The basic steps to light a gas log pilot

To light the pilot on gas logs, you turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold it down, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the small flame at the pilot burner opening. The pilot should catch within a few seconds. Once it's burning steadily, you keep the knob pressed for another 30 seconds, then release it slowly. If the pilot stays lit, you can turn the knob to "On" to run the logs normally. If it goes out when you release the knob, the thermocouple (a safety sensor) may need cleaning or replacement.

The whole process takes about two minutes and requires only a lighter, matches, or a long-reach lighter designed for fireplaces. Most people succeed on the first try if they follow the timing and don't rush the steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," hold it down, and light the pilot opening with a long lighter or match while the knob is pressed.
  • Keep the knob held down for 30 seconds after the pilot ignites so the thermocouple warms up and recognizes the flame.
  • Release the knob slowly; if the pilot stays lit, turn the knob to "On" to ignite the main logs.
  • If the pilot goes out when you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty and needs cleaning or replacement by a technician.
  • Never force the knob or turn it past the "On" position, and always wait at least five minutes between attempts if the pilot won't stay lit.

Locate the pilot burner opening and control knob

Before you light anything, find where the pilot burner is. On most gas log sets, the pilot opening is a small hole or tube near the front or side of the burner assembly, usually marked with a label or arrow. The control knob is mounted on the front of the fireplace unit or on a wall-mounted remote box. It will have positions labeled "Off," "Pilot," and "On" (some also have a "High" or "Low" setting for flame height).

If you cannot see the pilot opening clearly, use a flashlight to look into the firebox. Do not reach in with your hand. The pilot opening should be obvious once you know what you're looking for—it's much smaller than the main burner ports and sits in a separate chamber or tube.

Turn the knob to Pilot and prepare to light

Rotate the control knob to the "Pilot" position. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas begins to flow to the pilot burner. This is normal. Do not turn the knob past "Pilot" or try to force it—it should move smoothly and stop at the marked position.

Once the knob is set to "Pilot," press and hold it down. You must keep it pressed during the entire lighting process and for 30 seconds afterward. This action opens the gas valve and also activates a button that allows you to light the pilot. Have your lighter or matches ready before you press the knob, so you don't waste time fumbling once you've started holding it down.

Light the pilot flame and hold the knob

While holding the knob down, bring a long lighter or long match to the pilot opening. You should see a small blue flame ignite within two to three seconds. If nothing happens after five seconds, release the knob, wait one minute, and try again. Do not keep trying to light it without releasing the knob in between—this can flood the pilot chamber with gas.

Once the pilot is lit, keep the knob pressed down for a full 30 seconds. This allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing safety device) to warm up and signal to the gas valve that a flame is present. If you release the knob too early, the thermocouple won't be warm enough, and the gas valve will close, shutting off the pilot.

During these 30 seconds, watch the pilot flame. It should be a steady blue color, roughly the size of a pea or small bean. If the flame is very small, yellow, or flickering wildly, something may be wrong—but wait until after you've held the knob for the full 30 seconds before deciding whether to try again.

Release the knob slowly and check if the pilot holds

After 30 seconds, slowly release the knob. Do not jerk it or let go suddenly. As you release it, the knob should return to the "Pilot" position on its own (most knobs are spring-loaded). Watch the pilot flame as you do this. If the flame stays lit and steady, the thermocouple is working correctly.

If the pilot goes out the moment you release the knob, the thermocouple is not sensing the heat properly. This usually means it needs cleaning or replacement. Stop here and do not proceed to turn on the main logs. A faulty thermocouple will not hold the gas valve open, and you'll be unable to run the fireplace safely.

Turn the knob to On to light the main logs

If the pilot stayed lit after you released the knob, you can now turn the control knob to the "On" position. You should hear a louder hissing sound as gas flows to the main burner, and the logs should ignite within a few seconds. The flame will be much larger than the pilot—typically a yellow-orange color with blue at the base, depending on your logs and gas type.

If the main burner does not ignite, turn the knob back to "Off," wait one minute, and repeat the pilot-lighting process. Sometimes the pilot needs to be a bit stronger before it can reliably ignite the main burner. If the main burner still won't light after two attempts, the issue is likely with the main burner itself, not the pilot, and you should contact a technician.

What to do if the pilot won't stay lit

If the pilot goes out when you release the knob, or if it lights but then dies after a few seconds, the thermocouple is the most common culprit. A thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a tiny electrical signal when heated. If it's dirty, bent, or failing, it won't send that signal, and the gas valve closes automatically as a safety measure.

To clean the thermocouple, you may need to remove the front panel or burner assembly—check your fireplace manual for the exact steps. Use a soft cloth or fine steel wool to gently wipe the tip of the thermocouple where it sits in the flame. Do not scrub hard or bend it. Reinstall it carefully and try lighting the pilot again. If cleaning doesn't work, the thermocouple needs replacement, which is a job for a may have access to technician.

Another less common cause is a clogged pilot opening. If you see the pilot light but the flame is very small or yellow instead of blue, debris may be blocking the gas flow. Turn off the fireplace, let it cool, and use a thin wire or needle to gently clear the opening. Do not force anything into the hole. If you're uncomfortable doing this, a technician can clean it safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Hold the knob down for a full 30 seconds after the pilot ignites. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release it sooner, the pilot will likely go out.

What if I smell gas but don't see a flame?

Turn the knob to "Off" when ready and wait five minutes for any gas to clear. Do not try to light it again right away. If you smell gas every time you attempt to light the pilot, stop and contact a technician—there may be a leak or a valve problem.

Can I use a regular match or lighter, or do I need a special one?

A long-reach lighter or long fireplace match works best because it keeps your hand farther from the pilot opening. A regular lighter or short match can work, but you'll need to reach closer to the flame, which is less safe and harder to control.

Why does the pilot light but then go out a few seconds later?

The thermocouple is not warming up enough to hold the gas valve open. This usually means it needs cleaning or replacement. Try cleaning the tip of the thermocouple first; if that doesn't work, have a technician replace it.

Is it normal for the pilot flame to be yellow instead of blue?

A blue flame is ideal, but a small amount of yellow at the tip is usually normal. If the entire flame is yellow or orange, the pilot opening may be clogged with dust or debris. A technician can clean it, or you can try gently clearing it with a thin wire if you're comfortable doing so.