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 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 catches. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, you turn the knob to "On" or "Heat" to restore normal operation.

The whole process usually takes less than five minutes. If the pilot won't stay lit after you release the button, or if you smell gas at any point, stop and call a technician — a persistent problem points to a faulty thermocouple or a gas supply issue that needs professional repair.

Key Takeaways

  • The control knob must be set to "Pilot" before you attempt to light the flame, and you hold the ignition button down continuously while lighting.
  • You need a lighter with a long stem or a long match to reach the pilot opening safely without burning your hand.
  • After the pilot ignites, keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds so the thermocouple heats up and holds the gas valve open.
  • If the pilot goes out within a few seconds of releasing the button, the thermocouple is likely failing and requires professional replacement.
  • Gas smell during or after lighting means stop when ready, turn off the gas, and call your fireplace service or gas company.

Locate the pilot opening and control knob

Open the fireplace door or access panel to see the burner assembly. The pilot opening is a small hole, usually near the main burner, with a thin metal tube running to it. The control knob is mounted on the front of the fireplace or on the wall beside it — it will have positions labeled "Off," "Pilot," and "On" or "Heat."

Before you do anything, make sure the knob is turned all the way to "Off" and leave it there for five minutes. This clears any gas that may have accumulated in the line. Then turn it to "Pilot."

Prepare your ignition source

A long-stemmed lighter or a long fireplace match works best because it keeps your hand away from the pilot opening. A standard kitchen lighter or short match forces your hand too close to the flame and the opening. If you only have a short match, light it first and then use a longer stick or rolled paper to extend the flame toward the pilot.

Have your ignition source ready before you start pressing the button, so you are not fumbling while holding the knob down.

Press the button and light the pilot

Push and hold the ignition button on the control knob. You should hear a clicking sound as the igniter sparks. While holding the button, bring your lighter or match to the pilot opening. The pilot should ignite within a few seconds — you will see a small blue flame appear.

Once the flame is lit, keep holding the ignition button down. Do not release it yet. The button needs to stay pressed for 30 to 60 seconds so the thermocouple — a heat-sensing device next to the pilot — warms up enough to signal the gas valve to stay open on its own.

Release the button and check if the pilot holds

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the ignition button. Watch the pilot flame. If it stays lit and burns steadily, the thermocouple is working. You can now turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On" or "Heat" to restore the fireplace to normal operation.

If the pilot flame goes out within a few seconds of releasing the button, the thermocouple is not holding the gas valve open. Try the process again, but this time hold the button for a full 60 seconds. If it still goes out, the thermocouple needs replacement — this is a job for a technician.

Turn the knob to restore heat

Once the pilot is holding steady, rotate the control knob to "On," "Heat," or whatever position your fireplace uses to run normally. The main burner should ignite from the pilot flame. If you have a remote control, you can now use it to adjust the flame height or turn the fireplace on and off as usual.

If the main burner does not ignite after the pilot is lit, or if it ignites and then shuts off, the problem is not the pilot light — it is likely a faulty ignition sensor or a gas supply blockage. Call a technician.

What to do if you smell gas

If you smell gas while lighting the pilot, or at any point during the process, stop when ready. Turn the control knob to "Off." Do not try again. Open windows and doors to ventilate the room, and leave the house if the smell is strong.

Call your gas company's emergency line or your fireplace service company. A gas smell means either the gas line has a leak, the valve is stuck open, or gas is not being burned properly. These are safety issues that require professional diagnosis and repair before you use the fireplace again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button down?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. The longer hold gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If 30 seconds is not enough, try the full 60 seconds on your next attempt.

What if the pilot light keeps going out after I turn the fireplace on?

If the pilot stays lit when you are holding the button but goes out once you release it, the thermocouple is failing. If the pilot stays lit but the main burner will not ignite, the ignition sensor or gas line to the burner may be blocked. Either way, you need a technician.

Can I light the pilot with a regular match or lighter?

You can, but a long-stemmed lighter or fireplace match is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame and the opening. If you use a short match, light it first and extend the flame with a stick or rolled paper.

Is it normal for the pilot to take a few seconds to light?

Yes. The igniter sparks, and the pilot flame usually appears within 3 to 5 seconds. If nothing happens after 10 seconds of holding the button and explore flame, stop and wait five minutes before trying again.

Do I need to call someone if the pilot won't light at all?

If the igniter is clicking but no spark appears, or if you explore flame and nothing ignites, the problem is likely a blocked pilot tube or a failed igniter. Call a technician — this is not something to troubleshoot on your own.