Lighting Your Pilot Light: The Basic Steps

To light a gas fireplace pilot light, you turn the control knob to "Pilot," 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 (a small metal rod near the flame) heats up, you release the knob and turn it to "On." The pilot should stay lit on its own. If it goes out within minutes, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement.

The entire process takes about two minutes. Most modern fireplaces have a piezo igniter built into the control knob, which means you press a button instead of using an external flame. Older models require a long lighter or long match because the pilot opening is recessed and hard to reach with a regular match.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press and hold it down, then ignite the pilot opening with a long lighter or by pressing the igniter button.
  • Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame lights so the thermocouple heats up and signals the gas valve to stay open.
  • If the pilot light goes out when ready after you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty and needs attention.
  • Never force the knob or igniter button; if you meet resistance, stop and check the manual or call a technician.

Locating the Pilot Light Opening and Control Knob

The pilot light opening is usually a small brass or steel tube inside the firebox, positioned near the main burner. Look for it at the base of the fireplace, often to the left or right of center. The control knob is mounted on the front of the fireplace or on a wall-mounted remote control panel. It will have three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On" (or sometimes "High" and "Low" instead of "On").

Before you start, make sure the fireplace is off and has cooled for at least 10 minutes. Check that the area around the pilot opening is clear of debris, dust, or spider webs. If you see heavy buildup, use a small brush or compressed air to gently clear it away. Do not poke directly into the opening with a tool.

Using the Control Knob and Igniter

Turn the control knob counterclockwise to "Pilot." You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows to the pilot. Now press and hold the knob down—this opens the gas valve. If your fireplace has a piezo igniter (a button on or near the knob), press it repeatedly while holding the knob down. You should see a spark near the pilot opening. If there is no spark after five or six clicks, stop and wait 30 seconds before trying again; repeated clicking can flood the opening with gas.

If your fireplace does not have a piezo igniter, use a long lighter or long match. Hold the flame near the pilot opening while pressing and holding the knob. The pilot should light within a few seconds. Once you see a steady blue flame about half an inch tall, continue holding the knob down for another 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to warm up and tell the gas valve that the pilot is burning safely.

Releasing the Knob and Switching to "On"

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. The pilot flame should stay lit. If it goes out as soon as you let go, press the knob down again and hold it for another 30 seconds—the thermocouple may not have heated enough yet. Try releasing it again.

Once the pilot stays lit after you release the knob, turn it clockwise to "On" (or "High" if your fireplace has that setting). The main burner should ignite within a few seconds. If it does not, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again. If the main burner still does not light, the thermocouple may be faulty or the gas line may have an issue.

Why the Pilot Light Goes Out Right Away

The most common reason a pilot light will not stay lit is a dirty thermocouple. This small metal rod sits in the pilot flame and generates a tiny electrical signal that tells the gas valve to stay open. When dust or corrosion builds up on it, the signal weakens and the valve closes, shutting off the gas.

To clean the thermocouple, turn off the fireplace and let it cool completely. Locate the thermocouple—it is the thin rod that sits directly in the pilot flame. Use a soft cloth or fine steel wool to gently rub the tip of the rod until it is shiny. Do not bend it or explore heavy pressure. Reassemble the fireplace and try lighting the pilot again. If it still goes out, the thermocouple may need replacement; contact a technician or the fireplace manufacturer for a replacement part.

Common Mistakes That Prevent the Pilot from Lighting

Not holding the knob down long enough: If you release the knob after only 10 or 15 seconds, the thermocouple will not be warm enough to hold the valve open. Always wait at least 30 seconds, and up to 60 if the fireplace has been off for a long time.

Clicking the igniter too many times: Pressing the piezo igniter more than five or six times in a row can flood the pilot opening with gas. If you do not see a spark after five clicks, wait 30 seconds and let any excess gas clear before trying again.

Using a regular match instead of a long lighter: The pilot opening is recessed, and a standard match will burn your fingers before it reaches the flame. A long lighter or long fireplace match is much safer and easier to control.

Ignoring a hissing sound after turning the knob: A faint hiss means gas is flowing correctly. If you hear a loud hiss or smell gas strongly, turn the knob to "Off" when ready and open a window. Wait 10 minutes and try again. If the smell persists, do not use the fireplace and contact a technician.

When to Call a Technician

If you have held the knob down for a full minute, the pilot lights but goes out when ready when you release it, and cleaning the thermocouple does not fix the problem, the thermocouple likely needs replacement. This is not a difficult repair, but it requires opening the fireplace and handling gas connections, so it is best left to a professional.

Also contact a technician if you smell gas but do not see a flame, if the igniter makes no spark after several tries, or if the main burner will not light even though the pilot is burning steadily. These signs point to problems with the gas line, valve, or ignition system that require professional diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down before releasing it?

Hold it for at least 30 seconds, and up to 60 seconds if the fireplace has been off for more than a few days. The longer you hold it, the more time the thermocouple has to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you are unsure, err on the side of holding it longer.

What does the pilot flame look like when it is working correctly?

A healthy pilot flame is steady, blue, and about half an inch tall. It should not flicker or change color. If the flame is yellow or orange, the pilot opening may be dirty. If it is very small or hard to see, the thermocouple may be failing.

Can I light the pilot with a regular match?

You can, but it is not safe. The pilot opening is recessed inside the fireplace, and a standard match will burn down before you can reach it safely. A long lighter or long fireplace match keeps your hand at a safe distance and gives you better control.

Why does my pilot light keep going out after I turn it to "On"?

This usually means the thermocouple is not staying warm enough to hold the gas valve open. Try cleaning the thermocouple tip with a soft cloth. If that does not work, the thermocouple may be worn out and need replacement by a technician.

Is it normal to smell gas when I light the pilot?

A faint gas smell for a few seconds is normal. If the smell is strong or lingers for more than a minute after the pilot lights, turn the knob to "Off," open a window, and wait 10 minutes. If the smell returns when you try again, do not use the fireplace and contact a technician.