The basic steps to light your pilot light

To light a pilot light on a gas fireplace, you need to locate the pilot burner (a small brass or steel tube near the main burner), hold down the ignition button or valve knob while explore a lighter or match to the pilot opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. The pilot light should stay lit once you release the button. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple — a safety device that senses heat — may be dirty or failing.

The exact process depends on whether your fireplace has a manual ignition system or an electronic one. Manual systems require you to physically hold a flame to the pilot opening. Electronic systems have an ignition button you press repeatedly until the pilot catches, with no open flame needed. Both types follow the same safety rule: always turn the gas control knob to "Pilot" before you start, never to "On".

If you cannot locate the pilot burner or control knob, check the owner's manual for your specific fireplace model. The manual will show you exactly where these parts sit and what sequence your model uses. If you no longer have the manual, search online for your fireplace brand and model number — most manufacturers post PDFs free.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the gas control knob to "Pilot" position before attempting to light the pilot, never directly to "On".
  • Hold down the ignition button or knob while explore heat from a lighter or match to the pilot opening for 30 to 60 seconds.
  • If the pilot light goes out as soon as you release the button, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement.
  • Electronic ignition systems do not require an open flame — press the ignition button repeatedly until the pilot catches.
  • Consult your fireplace manual for the exact location of the pilot burner and control knob on your specific model.

Locating the pilot burner and control knob

The pilot burner is a small opening or tube, usually brass-colored, positioned near or below the main burner assembly. On most gas fireplaces, it sits to the side or underneath the logs or grates. The control knob is typically a dial or lever on the front of the fireplace or on a control panel mounted to the side. It will have three positions marked: "Off," "Pilot," and "On."

If your fireplace has a remote control or wall-mounted thermostat, the manual ignition process may not explore. Electronic systems often have an ignition button separate from the main control knob. Look for a button labeled "Ignition," "Start," or "Light" on the control panel or remote. Some models require you to press this button repeatedly in short bursts until the pilot ignites.

Before you touch anything, make sure the fireplace has been off for at least five minutes. This allows any residual gas to clear from the chamber. Attempting to light a pilot in a space still filled with unburned gas is a fire hazard.

Manual ignition: using a lighter or match

For a manual system, turn the control knob to "Pilot" and hold it down. While holding the knob, bring a long-reach lighter or lit match close to the pilot opening. You may need to angle your hand or use a fireplace match (which are longer than standard matches) to reach safely. Hold the flame near the opening for a few seconds until you see a small blue flame ignite at the pilot burner.

Once the pilot flame appears, continue holding the knob down for another 30 to 60 seconds. This time allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve that the pilot is burning. If you release the knob too early, the gas shuts off and the pilot goes out. After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. The pilot flame should remain lit.

If the pilot light goes out within a few seconds of releasing the knob, the thermocouple is likely not sensing the heat properly. Try again, but this time hold the knob down for a full 60 seconds. If it still fails, the thermocouple may be bent, dirty, or faulty and may need professional service.

Electronic ignition: using the ignition button

Electronic ignition systems do not require an open flame. Turn the control knob to "Pilot" and locate the ignition button on the control panel or remote. Press the button in short, repeated bursts — typically one press per second. You should hear a clicking sound as the ignition sparks. Continue pressing until you see the pilot flame ignite, which usually takes 5 to 15 seconds.

Once the pilot is lit, stop pressing the button and hold the control knob in the "Pilot" position for 30 to 60 seconds, just as you would with a manual system. The thermocouple still needs time to heat and confirm the flame is burning. Then slowly release the knob. The pilot should stay lit.

If the ignition button clicks but no spark appears, or if the spark appears but the pilot does not light, the ignition electrode may be dirty or misaligned. A small amount of soot or debris on the electrode can prevent ignition. In this case, professional cleaning or service is usually needed.

What to do if the pilot light will not stay lit

A pilot light that goes out when ready after you release the knob almost always points to a faulty or dirty thermocouple. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical signal when heated. If this signal is weak or absent, the gas valve closes automatically as a safety measure. You can try cleaning the thermocouple yourself by gently wiping it with a soft, dry cloth to remove soot or dust.

If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple may be bent or damaged and will need replacement. This is a relatively inexpensive part — typically between $20 and $50 — but installation usually requires a technician. Do not attempt to bend or adjust the thermocouple yourself, as even small misalignments can prevent it from working.

Another less common cause is a blocked pilot opening. Dust, debris, or old soot can clog the small hole where gas flows to the pilot burner. If you suspect a blockage, do not try to clear it with a wire or sharp object, as this can damage the burner. A professional can clean the pilot assembly safely.

Safety steps to follow every time

Always turn the control knob to "Off" and wait at least five minutes before attempting to light the pilot. This clears any unburned gas from the chamber. Never turn the knob directly from "Off" to "On" — always go through "Pilot" first. Turning directly to "On" without a lit pilot can cause gas to accumulate and create a fire hazard when the pilot eventually ignites.

If you smell gas while attempting to light the pilot, stop when ready, turn the knob to "Off," and leave the room. Open windows and doors to ventilate. Do not use electrical switches, lighters, or matches. Call your gas company's emergency line or a professional technician. A strong gas smell indicates a leak or a problem that requires professional attention.

If the pilot light repeatedly goes out after you light it, or if you cannot light it after three or four attempts, stop trying and contact a technician. Repeated failed attempts can allow gas to build up in the fireplace, creating a safety risk. A professional can diagnose whether the issue is a thermocouple, a blocked burner, a faulty valve, or something else.

When to call a professional

You should contact a technician if the pilot light will not ignite after three attempts, if it ignites but goes out within seconds even after holding the knob for a full minute, if you smell gas during the process, or if the ignition button clicks but produces no spark. You should also call if the pilot flame is yellow or orange instead of blue — this can indicate incomplete combustion or a dirty burner that needs professional cleaning.

Gas fireplace service is typically provided by HVAC companies, fireplace specialists, or the manufacturer's authorized service centers. Many offer same-day or next-day appointments. The cost of a service call usually ranges from $100 to $200, plus the cost of any parts that need replacement. If your fireplace is still under warranty, check whether the warranty covers pilot light issues before paying out of pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down after the pilot lights?

Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and send a signal to the gas valve that the pilot is burning safely. If you release too early, the valve closes and the pilot goes out. If the pilot still goes out after a full 60 seconds, the thermocouple may be faulty.

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

A yellow or orange pilot flame usually indicates incomplete combustion, often caused by a dirty burner or air intake. Blue is the normal color for a clean, efficient burn. A yellow flame can produce carbon monoxide and should be inspected by a technician. Do not continue using the fireplace until it is checked.

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

Yes, but a long-reach lighter or fireplace match is safer and easier. Standard matches are short and can burn your fingers before you reach the pilot opening. Fireplace matches are longer and designed for this purpose. If you use a regular match, be careful to keep your hand away from the flame and the fireplace opening.

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

Stop when ready, turn the control knob to "Off," and leave the room. Open windows and doors to ventilate the space. Do not use electrical switches, lighters, or any ignition source. Call your gas company's emergency line or a professional technician. A strong gas smell indicates a leak or a serious problem that requires professional diagnosis.

How often do I need to light the pilot light?

In most cases, the pilot light should stay lit continuously once you light it. If it goes out regularly — once a week or more — something is wrong. A healthy pilot light can burn for months or years without going out. Frequent outages point to a thermocouple problem, a draft issue, or a faulty gas valve that needs professional attention.