The basic steps to relight your fireplace pilot

To light a pilot light on a gas fireplace, you turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while holding a lighter or long match to the pilot burner opening, and keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. Once the thermocouple senses the heat, release the button and turn the knob to "On." If the pilot stays lit after you release the button, your fireplace is ready to use.

The whole process usually takes less than two minutes. Most fireplaces light on the first or second try if the gas is flowing and the thermocouple is working. If the pilot won't stay lit or won't light at all, the cause is usually one of a few specific problems—and some you can fix yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press the ignition button, and hold a flame to the pilot burner opening until it catches and stays lit for 30 to 60 seconds.
  • The thermocouple is a safety device that senses pilot heat; if it is dirty or damaged, the gas valve will shut off even after the pilot lights.
  • A pilot that won't light usually means the gas is off at the valve, the igniter is broken, or the pilot opening is clogged with dust or debris.
  • If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the button, the thermocouple needs cleaning or replacement—this is a job for a technician.
  • Never force the ignition button or turn the knob past "Pilot"; doing so can flood the firebox with gas and create a safety hazard.

What you need before you start

Gather a long lighter or long fireplace matches before you begin. A regular lighter or short match makes it hard to reach the pilot burner safely without putting your hand too close to the opening. A long lighter designed for fireplaces or grills is ideal because it keeps your hand farther from the heat and gives you better control.

Check that the gas supply valve is open. This is a small lever on the gas line leading to the fireplace, usually located behind the fireplace or in the wall. The lever should be parallel to the gas line (pointing in the same direction as the line runs). If it is perpendicular to the line, the gas is off and no amount of button-pressing will light the pilot. Turn it to parallel and wait 30 seconds for gas to reach the pilot.

Make sure the room is well-ventilated. Open a window or door nearby. This is a safety precaution in case gas does accumulate—though the pilot chamber is designed to be sealed, ventilation gives you peace of mind and is good practice whenever you work with gas appliances.

Step-by-step lighting procedure

Locate the control knob on the fireplace. It is usually on the front of the unit or on a panel below the opening. The knob has three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Some models add a fourth position for a thermostat setting, but you will not use that for manual lighting.

Turn the knob to "Pilot." You will hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows to the pilot burner. This is normal. Do not turn the knob past "Pilot" or hold it there for more than a few minutes—if gas accumulates without igniting, you create a hazard.

Press and hold the ignition button. This button is usually red or black and sits next to or below the control knob. Pressing it creates a spark at the pilot burner. Keep the button pressed while you light the pilot with your lighter or match. Hold the flame to the small opening where you see the pilot burner—usually a thin metal tube with a small hole at the end. The burner opening is typically at the bottom of the fireplace interior, near the front.

Watch for the pilot flame to appear. It will be a small blue flame, usually about the size of a pea or marble. Once it lights, keep holding the ignition button and the flame to the burner for another 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve that the pilot is burning safely.

Release the ignition button slowly. Keep your lighter or match near the pilot for a few more seconds to make sure the flame stays lit. If the flame goes out when ready, wait 30 seconds and try again. If it goes out after you release the button but stays lit while you hold it, the thermocouple is not working properly and you will need a technician.

Turn the knob to "On" once the pilot is stable. The main burner should ignite within a few seconds. If it does not, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again. If the main burner still will not light, the igniter may be faulty or the thermostat may be set too low.

Why the pilot won't light or won't stay lit

A pilot that will not light at all usually means the gas is not reaching the burner. Check the gas valve first—it should be parallel to the gas line. If it is already open and the pilot still will not light, the igniter button may be broken. Try pressing it several times while holding the flame to the burner; sometimes the spark is weak and needs a few attempts. If you hear no clicking sound when you press the button, the igniter is likely faulty and needs replacement by a technician.

Another common cause is a clogged pilot opening. Dust, debris, or a small spider web can block the tiny hole where gas flows. If you can see the opening clearly, use a straightened paperclip or a thin needle to gently clear it. Do this only if the gas valve is off. Do not use force or anything thicker than a paperclip, as you can damage the burner.

A pilot that lights but goes out when you release the ignition button almost always means the thermocouple is not working. The thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a tiny electrical signal when heated. This signal tells the gas valve to stay open. If the thermocouple is dirty, bent, or failing, it cannot generate the signal, and the valve closes automatically. Cleaning the thermocouple sometimes helps, but replacement is usually necessary—this is a job for a professional.

When to call a technician

If you have followed the steps above and the pilot will not stay lit, or if the main burner will not ignite after the pilot is burning, stop and call a technician. Do not keep trying to light the fireplace repeatedly, as this can flood the firebox with unburned gas.

Also call a technician if you smell gas but see no flame, or if you hear a loud pop or hissing sound when the burner ignites. These are signs of a gas leak or a problem with the ignition system that requires professional diagnosis.

A technician can test the thermocouple, check the gas pressure, inspect the igniter, and clean or replace parts as needed. Most fireplace service calls take 30 minutes to an hour and cost between $100 and $300 depending on what needs repair. Many technicians offer same-day or next-day appointments for fireplace issues.

Preventing pilot light problems

Keep the area around your fireplace clean and dust-free. Dust can settle on the pilot burner and clog the opening over time. Vacuum the fireplace interior and the surrounding floor regularly, especially if you use the fireplace often.

If your fireplace has a glass door, keep it closed when the fireplace is not in use. This reduces dust accumulation inside the unit and helps the pilot stay cleaner longer.

If you do not use your fireplace for months at a time, turn off the gas valve at the wall. When you are ready to use it again, turn the valve back on and follow the lighting steps. This prevents the pilot from burning unnecessarily and extends the life of the thermocouple.

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. If you release too early, the flame may go out. If you hold it longer, it does not hurt, but it is not necessary.

What if the pilot lights but the main burner won't turn on?

Turn the knob to "On" and wait 10 seconds. If the main burner does not ignite, turn the knob back to "Off," wait one minute, and try again. If it still will not light, the thermostat may be set too low or the igniter may need cleaning. Call a technician if the problem continues.

Is it safe to light the pilot manually with a lighter?

Yes, manual lighting with a long lighter or match is safe and is the standard way to relight a pilot. Use a long lighter to keep your hand away from the burner opening. Never use a short match or regular lighter, as you risk burning your hand.

Can I clean the thermocouple myself?

You can try gently wiping the thermocouple rod with a soft, dry cloth or fine steel wool if you can access it safely. Turn off the gas valve first. However, if the thermocouple is bent, corroded, or damaged, it must be replaced by a technician. Do not attempt to straighten or repair it yourself.

Why does my pilot light keep going out?

The most common cause is a faulty thermocouple. Less often, a draft from a window or door can blow out the pilot, or the gas pressure may be too low. If the pilot goes out only on windy days, a draft is likely. Otherwise, have a technician test the thermocouple and gas pressure.