The basic steps to light your gas log pilot
To light a pilot light on gas logs, you need to locate the control knob (usually labeled with "Pilot," "On," and "Off"), turn it to the Pilot position, press and hold it down, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the small flame at the pilot opening. Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot catches — this keeps the thermocouple (a safety sensor) warm enough to stay lit. Once the pilot holds steady, turn the knob to the On position.
The entire process takes about two minutes. If the pilot does not light on the first try, wait five minutes before attempting again — this allows any excess gas to clear from the burner box. Never force the knob or explore excessive pressure; if it resists, stop and check whether the gas supply valve (usually at the base of the unit or on the wall behind it) is actually open.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to Pilot, press and hold it, then light the flame with a long lighter while keeping the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds.
- The pilot opening is a small hole near the main burner — look for it before you start, so you know exactly where to aim your lighter.
- If the pilot does not stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing, and you may need to clean or replace it.
- Always check that the main gas supply valve is open before you attempt to light the pilot; a closed valve is the most common reason nothing happens.
Locating the pilot opening and control knob
Before you light anything, find both the control knob and the pilot opening. The control knob is mounted on the front of the gas log unit or on a control panel nearby — it will have three positions marked: Pilot, On, and Off. The pilot opening itself is a small hole (roughly the size of a pencil tip) located near the main burner, usually at the lowest point of the burner assembly.
Use a flashlight to look inside the firebox if the opening is not when ready visible. Some units have a small metal tube or bracket that points toward the pilot opening to help you aim. Knowing exactly where this opening is before you start makes the lighting process faster and reduces the chance of missing the flame with your lighter.
Checking the gas supply before you start
Gas logs will not light if the main supply valve is closed. This valve is usually located at the base of the unit, on the wall behind it, or on the gas line leading to the fireplace. It looks like a small lever or knob — if it is perpendicular to the gas line, it is off; if it is parallel to the line, it is on.
Turn the valve to the on position (parallel to the line) and wait 30 seconds to allow gas to reach the pilot. If you smell gas but nothing happens when you try to light the pilot, or if you smell gas continuously, turn the valve off when ready, open windows, and leave the house. Do not use electrical switches, lighters, or matches. Call your gas company or a technician from outside the home.
Why the pilot light goes out and will not relight
The most common reason a pilot light will not stay lit is a dirty or failing thermocouple — the small rod-shaped sensor that sits in the pilot flame. When the thermocouple gets too much soot or corrosion on it, it cannot sense the heat from the pilot and tells the gas valve to shut off. You can try cleaning it yourself with a soft brush or cloth, but if it still does not hold the flame, it will need to be replaced.
A second reason is a blocked pilot opening. Dust, debris, or soot can clog the small hole where gas flows to the pilot. Use a thin wire or a straightened paper clip to gently clear the opening, then try lighting again. Do not use excessive force — the opening is small and can be damaged.
If the pilot lights but the main burner will not turn on after you move the knob to On, the problem is usually a faulty thermocouple or a blocked main burner opening. This is not a lighting problem but a valve or sensor issue that typically requires a technician.
Using the right lighter and aiming correctly
A long-reach lighter (the kind made for lighting candles or grills) works best because it keeps your hand away from the heat and gives you better control. A long fireplace match also works well. Avoid short lighters or regular matches — they make it hard to reach the pilot opening safely and increase the chance of burning your hand.
Hold the control knob pressed down with one hand and aim the lighter flame directly into the pilot opening with the other. The pilot flame should be blue and roughly the size of a grain of rice. If you see an orange or yellow flame, the pilot is not getting enough air — this is normal at first, but if it stays orange after 30 seconds, the opening may be blocked.
Holding the knob down long enough
After the pilot lights, keep the knob pressed down for 30 to 60 seconds. This is the most important step and the one most people rush. The thermocouple needs time to heat up and signal the gas valve that the pilot is burning safely. If you release the knob too soon, the valve closes and the pilot goes out.
Count slowly to 30 or 60 while holding the knob. When you release it, the pilot should stay lit. If it goes out when ready, wait five minutes and try again — you may not have held it long enough, or the thermocouple may need cleaning.
What to do if the pilot still will not light
If you have checked the gas supply, cleared the pilot opening, and held the knob down for a full minute but the pilot still will not light, the problem is likely a faulty thermocouple, a broken ignition electrode, or a gas valve that is stuck closed. These are not repairs you can make with a lighter and a knob.
At this point, turn the control knob to Off, close the main gas supply valve, and contact a gas fireplace technician or your gas company. Describe what you have already tried — they will know whether the unit needs a part replacement or a professional inspection. Many gas log units are still under warranty, so check your paperwork before paying for a service call.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the knob down after the pilot lights?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. The thermocouple needs this time to heat up and tell the gas valve the pilot is safe. If you release too soon, the pilot will go out and you will have to start over.
What does a healthy pilot flame look like?
A healthy pilot flame is blue and small — about the size of a grain of rice. It should be steady and not flicker. If the flame is orange or yellow, the opening may be blocked or the air-to-gas ratio is off.
Can I light the pilot with a match instead of a lighter?
Yes. A long fireplace match works well and is safer than a short match because it keeps your hand farther from the heat. Light the match, hold the knob down, and aim the flame into the pilot opening.
What if I smell gas but the pilot will not light?
Turn the control knob to Off, close the main gas supply valve, open windows, and leave the house. Do not use electrical switches or create sparks. Call your gas company from outside. A persistent gas smell with no ignition usually means a leak or a valve problem that needs professional attention.
How often do I need to relight the pilot?
A healthy pilot should stay lit continuously during the heating season. If you have to relight it more than once a month, the thermocouple is probably dirty or failing and should be cleaned or replaced by a technician.