Light the pilot by holding the ignition button while aiming a long lighter at the burner

To light a gas fireplace pilot, you need a long lighter (the kind used for candles or grills), your fireplace's control knob set to the correct position, and about two minutes. The process is straightforward: turn the knob to "Pilot," press and hold the ignition button, aim the lighter flame at the small burner opening, and wait for the flame to catch. Once it does, keep holding the button for another 30 seconds so the thermocouple—a safety sensor—heats up and stays lit.

Most pilots light within 10 to 15 seconds of flame contact. If nothing happens after 30 seconds, release the button, wait a minute for gas to clear, and try again. Never force it or hold the button longer than necessary; that wastes gas and can be unsafe.

Key Takeaways

  • Use a long lighter or long-reach match, not a regular match or short lighter—you need to reach into the fireplace safely.
  • Set the control knob to "Pilot" before you start, and keep holding the ignition button for at least 30 seconds after the flame appears.
  • If the pilot does not light within 30 seconds, release the button, wait one minute, and try again rather than holding it continuously.
  • A working pilot flame should be blue and steady; if it goes out repeatedly or burns yellow, the fireplace may need professional inspection.

Gather a long lighter and locate the pilot opening

Before you begin, find a long lighter—the extended-reach kind sold at grocery stores, hardware stores, or online. A standard cigarette lighter or short match will not reach safely into the fireplace. Some people use a long-reach grill lighter or even a thin taper candle in a holder, but a long lighter is fastest and safest.

Open your fireplace door or access panel so you can see inside. Look for a small metal tube or opening near the main burner—this is the pilot burner. It is usually located at the front or side of the burner assembly and is much smaller than the main burner opening. If you cannot find it, check your fireplace manual or look for a diagram on the inside of the access panel.

Set the control knob to "Pilot" and press the ignition button

Locate the control knob on the front of your fireplace (usually on the right side of the unit). Turn it clockwise until it points to "Pilot." Do not turn it to "On" yet—you must light the pilot first. Once the knob is set to "Pilot," you should hear a soft hissing sound, which means gas is flowing to the pilot burner.

Now press and hold the ignition button. This button is usually located next to or near the control knob and may be labeled "Ignition" or have a spark symbol. You should hear a clicking sound as the ignition sparks. Keep holding the button down—do not release it yet.

Aim the lighter flame at the pilot burner opening

While still holding the ignition button, bring the long lighter close to the pilot burner opening. Aim the flame directly at the small opening where gas is flowing. You may see a small spark from the ignition system at the same time. The pilot flame should catch within 10 to 15 seconds.

Hold the lighter steady and keep the flame in contact with the burner opening. If the pilot lights, you will see a small blue flame appear. Once it does, continue holding the ignition button for another 30 seconds. This allows the thermocouple—a heat-sensitive safety device—to warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release the button too soon, the pilot will go out.

Release the button and check that the pilot stays lit

After 30 seconds, slowly release the ignition button. The pilot flame should remain lit and steady. If it goes out when ready, wait one minute for any residual gas to clear, then repeat the process. Sometimes it takes two or three attempts, especially if the pilot has been out for a while.

Once the pilot is burning steadily with a blue flame, you can turn the control knob to "On" to light the main burner. The main burner should ignite from the pilot flame. If it does not, turn the knob back to "Off" and wait a few minutes before trying again.

Troubleshoot if the pilot will not stay lit

If the pilot lights but goes out within a few seconds of releasing the button, the thermocouple may not be heating properly. Try lighting it again, but this time hold the ignition button for a full 45 seconds instead of 30. Make sure the lighter flame is directly on the pilot opening and not just near it.

If the pilot still will not stay lit after two or three attempts, or if it lights but the main burner will not ignite, the fireplace may have a mechanical issue. A thermocouple can wear out, the pilot opening can become clogged with dust, or the gas valve itself may need adjustment. At this point, contact a fireplace technician or your gas company for inspection. Do not attempt to force the system to work.

Know when to call a professional

Some signs that your fireplace needs professional service include a pilot that will not light at all despite multiple attempts, a pilot that lights but burns yellow or orange instead of blue, a pilot that goes out repeatedly even after holding the button for a full minute, or a main burner that will not ignite from the pilot. These issues usually point to a thermocouple failure, a clogged burner, low gas pressure, or a faulty ignition system.

Gas fireplaces are safe when working correctly, but they involve pressurized gas and electrical ignition. If you are uncomfortable with the process or if the fireplace does not respond to basic troubleshooting, a licensed technician can diagnose and fix the problem quickly. Many gas companies offer inspection services, and some fireplace retailers provide repair appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have a long lighter?

A long-reach grill lighter, a thin taper candle held in a holder, or a long-reach match can work in a pinch. The key is reaching the pilot burner safely without burning your hand or arm. Avoid short lighters or regular matches—they do not reach far enough into the fireplace.

How long should I hold the ignition button?

Hold it for at least 30 seconds after the pilot flame appears. If the pilot keeps going out, try holding it for 45 seconds to one minute. The longer you hold it, the more time the thermocouple has to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open.

Why does my pilot light but then go out?

The thermocouple is not heating up enough, usually because you released the button too soon or the flame was not directly on the burner opening. Try again, aiming the lighter flame directly at the pilot opening and holding the button for a full 45 seconds. If it still goes out, the thermocouple may be failing and need replacement.

Is it normal for the pilot to take a few tries?

Yes, especially if the pilot has been out for a while or if you are lighting it for the first time in the season. Gas may need to flow through the line, and the ignition spark may take a moment to catch. Wait one minute between attempts to let gas clear, then try again.

What color should the pilot flame be?

A healthy pilot flame is blue and steady, about the size of a small pea. A yellow or orange flame suggests incomplete combustion and may indicate a clogged burner or air flow problem. If your pilot is consistently yellow, have it inspected by a technician.