The Basic Steps to Light Your Fireplace Pilot

To light a pilot light in a gas 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 opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. Once the thermocouple (a safety sensor near the flame) heats up, you release the button, turn the knob to "On," and the pilot should stay lit on its own.

The whole process takes about two minutes. If the pilot won't stay lit after you release the button, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement — a sign to call a technician rather than keep trying.

Key Takeaways

  • Always locate the control knob and pilot opening before you start; the pilot opening is usually a small brass tube near the bottom of the firebox.
  • Turn the knob to "Pilot" and hold the ignition button down while you light the pilot with a long lighter or match held at the opening.
  • Keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and hold the gas valve open.
  • If the pilot goes out as soon as you release the button, the thermocouple is likely faulty and needs professional service.

Locate the Control Knob and Pilot Opening

Open the fireplace door or access panel and look for the control knob on the front or side of the firebox. The knob usually has three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Next to or below the knob, you will see a small brass tube or opening — this is where the pilot flame burns. Some fireplaces have a removable access panel on the front; others require you to reach inside the firebox itself.

If you cannot find the pilot opening, check your fireplace manual or look for a label inside the firebox. The opening is always small and located low in the firebox, often near the bottom front corner. Do not confuse it with the main burner opening, which is larger and usually runs along the bottom or back of the firebox.

Turn the Knob to Pilot and Press the Ignition Button

Turn the control knob clockwise to the "Pilot" position. You should hear gas begin to flow — a faint hissing sound. when ready press and hold the ignition button (usually a red or black button on the knob itself). Keep holding it down; you will need to maintain pressure throughout the lighting process.

If your fireplace does not have an electronic ignition button, you will light the pilot manually with a long lighter or long match instead. Either way, the goal is the same: get a flame to the pilot opening while gas is flowing.

Light the Pilot with a Flame

Hold a long lighter or long match to the pilot opening. The flame should catch within a few seconds. If you are using a match, light it first, then hold it near the opening. If you are using a lighter, hold the flame steady at the opening until you see the pilot light ignite — it will be a small blue flame, usually about the size of a pea or marble.

If the pilot does not light after 10 to 15 seconds, stop and wait a minute before trying again. Repeated attempts can flood the firebox with gas. Make sure you are holding the flame directly at the opening and not just near it. A long lighter designed for grills or fireplaces works better than a standard lighter because it keeps your hand farther from the heat.

Hold the Button for 30 to 60 Seconds

Once the pilot flame appears, keep holding the ignition button down. Do not release it yet. The thermocouple — a small metal rod in the flame — needs time to heat up. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. You will know the thermocouple is working when the pilot flame stays steady and does not flicker or shrink.

During this waiting period, the thermocouple sends a signal to the gas valve that tells it to stay open. If you release the button too early, the valve closes and the pilot goes out. If you hold it too long, no harm is done — just keep holding until you are confident the flame is stable.

Release the Button and Turn the Knob to On

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the ignition button. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple is not working properly and the fireplace will need service — do not keep relighting it.

If the pilot stays lit, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On." The main burner should ignite, and you will see a larger flame in the firebox. If the main burner does not light, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again. If it still does not light after a second attempt, stop and contact a technician.

Common Mistakes That Prevent the Pilot from Staying Lit

Releasing the button too soon is the most common mistake. The thermocouple needs the full 30 to 60 seconds to heat up. If you release after only 10 or 15 seconds, the pilot will go out as soon as the button is released.

Not holding the flame directly at the opening is another frequent problem. The pilot opening is small, and the flame has to reach it. Holding a lighter or match near the opening but not directly in front of it will not work. Aim for the center of the brass tube.

Trying to light a flooded firebox happens when you attempt to light the pilot multiple times in quick succession. If the pilot does not light on the first or second try, turn the knob to "Off," wait two to three minutes for the gas to clear, and then start over.

Ignoring a pilot that will not stay lit is a safety issue. If the pilot goes out as soon as you release the button, the thermocouple is faulty. A faulty thermocouple means the fireplace cannot safely control the gas flow, and the unit should not be used until it is repaired.

When to Call a Technician

If the pilot lights but goes out when ready when you release the button, the thermocouple needs replacement. This is not a repair you should attempt yourself — the thermocouple is a safety device, and improper installation can create a gas leak.

If the pilot will not light after three careful attempts, the problem may be a gas supply issue, a blocked pilot opening, or a faulty ignition system. Turn the knob to "Off" and contact a fireplace technician or your gas company. Do not keep trying to light it.

If you smell gas but cannot see a flame, turn the knob to "Off" when ready, open windows, and leave the house. Call your gas company's emergency line from outside. Do not use matches, lighters, or electrical switches.

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 too early, the pilot will go out.

What if the pilot light keeps going out?

A pilot that goes out when ready after you release the button usually means the thermocouple is faulty and needs replacement by a technician. If the pilot stays lit for a while and then goes out, the problem may be a draft, a blocked opening, or low gas pressure.

Can I light the pilot without a long lighter?

Yes, a long match works fine. A long lighter is easier because it keeps your hand farther from the heat, but a match will light the pilot just as well. Avoid short lighters or matches — you need the extra length to reach the opening safely.

Is it normal for the pilot flame to be blue?

Yes, a blue flame is normal and healthy. A yellow or orange flame at the pilot opening may indicate incomplete combustion or a dirty opening. If the flame is not blue, turn the knob to "Off" and have the fireplace inspected.

What should I do if I smell gas?

Turn the knob to "Off" when ready, open windows and doors, and leave the house. Call your gas company's emergency number from outside. Do not use matches, lighters, or electrical switches inside the house.