The basic steps to relight your fireplace pilot

To light a fireplace pilot light, you need to locate the control knob (usually labeled "Pilot," "On," and "Off"), turn it to the Pilot position, hold a lit match or lighter near the pilot burner opening, and keep the knob pressed in for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. The pilot burner is a small opening near the main burner — it looks like a thin metal tube or a small hole in the burner assembly.

Most fireplaces have the control knob on the front face of the unit or on the side of the firebox. Before you start, make sure the fireplace is completely cool and that you have a long lighter or long matches on hand. A barbecue lighter works better than a standard match because it keeps your hand farther from the flame.

If the pilot light does not catch within a few seconds of holding the flame near it, release the knob, wait a minute, and try again. Do not force the process — if it does not light after three attempts, the problem is likely something other than user error, and you should stop and check for other issues.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to Pilot, hold a lit match or lighter near the pilot burner opening, and keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after ignition.
  • The pilot burner is a small opening near the main burner, usually on the front or side of the firebox.
  • A long barbecue lighter is safer and more reliable than a standard match for this task.
  • If the pilot does not light after three attempts, stop and check for gas flow, a blocked burner, or a faulty thermocouple before trying again.

Finding the pilot burner and control knob

The control knob is typically mounted on the front of the fireplace unit, below the main burner area, or on the side of the firebox near the base. It usually has three positions marked: Off, Pilot, and On. Some models have a fourth position for a thermostat setting. The knob may be a dial or a push-turn style that requires you to press it in while turning.

The pilot burner itself is a small opening in or near the main burner assembly. It may be a thin metal tube pointing downward, a small hole in a ceramic block, or a tiny opening in the burner pan. Look for it just below or beside the main burner — it will be noticeably smaller than the main burner opening. If you cannot locate it, check your fireplace manual or look inside the firebox with a flashlight.

Some fireplaces have a removable access panel or a small door that covers the burner area. If yours does, open it first to reach the control knob and see the pilot burner clearly. Do not force any panels — they are usually held by a single screw or clip.

What to do if the pilot light won't stay lit

If the pilot light ignites but goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing. The thermocouple is a safety device that senses the pilot flame and tells the gas valve to stay open. When it gets dirty, it cannot sense the flame properly. Try holding the knob in for a full 60 seconds — sometimes a longer hold allows the thermocouple to warm up enough to work.

If that does not work, the pilot burner opening itself may be clogged with dust or debris. Turn the knob to Off, wait a minute, and look at the pilot burner opening with a flashlight. If you see dust or buildup, use a thin needle or a paperclip to gently clear the opening. Do not use a toothpick — it can break off inside the burner. After clearing, try lighting again.

A weak or no gas flow to the pilot is another common cause. Check that the main gas valve (usually a lever handle on the gas line leading to the fireplace) is in the On position — the handle should be parallel to the pipe. If it is already on and the pilot still will not light, the problem may be a closed shutoff valve elsewhere in the gas line, a problem with your home's gas supply, or a faulty gas valve inside the fireplace unit.

Safety steps before you begin

Turn off the fireplace and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before attempting to light the pilot. Even a fireplace that has not been used recently can retain heat. Check that the area around the fireplace is clear of flammable materials — blankets, curtains, papers, and furniture should be at least 3 feet away from the front opening.

Make sure you have good ventilation in the room. If the fireplace is in a closed-off space, crack a window or door. Natural gas and propane both produce carbon monoxide when they burn, and proper ventilation is essential. If you smell gas before or during the lighting process, stop when ready, turn off the control knob, open windows, and leave the house. Call your gas company or emergency services from outside.

Keep children and pets out of the room while you are working with the pilot light. A long lighter is safer than matches because it keeps your hand farther from the flame and reduces the risk of burns.

When to call a professional instead

If the pilot light will not ignite after three careful attempts, or if it lights but will not stay on even after a full 60-second hold, the problem is likely inside the fireplace unit and requires professional service. A technician can test the thermocouple, inspect the gas valve, check the ignition system, and clean internal components that you cannot safely access.

Do not attempt to disassemble the fireplace or remove internal parts yourself. The gas lines, valves, and ignition components are precision-fitted, and disturbing them can create a gas leak or a fire hazard. A service call typically costs between $100 and $300, depending on your location and the repair needed.

If you smell gas, hear a hissing sound from the fireplace, or see visible damage to the burner or gas line, do not try to light the pilot. Turn off the control knob, leave the house, and call your gas company or a licensed technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob in after the pilot light ignites?

Hold the knob in for 30 to 60 seconds after you see the pilot flame catch. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too early, the flame will go out. If it still goes out after a full 60 seconds, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement.

What if I smell gas while trying to light the pilot?

Stop when ready, turn the control knob to Off, and do not try again. Open windows and doors to ventilate the room, and leave the house. Call your gas company's emergency line or a licensed technician. A gas smell can indicate a leak, a faulty valve, or a problem with the gas line.

Can I use a regular match instead of a lighter?

Yes, but a long barbecue lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. If you use a match, light it first, then hold it near the pilot burner opening. Be careful not to burn your fingers as the match burns down.

Why does the pilot light go out every time I release the knob?

The thermocouple is likely dirty or failing. Try holding the knob in for a full 60 seconds next time. If that does not work, the thermocouple may need to be cleaned by a technician or replaced. A faulty thermocouple is one of the most common reasons a pilot light will not stay on.

Is it normal for the pilot light to be blue or yellow?

A blue flame is normal and indicates complete combustion. A yellow or orange flame suggests incomplete combustion, which can happen if the burner is dirty or the air-to-gas ratio is off. If the flame is mostly yellow, have a technician inspect and clean the burner.