The basic steps to relight a pilot light

To relight a pilot light on a fireplace, you need to locate the pilot burner (a small opening near the main burner), hold down the ignition button or dial while holding a lit match or lighter to the pilot opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. The pilot should stay lit once you release the button. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple — a safety device that senses heat — may need cleaning or replacement.

The exact process varies slightly depending on whether your fireplace has a manual ignition button, a piezo igniter (a spark-producing button), or an electronic ignition system. Manual and piezo systems are the most common in older fireplaces and are the easiest to troubleshoot yourself. Electronic systems may require a professional if they fail.

Before you start, turn off the gas at the control valve and wait five minutes to let any gas dissipate. This prevents accidental ignition or gas buildup in the room.

Key Takeaways

  • Always turn off the gas and wait five minutes before attempting to relight a pilot light to avoid gas buildup.
  • Hold the ignition button down for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears to allow the thermocouple to heat up and sense the flame.
  • If the pilot light goes out within seconds of releasing the button, the thermocouple is likely dirty or failing and may need cleaning or replacement.
  • Piezo igniters (spark buttons) work without batteries or electricity, while electronic igniters require power and may need professional service if they malfunction.

Locating the pilot burner and control valve

The pilot burner is a small opening, usually brass or steel, located near the main burner assembly inside your fireplace. It sits below or to the side of the larger burner that produces the main flame. The control valve is typically a knob or dial on the front of the fireplace unit or on a wall-mounted control panel, labeled with settings like "Pilot," "On," and "Off."

Open the fireplace door or access panel to see the pilot burner clearly. If your fireplace has a glass front, you may need to remove it or open a small access door. Some fireplaces have a removable trim ring or faceplate that gives you better access to the ignition controls. Check your fireplace manual if you are unsure where these parts are located — the manual usually includes a diagram.

Once you locate the pilot burner, note whether there is a small tube running to it from the control valve. This is the gas line. Do not touch or bend this tube.

Using a manual ignition button

If your fireplace has a manual ignition button (usually a red or black push button on the control valve), turn the control dial to "Pilot." Press and hold the ignition button down firmly. While holding it, bring a lit long-reach lighter or long match to the pilot burner opening. The flame should ignite within a few seconds.

Keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot ignites. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal to the valve that the pilot is burning safely. If you release the button too soon, the pilot will go out. After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the button while watching the pilot flame. It should stay lit.

If the pilot goes out as soon as you release the button, press it again and hold for a full 60 seconds. If it still goes out, the thermocouple may be faulty or the pilot opening may be clogged with dust or debris.

Using a piezo igniter button

A piezo igniter is a spark-producing button that does not require batteries or electricity. It works by striking a crystal inside the button to create a spark. Turn the control dial to "Pilot" and press the piezo button repeatedly while holding a lighter or match near the pilot burner. The spark should ignite the gas.

Once the pilot is lit, turn the dial to "On" (or the position indicated in your manual) and hold it there for 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat and lock in the flame. Then release the dial. The pilot should remain lit, and the main burner may ignite automatically depending on your fireplace model.

If the piezo button does not produce a spark, it may be worn out or the crystal inside may be damaged. Piezo igniters typically last several years but eventually need replacement. You can order a replacement from the fireplace manufacturer or a heating supply store.

Cleaning the thermocouple if the pilot won't stay lit

The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical signal when heated. This signal tells the gas valve to stay open. If the thermocouple is dirty or corroded, it cannot sense the flame and the valve closes, shutting off the pilot.

To clean the thermocouple, turn off the gas at the control valve and wait five minutes. Locate the thermocouple — it is usually a thin rod about 4 to 6 inches long, positioned so the pilot flame touches its tip. Gently rub the tip with fine steel wool or a soft cloth to remove any soot, dust, or corrosion. Do not bend the rod or explore heavy pressure.

After cleaning, relight the pilot using the steps above. If the pilot still goes out within seconds, the thermocouple is likely failing and needs replacement. Replacement thermocouples are inexpensive (typically $15 to $40) and are available from fireplace suppliers or online retailers. Installation usually requires unscrewing the old one and screwing in the new one, though some models require a technician.

When to call a professional

If the pilot light will not stay lit after you have cleaned the thermocouple and held the ignition button for a full 60 seconds, the thermocouple likely needs replacement or the gas valve may be faulty. A heating technician can diagnose the problem and replace parts as needed. This typically costs $150 to $300 in service fees plus parts.

If your fireplace has an electronic ignition system (a control board with lights or a digital display), do not attempt to repair it yourself. Electronic systems require specialized tools and knowledge. A technician should inspect and repair these systems.

Also call a professional if you smell gas but cannot relight the pilot, or if you hear a hissing sound near the control valve. These signs may indicate a gas leak, which is a safety hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Hold the button for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and send a signal to the gas valve to stay open. If you release too soon, the pilot will go out. If it still goes out after a full 60 seconds, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement.

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

The thermocouple is not heating up enough to signal the gas valve to stay open. This usually means the thermocouple is dirty, bent, or failing. Try cleaning the tip with fine steel wool. If that does not work, the thermocouple likely needs replacement.

Can I use any lighter to light the pilot?

A long-reach lighter or long match works best because it keeps your hand away from the pilot burner and the heat. Regular lighters can work but are harder to control. Avoid using short matches or your fingers near the burner opening.

What if I smell gas while trying to relight the pilot?

Stop when ready and turn off the gas at the control valve. Open windows and doors to ventilate the room. Do not use electrical switches, lighters, or matches. Call your gas company or a heating technician to inspect the fireplace for leaks before attempting to relight it again.

Do I need to turn off the main gas valve before relighting the pilot?

No, you only need to turn the control dial to "Off" or "Pilot." The control valve on the fireplace unit is sufficient. However, if you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve at the meter or tank and call a professional.