The basic steps to relight a fireplace pilot

To light a fireplace pilot light, you need to locate the control knob (usually labeled "Pilot," "On," and "Off"), set it to the pilot position, 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 senses heat, you can release the knob and turn it to the "On" position. The whole process takes about two minutes and requires no tools.

The exact location of your pilot light depends on your fireplace type. In a gas insert or built-in unit, the pilot burner sits at the base of the firebox, usually toward one side. In a freestanding stove, it is typically at the front or side of the unit, below the main burner. Check your owner's manual for a diagram if you cannot find it — the manual also tells you whether your model has a manual ignition or an electronic spark system, which changes the next steps.

Before you begin, make sure the fireplace has been off for at least five minutes. This clears any gas that may have accumulated. If you smell gas strongly, do not attempt to light the pilot. Open windows, leave the house, and call your gas company from outside.

Key Takeaways

  • Locate the control knob on your fireplace, set it to "Pilot," and hold it down while igniting the pilot burner with a long lighter or match.
  • Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and hold the valve open.
  • If the pilot does not stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing and will need cleaning or replacement.
  • A pilot light that goes out repeatedly often signals a draft problem, a bent thermocouple, or sediment blocking the gas line to the pilot burner.

Finding and preparing the pilot light area

Open the fireplace door or access panel and look for a small brass or steel tube pointing downward into the firebox. This is the pilot burner. It sits near a thin wire or rod running alongside it — that is the thermocouple, the safety device that tells the gas valve whether the pilot is lit. Do not touch either of these while the fireplace is on or when ready after turning it off.

If you cannot see the pilot burner clearly, use a flashlight. Dust and debris often collect around the pilot area, especially if the fireplace has not been used in months. You do not need to clean it before lighting, but if the pilot lights and then goes out within seconds, debris blocking the thermocouple or the pilot opening is a common cause.

Check that the control knob is in the "Off" position before you open the fireplace. Wait at least five minutes, then turn the knob to "Pilot." Some models require you to push the knob in as you turn it; others have a separate push button. Your manual will specify. Do not force the knob — if it does not move smoothly, stop and consult the manual or a technician.

Lighting the pilot with a match or lighter

Hold the control knob in the "Pilot" position and depress it fully. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows to the pilot burner. Using a long lighter (the kind made for fireplaces or grills) or a long wooden match, bring the flame to the pilot burner opening. The pilot should ignite within a few seconds. If it does not, release the knob, wait 30 seconds, and try again — gas may not have reached the burner yet.

Once the pilot flame appears, keep holding the knob down. The flame should be blue with a small yellow tip. Hold steady for 30 to 60 seconds. This time allows the thermocouple to heat up enough to signal the gas valve that the pilot is burning. If you release too early, the valve closes and the pilot goes out.

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. The pilot should stay lit. If it goes out when ready, press the knob down again and hold for another 30 seconds. If it still does not hold, the thermocouple is likely faulty or dirty and will need attention.

Turning the fireplace on after the pilot is lit

Once the pilot stays lit after you release the knob, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On." The main burner should ignite within a few seconds. If your fireplace has a thermostat, set it to your desired temperature. If it has a manual flame control, adjust it to the height you want.

If the main burner does not light after the pilot is burning, the problem is usually in the main burner line or the ignition system for the main flame, not the pilot itself. Turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again. If it still does not work, the issue is beyond a straightforward pilot relight.

Why the pilot light keeps going out

A pilot that lights but then goes out within minutes usually means the thermocouple is not heating properly or is positioned too far from the flame. The thermocouple is a safety device that holds the gas valve open only while it senses heat. If it cannot sense the pilot flame, it closes the valve and shuts off the gas.

Dirt or corrosion on the thermocouple tip is the most common cause. You can clean it carefully with fine steel wool or a soft brush, but do not bend it or scrape it hard. If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple has likely reached the end of its life and needs replacement — a job for a technician, as it requires disconnecting gas lines.

A draft blowing out the pilot flame is another possibility, especially in fireplaces near doors or windows. Close nearby doors and windows and try again. If the pilot stays lit with the door closed but goes out when you open it, you have found your problem. You may need to adjust the fireplace damper or improve the seal around the door.

When to call a technician instead

If you smell gas while trying to light the pilot, or if gas smell lingers after you turn the fireplace off, do not continue. Leave the house, open windows, and call your gas company. A gas leak is a safety issue that requires professional repair.

If the pilot lights on the first try but the main burner will not ignite, or if the pilot lights and stays lit but the fireplace will not heat the room, the problem is not with the pilot itself. These issues point to the main burner line, the ignition system, or the thermostat, and a technician should inspect them.

If you have tried lighting the pilot three times and it will not stay lit for more than a few seconds, stop trying. Repeated attempts waste gas and do not solve the underlying problem. A thermocouple replacement or a cleaning by a professional is the next step.

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 soon, the pilot will go out. If you hold longer, it does not hurt — just release once you are confident the flame is steady.

What if the pilot lights but goes out as soon as I release the knob?

Press the knob down again and hold for a full 60 seconds this time. If it still goes out, the thermocouple is not heating properly. It may be dirty, bent, or failing. Clean the tip gently with steel wool, or have a technician inspect it.

Can I light the pilot without a long lighter?

Yes, a long wooden match works just as well. Regular short matches are harder to use because your hand gets close to the burner. A long lighter or grill lighter is safer and easier, but not required.

Is it normal for the pilot flame to be yellow at the tip?

Yes. A healthy pilot flame is mostly blue with a small yellow tip. If the flame is all yellow or orange, the burner may be dirty or the air-to-gas ratio is off. A technician can clean or adjust it, but the pilot will still light and function.

What should I do if I smell gas but the pilot will not light?

Stop when ready. Turn the knob to "Off," leave the house, and call your gas company from outside. Do not use matches, lighters, or electrical switches. A gas leak or a problem with the gas line is a safety issue that requires professional help.