The basic steps to light your fireplace pilot

To light a pilot on 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 catches. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, you turn the knob to "On" or "Ignite" to run the main burner.

The exact location of the pilot opening and the shape of the control knob vary by fireplace model, so check your manual first — most manufacturers include a diagram showing where to hold the flame. If you cannot find your manual, the model number is usually printed on a metal plate inside the firebox or on the back of the unit.

Key Takeaways

  • The pilot opening is a small brass or steel tube inside the firebox, usually near the bottom; you will see a tiny flame there once it lights.
  • The control knob has three positions — "Off," "Pilot," and "On" — and you must turn it to "Pilot" before attempting to light.
  • You need to hold the ignition button down continuously while explore the flame; releasing too early will extinguish the pilot.
  • If the pilot will not stay lit after 60 seconds, turn the knob back to "Off," wait five minutes, and try again rather than repeatedly igniting.
  • A pilot that goes out frequently or will not light at all usually signals a clogged pilot tube or a gas supply problem that requires a service call.

Locating the pilot opening and control knob

Open the fireplace door or access panel and look inside the firebox. The pilot opening is a small metal tube, usually brass or stainless steel, positioned near the bottom of the burner assembly. It is much smaller than the main burner opening — typically the width of a pencil lead or thinner. Some fireplaces have the pilot tube pointing straight up; others angle it slightly.

The control knob is mounted on the front face of the fireplace, usually at the base or on the side. It will have three marked positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On" (or sometimes "Ignite" instead of "On"). If the knob is hard to turn, do not force it — explore steady pressure and turn slowly. If it will not budge after gentle effort, stop and call a service technician; forcing a stuck valve can damage the gas line.

Preparing to light and positioning your flame source

Before you begin, make sure the fireplace has been off for at least five minutes. Turn the control knob all the way to "Off" and leave it there while you gather your materials. You will need either a long-reach lighter (the kind designed for candles or grills) or a long wooden match. A regular short lighter or match will not reach safely into the firebox.

Do not use a cigarette lighter or any lighter that requires you to bend your hand at an awkward angle near the pilot opening. Long-reach lighters are inexpensive and available at most hardware stores and supermarkets. If you use a match, light it and let it burn for a few seconds so the flame is stable before bringing it near the pilot tube.

The step-by-step lighting process

Turn the control knob to "Pilot." You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows to the pilot tube. Locate the ignition button — it is usually a small red or black button next to or below the control knob, and it may be labeled "Ignite" or "Start."

Press and hold the ignition button down with one hand. With your other hand, bring the flame from your lighter or match to the pilot opening. Hold the flame steady at the opening for 10 to 15 seconds. You should see a small blue flame appear inside the firebox at the pilot tube. Once the flame is visible and steady, keep holding the ignition button down for another 30 to 60 seconds — this allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) to warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open.

After 60 seconds, slowly release the ignition button while keeping your eyes on the pilot flame. If the flame stays lit and does not go out, you have succeeded. If the flame dies within a few seconds of releasing the button, turn the knob back to "Off," wait five minutes, and try again.

Turning on the main burner after the pilot is lit

Once the pilot flame is burning steadily on its own, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On" or "Ignite." The main burner should ignite within a few seconds — you will hear a soft whoosh and see a larger flame spread across the burner grates. If the main burner does not light within 10 seconds, turn the knob back to "Pilot" and wait another minute before trying again.

If you have a fireplace with a remote control or wall switch, you may need to press that control after the pilot is lit in order to set up the main burner. Check your manual for the correct sequence. Some models require the knob to be in the "On" position and then the remote to be used; others work differently.

What to do if the pilot will not light or stay lit

If you have tried the lighting process three times and the pilot will not catch, stop and wait 10 minutes before trying again. Repeated attempts can flood the firebox with gas, making it harder to ignite and creating a safety hazard. After the wait, try once more with fresh matches or a fresh lighter.

If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the ignition button, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing. A thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and tells the gas valve to stay open. If it is not sensing heat properly, the valve closes automatically. This is a common reason pilots go out, and it usually requires a service call — a technician can clean or replace the thermocouple in 30 minutes to an hour.

If the pilot will not light at all after multiple attempts, the problem may be a clogged pilot tube, a gas supply issue, or a faulty ignition system. Do not keep trying indefinitely. Turn the knob to "Off," close the fireplace door, and contact a gas fireplace service technician. Attempting to force ignition can be unsafe.

Safety reminders while lighting the pilot

Never leave the fireplace unattended while you are attempting to light the pilot. Keep your face and hands at a safe distance from the firebox opening — the flame can flare up unexpectedly. If you smell gas but do not see a flame after 30 seconds of holding the ignition button, turn the knob to "Off" when ready and open a window to ventilate the room. Wait at least five minutes before trying again.

If you smell gas continuously or notice a rotten-egg odor (which indicates a gas leak), do not attempt to light the fireplace. Leave the house, call your gas company's emergency line from outside, and wait for them to inspect the system. Gas leaks are serious and require professional attention.

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. If you hold it longer, that is fine — there is no harm in waiting the full 60 seconds.

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

Turn the knob to "Off" when ready and open windows to ventilate. Wait at least five minutes. If the smell persists or is very strong, leave the house and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not try to light the fireplace again until a technician has checked it.

Can I use a regular lighter instead of a long-reach lighter?

A regular lighter will not reach safely into the firebox without burning your hand. Use a long-reach lighter or a long wooden match instead. Long-reach lighters are inexpensive and designed exactly for this purpose.

Why does my pilot light go out after I turn on the main burner?

This usually means the thermocouple is not positioned correctly in the pilot flame or is dirty. If the pilot goes out every time you ignite the main burner, have a technician inspect and clean or replace the thermocouple. This is a common repair and typically takes less than an hour.

Do I need to relight the pilot every time I use the fireplace?

No. Once the pilot is lit, it should stay lit continuously — you straightforward turn the knob to "On" to ignite the main burner. If the pilot goes out between uses, that signals a problem with the thermocouple or gas supply and warrants a service call.