The basic steps to relight your fireplace pilot

To light a pilot light on a gas fireplace, you turn the control knob to "Pilot," hold it down while you ignite the flame with a long lighter or match, and keep holding for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. Once the thermocouple (the metal rod in the flame) heats up, you release the knob and turn it to "On." The pilot should stay lit on its own.

The whole process usually takes less than two minutes. If the pilot won't stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing—a problem that requires a professional to fix. If you smell gas at any point, stop, leave the room, open windows, and call your gas company's emergency line.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," hold it down, and light the flame with a long lighter or match held near the pilot opening.
  • Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after ignition so the thermocouple heats up and signals the valve to stay open.
  • If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely faulty and needs professional replacement.
  • If you smell gas or the pilot won't light after three attempts, stop trying and call your gas company or a fireplace technician.

Locate the pilot light opening and control knob

Open the fireplace door or access panel. Inside, you'll see a small metal tube (the pilot burner) and a control knob on the front of the fireplace unit or on a wall-mounted control box nearby. The knob usually has three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Some models have a fourth position, "Ignition," which you'll use instead of a lighter.

If you can't find the control knob, check the owner's manual or look for a label on the unit itself. Many fireplaces have the knob mounted on the right side of the firebox, but placement varies by manufacturer. If the manual is missing, you can often find it online by searching the brand name and model number, which is usually printed on a label inside the unit.

Turn the knob to Pilot and prepare to ignite

Turn the control knob counterclockwise to the "Pilot" position and hold it there. You should hear gas flowing—a faint hissing sound. Do not release the knob yet. Have your long lighter or long fireplace match ready before you begin, because you need to ignite the flame while holding the knob down.

A long lighter (the kind used for candles or grills) works better than a regular match because it keeps your hand farther from the flame and gives you more control. If you don't have one, a long fireplace match is the next best option. Regular matches are harder to use safely in this situation.

Light the flame and hold the knob

While holding the knob in the "Pilot" position, bring the lighter or match to the pilot opening. You should see a small blue flame ignite. The moment it does, keep the knob pressed down—do not release it yet. This is the critical step: holding the knob keeps gas flowing to the pilot while the thermocouple heats up.

Continue holding the knob for 30 to 60 seconds. You'll see the flame burn steadily and the metal rod (thermocouple) inside the flame begin to glow. After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. If you release too quickly, the pilot may go out. If you release and the flame stays lit, you've succeeded.

Turn the knob to On and test the fireplace

Once the pilot is burning steadily and you've held the knob for the full time, turn it clockwise to the "On" position. The main burner should ignite within a few seconds. You should see a larger flame in the fireplace itself. If it does, the pilot light is working correctly.

Let the fireplace run for a few minutes to make sure everything is stable. Then turn the knob back to "Off" and let it cool. You can relight it the same way whenever you need heat. If the main burner doesn't ignite when you turn to "On," the pilot is lit but the main burner valve may be blocked or faulty—call a technician.

What to do if the pilot won't stay lit

If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is not heating up properly. This usually means the thermocouple is dirty, bent, or failing. Do not keep trying to light it repeatedly—this wastes gas and won't solve the problem.

A dirty thermocouple can sometimes be cleaned by a professional, but a faulty one must be replaced. This is not a repair you should attempt yourself; call a licensed fireplace technician or your gas company's service line. Replacement typically takes 30 minutes to an hour and costs between $150 and $300, depending on the model and your location.

Safety steps if something goes wrong

If you smell gas at any point—before, during, or after lighting—stop when ready. Do not try again. Leave the room, open windows and doors, and call your gas company's emergency number. Do not use your phone inside the house if you smell gas; use a neighbor's phone or a cell phone outside. Gas leaks are serious and require professional attention.

If the pilot won't light after three careful attempts, stop trying. Repeated ignition attempts can allow gas to build up in the fireplace. Turn the knob to "Off," wait five minutes for any gas to clear, and then call a technician. If you hear a loud pop or see a large flame when you try to light the pilot, turn the knob to "Off" when ready and call for service—this usually means gas has accumulated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down 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 quickly, the pilot will go out. If you hold it longer, that's fine—it won't hurt anything.

What if I don't have a long lighter or fireplace match?

A regular match works, but it's harder to use safely because your hand gets closer to the flame. If you have neither, a thin stick or piece of straw lit from your kitchen stove can work in a pinch. The goal is to get a flame to the pilot opening while keeping your hand at a safe distance.

Can I light the pilot with the fireplace door closed?

No. You need to see the pilot opening and reach it with your lighter or match. The door must be open. Some fireplaces have a small access hole in the door for this purpose, but most require the door to be fully open.

Why does my pilot light go out after a few hours?

A pilot that stays lit for a while and then goes out usually indicates a thermocouple problem, a draft blowing out the flame, or a gas pressure issue. Check that the fireplace isn't in a drafty location. If the problem persists, call a technician—it's likely a faulty thermocouple or a valve that needs adjustment.

Is it normal for the pilot flame to be yellow or orange?

A healthy pilot flame is mostly blue with a small yellow tip. If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, the burner may be dirty or the air-to-gas ratio may be off. This usually isn't an emergency, but it's worth having a technician check it during your next service visit.