The basic steps to relight your gas log pilot
To light a gas log pilot light, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while bringing a long lighter or 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, turn the knob to "On" to restore heat to your logs.
The exact location of the pilot opening and the shape of the control knob vary by model, so check your owner's manual first — it will show you exactly where to look and which direction to turn. If you cannot find the manual, the model number is usually stamped on a metal plate inside the firebox or on the back of the unit.
Key Takeaways
- The pilot light sits in a small opening near the burner and must be lit with a long lighter or match held steady for several seconds.
- The control knob must be in "Pilot" mode before you attempt to light it, and you must hold the ignition button down continuously while the flame catches.
- After the pilot flame is stable, you keep holding the button for 30 to 60 seconds so the thermocouple heats up and signals the gas valve to stay open.
- If the pilot will not stay lit after you release the button, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement, which usually requires a service call.
Locating the pilot light opening on your unit
The pilot opening is a small brass or steel tube, usually about the width of a pencil, positioned near the main burner. In most gas log sets, it sits to the side of or slightly below the burner itself. Open the front panel or grate of your fireplace to see inside, and look for a small metal tube with a tiny flame hole at the end.
Some units have the pilot tube tucked behind a decorative log or ceramic piece. If you cannot see it clearly, trace the thin gas line that runs from the control box — the pilot tube is usually at the end of that line. Do not force anything or move logs to find it; if you cannot locate it within a minute, stop and consult your manual or call a technician.
Preparing the control knob and ignition button
Before you light anything, turn the control knob all the way to "Pilot" — this position cuts off the main gas supply to the logs and allows only a small amount of gas to flow to the pilot. The knob may be labeled "Off," "Pilot," and "On," or it may use symbols like a flame or a circle. Turn it slowly and deliberately; do not force it.
Once the knob is in "Pilot," locate the ignition button. On most units, this is a red or black button near the control knob that you press and hold. Some older models do not have an electronic ignition button and require you to use a match or lighter only. Your manual will tell you which type you have.
Lighting the pilot with a match or lighter
Use a long lighter or long fireplace match — a regular match or lighter will put your hand too close to the opening. Hold the flame steady about half an inch from the pilot opening. At the same time, press and hold the ignition button with your other hand. The pilot should light within a few seconds.
If you are using a match, light it first, then press the button and bring the flame to the opening. If you are using a lighter, press the button, then bring the lighter flame to the opening. Keep the flame in place for at least 5 to 10 seconds after you see the pilot light catch, so the flame has time to grow and stabilize.
Holding the button to let the thermocouple heat up
After the pilot flame is clearly burning, keep holding the ignition button down for another 30 to 60 seconds. This is the most important step and the one most people skip. During this time, the thermocouple — a small heat-sensing device near the pilot flame — is warming up and sending a signal to the main gas valve that says "the pilot is lit, keep the gas flowing."
If you release the button too soon, the thermocouple has not warmed enough yet, and the gas valve will close, snuffing out the pilot. Count slowly to 30 or 60 in your head, or watch a clock. When you are confident the thermocouple has had time to heat, slowly release the button while watching the pilot flame.
What to do if the pilot will not stay lit
If the pilot flame goes out as soon as you release the button, the thermocouple is likely dirty or failing. A thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a tiny electrical signal when heated. If it is covered in soot or rust, it cannot send that signal, and the gas valve closes automatically as a safety measure.
You can try cleaning the thermocouple yourself by gently wiping it with a dry cloth or very fine sandpaper, but this requires removing it from the unit — a task that varies by model. If cleaning does not work, or if you are not comfortable taking it apart, call a gas fireplace technician. A new thermocouple costs between $50 and $150 in parts and labor, depending on your location and the unit.
Turning the knob to "On" after the pilot is stable
Once the pilot flame is burning steadily and you have held the button for the full 30 to 60 seconds, slowly turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On." The main burner should ignite within a few seconds. If it does not, turn the knob back to "Off" and wait a minute before trying again.
If the main burner lights but the pilot goes out, turn everything back to "Off" and call a technician. This usually means the thermocouple is not positioned correctly or is failing, and the unit is not safe to operate without a professional inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I light the pilot without an ignition button?
Yes. Older gas log units do not have electronic ignition buttons. Instead, turn the knob to "Pilot," bring a long lighter or match to the pilot opening, and light it directly. Hold the flame there for 10 to 15 seconds, then turn the knob to "On." The process is the same; you are just using an external flame instead of a button.
What if I smell gas but the pilot will not light?
Turn the knob to "Off" when ready and do not try again. A gas smell without a flame means gas is flowing but not igniting, which is a safety hazard. Open windows and call a technician or your gas company's emergency line. Do not use matches or lighters near the unit.
How often do I need to relight the pilot?
A healthy pilot light should stay lit indefinitely once it is burning. If you have to relight it more than once or twice a year, the thermocouple is likely wearing out or the pilot opening is clogged with debris. Have a technician inspect it to prevent future outages.
Is it normal for the pilot flame to be blue or yellow?
A blue flame is normal and means the gas is burning cleanly. A yellow or orange flame suggests incomplete combustion, often caused by dust or debris in the pilot opening. Try gently cleaning the opening with a dry cloth, or call a technician if the color does not change.
What should I do if the pilot lights but the main burner does not?
Turn the knob to "Off" and wait one minute. Then turn it back to "On" slowly. If the burner still does not light, the thermocouple may be failing or the main gas line may be blocked. Do not keep trying; call a technician to diagnose the problem.