Lighting the Pilot Light Step by Step
To light a gas fireplace pilot light, you need to turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while bringing a long lighter or match to the pilot burner opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. The pilot light should stay lit once you release the button. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple (a safety sensor) may need cleaning or replacement.
The exact location of the pilot burner varies by fireplace model, but it is usually a small opening near the main burner assembly, often marked with an arrow or label inside the firebox. Check your owner's manual for the precise location on your unit—this saves time and prevents you from trying to light the wrong opening.
Before you start, make sure the fireplace has been off for at least five minutes. This allows any residual gas to clear and reduces the risk of a larger flame when ignition happens. Open a window or door nearby for ventilation, especially if you are lighting the pilot for the first time in a while.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press and hold the ignition button, and light the pilot burner with a long lighter or match while holding the button down for 30 to 60 seconds.
- The pilot light should remain lit after you release the button; if it goes out within seconds, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty.
- Locate the pilot burner opening in your specific fireplace model by checking the owner's manual, as positions differ between units.
- Wait at least five minutes after turning off the fireplace before attempting to light the pilot, and may support good ventilation while you work.
- If the pilot light will not stay lit after multiple attempts, the thermocouple or gas valve may need professional inspection or replacement.
Finding and Preparing the Pilot Burner
Open the fireplace door or access panel and look for a small metal tube or opening near the main burner. This is the pilot burner. Some fireplaces have a removable cover or grate that you may need to lift or slide out to reach it safely. Do not force anything—if a cover seems stuck, consult the manual rather than risk damaging the unit.
Once you locate the pilot burner, check that the area around it is clear of debris, dust, or cobwebs. A buildup of dust can block the flame or prevent ignition. Use a soft brush or compressed air to gently clean the opening if needed. Do not use water or liquid cleaners near the burner.
Locate the control knob on the front of the fireplace or on the wall nearby. It should have three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Some models also have a fourth position for a thermostat setting. Confirm you can reach and turn this knob easily before you begin lighting.
The Lighting Process
Turn the control knob all the way to the "Pilot" position. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas begins to flow to the pilot burner. If you hear nothing, the gas supply may be off at the valve or the fireplace may not be receiving gas—check that the main gas valve is open and that no other appliances are blocking the line.
Press and hold the ignition button (usually located next to or below the control knob). You will hear a clicking sound as the igniter sparks. While holding the button, bring a long lighter or long fireplace match to the pilot burner opening. The flame should ignite within a few seconds. Keep the button pressed for at least 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears—this allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open.
After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the ignition button while watching the pilot flame. If the flame stays lit and burns steadily, you have succeeded. The flame should be blue with a small yellow tip and should be about the size of a dime. If the flame goes out as soon as you release the button, the thermocouple is not hot enough yet, and you may need to repeat the process or have the thermocouple inspected.
What to Do If the Pilot Light Will Not Stay Lit
If the pilot light goes out within a few seconds of releasing the ignition button, the thermocouple is likely the problem. The thermocouple is a safety device that detects whether the pilot flame is burning; if it does not detect heat, it closes the gas valve to prevent gas from flowing into the room. A dirty thermocouple will not heat up fast enough, even if the pilot flame is present.
To clean the thermocouple, turn the control knob to "Off" and wait five minutes. Locate the thermocouple—it is a thin metal rod that sits in or very near the pilot flame. Gently rub the tip with fine steel wool or a soft cloth to remove any soot or corrosion. Do not bend or damage the rod. Turn the control knob back to "Pilot" and try lighting again.
If cleaning the thermocouple does not work, or if you cannot locate it safely, the thermocouple may need replacement. This is a job for a may have access to technician, as it involves working with gas lines and requires proper tools. Contact a local fireplace service company or the manufacturer for a replacement part and installation.
Switching from Pilot to Full Operation
Once the pilot light is burning steadily, you can turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On" to ignite the main burner. The main burner should light from the pilot flame within a few seconds. If it does not, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again. Do not hold the knob in the "On" position for more than a minute without the main burner lighting, as this can allow gas to build up.
If you have a thermostat-controlled fireplace, you may see a fourth position labeled "Thermostat" or a temperature dial. Once the pilot is lit and the main burner is on, you can set the thermostat to your desired temperature. The fireplace will then cycle the burner on and off to maintain that temperature.
Safety Reminders and Common Mistakes
Never force the control knob or ignition button. If either feels stuck or unusually stiff, stop and consult the manual or a technician. Forcing a stuck knob can damage the internal valve mechanism and create a gas leak.
Do not use a regular match or lighter that is too short—your fingers can get too close to the flame. A long fireplace lighter or long-handled match keeps your hand at a safe distance. If you do not have one, a straightened wire coat hanger with a match taped to the end works in a pinch.
If you smell gas but cannot see a flame after trying to light the pilot, turn the control knob to "Off" when ready, open windows, and leave the house. Do not use electrical switches or create sparks. Call your gas company's emergency line from outside the house. A gas leak is a serious safety hazard and requires professional attention.
When to Call a Professional
If the pilot light will not ignite after three or four attempts, or if it lights but will not stay on even after cleaning the thermocouple, a technician should inspect the fireplace. The problem could be a faulty igniter, a blocked gas line, a defective gas valve, or a thermocouple that needs replacement.
You should also call a professional if you notice a strong gas smell, if the flame is yellow or orange instead of blue, or if the fireplace makes unusual sounds like popping or hissing. These signs can indicate a problem that requires professional diagnosis and repair.
Annual maintenance by a may have access to technician is a good idea for any gas fireplace, especially if you use it frequently. A technician can clean the burner, check the thermocouple, inspect the gas line, and make sure all safety features are working correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the ignition button down?
Hold the button for at least 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 flame will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine—just do not exceed two minutes, as this can overheat the thermocouple.
Why does my pilot light go out every time I release the button?
The thermocouple is not heating up enough to keep the gas valve open. Try cleaning the thermocouple tip with fine steel wool, then attempt to light the pilot again. If it still goes out, the thermocouple may be faulty and need replacement by a technician.
Can I light the pilot light without a long lighter?
Yes, but you need something that keeps your hand away from the flame. A long fireplace match, a long-handled lighter, or even a straightened wire coat hanger with a match taped to the end will work. Never use a short match or regular lighter, as your fingers can get burned.
What should the pilot flame look like?
A healthy pilot flame is blue with a small yellow tip and is about the size of a dime. If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, the burner may be dirty or the gas mixture may be off. If the flame is very small or flickering, the thermocouple may be dirty or the gas pressure may be low.
Is it safe to light the pilot light myself, or should I call a technician?
Lighting the pilot light is a routine task that most homeowners can do safely by following the manual and these steps. However, if you are uncomfortable working with gas appliances, if the pilot light will not stay lit after multiple attempts, or if you smell gas, contact a may have access to technician instead.