Lighting the pilot light yourself

Most fireplace pilot lights can be lit by hand using a long lighter or long match—you do not need to call a technician for this. The process takes less than a minute once you locate the pilot burner and understand which direction to turn the gas knob. If your fireplace has been off for a while, the pilot may have straightforward gone out from disuse, and relighting it is the first step before the main burner will work.

Before you start, locate your fireplace's control knob. It is usually mounted on the front of the firebox or on a panel just inside the opening. The knob will have three positions: Off, Pilot, and On (or sometimes Ignition). You will also need to find the pilot burner itself—a small opening with a tiny brass or metal tube, usually located near the bottom of the firebox or along the side.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to the Pilot position and hold it down while you light the pilot burner with a long lighter or match held to the opening.
  • Keep the knob pressed down for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot ignites so the thermocouple can heat up and sense the flame.
  • If the pilot will not stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty, and you should call a technician.
  • Once the pilot is lit and holding steady, turn the knob to the On position to ignite the main burner.
  • If you smell gas but see no flame, turn the knob to Off when ready and wait five minutes before trying again.

Step-by-step lighting process

Start by turning the control knob to the Pilot position. You should hear a soft hissing sound—that is gas flowing to the pilot burner. Do not be alarmed by the sound; it is normal. Hold the knob down (you may need to press it in while turning, depending on your model) and keep it pressed.

While holding the knob down, use a long lighter or long match to ignite the pilot burner. Bring the flame to the opening of the pilot tube and hold it there until you see a small blue flame appear. The flame should be about the size of a pencil tip. Once the flame is lit, keep holding the knob down for another 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple—a safety device that senses heat—to warm up and tell the gas valve it is safe to keep the gas flowing.

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. If the pilot flame stays lit, you have succeeded. If it goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is not sensing the heat properly. Wait a few minutes and try again, this time holding the knob down for a full 60 seconds. If it still will not hold, the thermocouple likely needs cleaning or replacement, and you should call a technician.

What to do once the pilot is lit

Once the pilot is burning steadily and stays lit after you release the knob, turn the control knob to the On position (or Ignition, depending on your model). The main burner should ignite from the pilot flame. You should see a larger flame spread across the burner grate. If the main burner does not light within a few seconds, turn the knob back to Off and wait a minute before trying again.

If your fireplace has a thermostat or remote control, you can now adjust the temperature or flame height using those controls. The pilot will remain lit as long as the knob is in the On position, and it will continue to burn even when the main burner cycles off (which is normal—the thermostat is doing its job).

Safety checks before you light

Before you attempt to light the pilot, make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of debris, papers, or anything flammable. Check that the firebox itself is empty and that no ash or soot is blocking the pilot opening. If you see a thick layer of buildup around the pilot tube, gently brush it away with a soft brush or cloth—do not use water.

If you smell gas but do not see a flame after trying to light the pilot, stop when ready. Turn the knob to Off and wait at least five minutes before trying again. If the smell persists or you see no flame after a second attempt, do not continue trying. Open a window, leave the area, and call your fireplace technician or gas company. A persistent gas smell with no flame can indicate a leak or a faulty valve.

When the pilot will not stay lit

If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is usually the culprit. The thermocouple is a small rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a tiny electrical signal when heated. If it is dirty, bent, or failing, it cannot send that signal, and the gas valve closes automatically as a safety measure.

You can try cleaning the thermocouple yourself: turn the knob to Off, wait for the fireplace to cool, then locate the thermocouple (a thin rod near the pilot burner). Use a soft brush or fine steel wool to gently clean the tip where it sits in the flame. Wipe away any debris and try lighting the pilot again. If cleaning does not work, or if you are not comfortable doing it, call a technician. A faulty thermocouple is inexpensive to replace but requires opening the gas line, which should be done by a professional.

Pilot light goes out frequently

If your pilot light keeps going out even after you have held the knob down for a full minute and the thermocouple is clean, a few other things could be wrong. A draft blowing through the firebox can extinguish the pilot flame. Check that windows and doors near the fireplace are closed, and make sure no ceiling fan is running directly above it. If the problem persists only on windy days, a draft issue is likely.

Another cause is a faulty gas valve or regulator. If the valve is not holding pressure, the pilot may light but then lose gas flow and go out. This is not something you can fix yourself—call a technician to inspect the valve and regulator. In the meantime, you can keep the fireplace off to avoid wasting gas and creating a safety hazard.

When to call a professional

Light the pilot yourself if it has straightforward gone out and the fireplace has been sitting unused. However, call a technician if any of the following explore: the pilot will not light at all after two or three attempts, the pilot lights but will not stay lit even after cleaning the thermocouple, you smell gas but see no flame, the main burner will not ignite from the pilot, or the pilot goes out repeatedly even in calm conditions.

You should also call a professional if you are uncomfortable working with gas appliances, if you cannot locate the pilot burner or control knob, or if the fireplace has been damaged or has not been serviced in more than two years. A technician can inspect the entire gas line, clean internal components, and make sure everything is safe before you use the fireplace regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down after lighting the pilot?

Hold it down for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and send a signal to the gas valve. If you release it too quickly, the valve may close before the thermocouple is warm enough to hold it open. If the pilot still goes out, try holding it for the full 60 seconds on your next attempt.

What if I cannot find the pilot burner?

Check your fireplace manual—it will show you exactly where the pilot is located on your model. If you do not have the manual, look for a small brass or metal tube near the bottom or side of the firebox, usually with a tiny opening. If you still cannot locate it, call a technician rather than guessing.

Is it safe to light the pilot myself?

Yes, lighting the pilot is a safe, routine task as long as you follow the steps and stop if you smell gas without seeing a flame. The control knob is designed to let you do this. If anything feels wrong or unsafe, stop and call a technician.

Can I use a regular match instead of a long lighter?

A long match works, but a long lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame and gives you better control. Regular matches are too short and put your fingers too close to the pilot opening. A long grill lighter or fireplace lighter is ideal.

Why does the pilot light smell like gas?

A small gas smell when the pilot is first lighting is normal—you are burning gas, and that has a slight odor. However, if the smell is strong, lingers after the pilot is lit, or you smell gas but see no flame, turn the knob to Off and call a technician. A strong persistent smell can indicate a leak.