears.
  • If the pilot light goes out when ready when you release the button, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty and should be inspected.
  • Never force the control knob or ignition button; if something feels stuck or broken, stop and consult your manual or a technician.

Locating the pilot light opening and controls

The pilot opening is usually a small brass or steel tube near the main burner, often at the bottom or side of the firebox. The control knob is mounted on the front of the fireplace or on a panel below the opening. Your fireplace manual will show the exact location; if you don't have the manual, search the model number (usually on a label inside the firebox or on the back of the unit) on the manufacturer's website.

Before you begin, make sure the fireplace is off and has cooled for at least 10 minutes. If you smell gas, do not attempt to light the pilot. Turn off the gas at the valve, open windows, and leave the house. Call your gas company or a technician.

Step-by-step lighting process

First, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" setting. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows to the pilot. If you don't hear anything, the gas may be off at the main valve or the knob may not be turning properly.

Next, press and hold the ignition button. If your fireplace has an electronic igniter, you may hear clicking sounds. If it has no igniter button, you will light the pilot manually. Hold a lit long lighter or long match near the pilot opening — the flame should be about 1/4 inch away from the opening. The pilot should light within a few seconds.

Once the pilot flame appears, keep holding the ignition button down for 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. After 60 seconds, slowly release the button. The pilot should remain lit. If it goes out, wait a minute and repeat the process.

Why the pilot light goes out when ready

If the pilot light ignites but dies as soon as you release the button, the thermocouple is not sensing enough heat. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical signal that tells the gas valve to stay open. When it fails, the valve closes automatically as a safety measure.

The most common fix is cleaning. Turn off the gas, let the fireplace cool, and locate the thermocouple — it is the thin rod in the pilot flame area. Use a soft brush or fine steel wool to gently clean the tip where it sits in the flame. Debris and soot can prevent it from sensing heat properly. Relight the pilot and hold the button for the full 60 seconds.

If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple may be bent, corroded, or faulty and will need to be replaced. This is a straightforward part swap, but if you are not comfortable doing it yourself, a technician can replace it in under an hour.

Lighting the main burner after the pilot is lit

Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On," "Ignite," or "Heat" — the exact label depends on your model. The main burner should ignite from the pilot flame. If it does not, turn the knob back to "Pilot" and check that the pilot flame is strong and steady. A weak pilot flame may not be hot enough to ignite the main burner.

If the main burner still won't light, the ignition port — the small opening where the pilot flame reaches the main burner — may be blocked by dust or debris. Turn off the gas and let the fireplace cool. Use a thin wire or a straightened paperclip to gently clear the port, then try again.

Safety checks before and after lighting

Before you light the pilot, make sure the room is well-ventilated. Open a window or door to allow fresh air to flow. Gas fireplaces produce carbon monoxide, and proper ventilation is essential. If your fireplace is vented (has a chimney or duct), the exhaust should exit outside. If it is unvented, it is designed to be used only in well-ventilated spaces.

After the pilot is lit and the main burner is on, check for any unusual smells, sounds, or flame behavior. The flame should be blue or blue-green with a small yellow tip. If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, the burner may need cleaning or adjustment. If you smell gas at any point, turn off the fireplace when ready, open windows, and call your gas company.

When to call a technician

If the pilot light will not stay lit even after you have held the button for a full minute, or if cleaning the thermocouple does not help, a technician should inspect the fireplace. The problem could be a faulty thermocouple, a gas valve that is not opening properly, or a blockage in the gas line.

Also call a technician if the fireplace smells like gas when the pilot is lit, if the flame looks wrong (mostly yellow instead of blue), or if the main burner will not ignite from the pilot. These are signs that something is not working as it should, and attempting to fix it yourself could be unsafe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button after the pilot lights?

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 too early, the pilot will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine — just do not hold it for more than a few minutes.

Can I light the pilot with a regular match instead of a lighter?

Yes, but a long lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. If you use a match, light it first, then turn on the gas and hold the match near the pilot opening. Work quickly because matches burn down fast.

What does it mean if the pilot flame is yellow instead of blue?

A yellow flame usually means the burner needs cleaning or the air-to-gas ratio is off. Turn off the fireplace and let it cool. Check the burner and pilot opening for dust or debris and clean gently with a soft brush. If the flame is still yellow after cleaning, a technician should check the gas pressure and burner adjustment.

Is it normal for the pilot to go out on its own sometimes?

Occasional outages can happen if there is a draft near the fireplace or if the thermocouple is slightly dirty. If it happens often, clean the thermocouple or have a technician inspect it. A pilot that goes out regularly is a sign that something needs attention.

What should I do if I smell gas while lighting the pilot?

Stop when ready. Turn off the gas at the control knob and at the main valve if you can reach it safely. Open windows and doors to ventilate the room. Leave the house and call your gas company from outside. Do not use electrical switches, lighters, or anything that could create a spark.