The basic steps to light your fireplace pilot

To light a gas fireplace pilot, you turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while holding a lighter or long match to the pilot burner opening, and keep the knob pressed for 30 seconds after the flame catches. Most pilots light within 10 to 15 seconds of flame contact. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, you turn the knob to "On" or "Heat" to run the fireplace normally.

The exact location of the pilot burner and the shape of the control knob vary by fireplace model, so check your owner's manual first — it will show you exactly where to aim the flame and which direction to turn the knob. If you cannot find the manual, the model number is usually stamped on a metal plate inside the fireplace or on the back of the unit, and you can search for it online.

Key Takeaways

  • The pilot burner is a small opening near the main burner, and you light it with a long lighter or match while the control knob is set to "Pilot."
  • You must hold the knob down for 30 seconds after the pilot flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and keep the gas valve open.
  • If the pilot does not light after 30 seconds of flame contact, release the knob, wait five minutes, and try again — do not force it.
  • A pilot that lights but goes out when you release the knob usually means the thermocouple is dirty or failing and needs professional cleaning or replacement.
  • If you smell gas while lighting the pilot, turn off the knob, open windows, and wait 15 minutes before trying again; if the smell persists, call your gas company.

Finding the pilot burner and control knob on your fireplace

The pilot burner is a small brass or steel tube with a tiny opening, usually located near the base of the main burner assembly. On most fireplaces, it sits to the side or slightly in front of the larger burner. The control knob is mounted on the front of the fireplace or on a wall-mounted remote control panel, and it has positions labeled "Off," "Pilot," and "On" or "Heat."

Before you begin, make sure the fireplace is off and has cooled for at least 10 minutes. Look inside the firebox with a flashlight to locate the pilot opening — it is much smaller than the main burner opening and may have a thin metal tube leading to it. If the fireplace has a decorative cover or grate, you may need to remove it to reach the pilot. Your manual will tell you whether removal is necessary.

Turning the knob and using the ignition button

Turn the control knob counterclockwise to the "Pilot" position. You will feel it click or stop at that setting. Some fireplaces have a separate ignition button next to the knob; others require you to push down on the knob itself while holding a lighter to the pilot. Check your manual to see which type yours is.

Once the knob is in the "Pilot" position, press and hold the ignition button or push down on the knob. While holding it down, bring a long lighter or long match to the pilot burner opening. The flame should catch within 10 to 15 seconds. Keep the lighter or match steady and close to the opening — if the pilot does not light after 30 seconds, release the button, wait five minutes, and try again.

Holding the knob down so the pilot stays lit

After the pilot flame appears, continue holding the knob down for another 30 seconds. This allows the thermocouple — a heat-sensing device near the pilot flame — to warm up enough to signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release the knob too soon, the pilot will go out because the thermocouple has not reached the right temperature yet.

After 30 seconds, slowly release the knob. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple may be dirty, misaligned, or failing. Wait five minutes and try the whole process again. If it fails a second time, the thermocouple likely needs professional cleaning or replacement — do not keep trying, as this wastes gas.

Switching from pilot to full heat mode

Once the pilot is burning steadily, turn the control knob clockwise to the "On" or "Heat" position. The main burner should ignite from the pilot flame. If you have a remote control, you may need to press a button to turn on the main burner instead of using the knob.

The main burner flame should be blue with a small yellow tip at the base. If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, the burner may need cleaning, but that is a separate task. Once the main burner is on, you can adjust the heat level using the thermostat or remote control, depending on your fireplace model.

What to do if the pilot will not light or stay lit

If the pilot does not light after three attempts spaced five minutes apart, stop trying and wait several hours before attempting again. Repeated ignition attempts can flood the firebox with unburned gas, which is a safety hazard. Open windows to ventilate the area.

If the pilot lights but goes out the moment you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely the problem. A thermocouple that is bent, loose, or covered in soot cannot sense the pilot heat properly. You can try gently cleaning the tip of the thermocouple with a soft brush or cloth, but if that does not work, the thermocouple will need to be replaced by a technician. Do not attempt to bend or adjust it yourself — thermocouples are fragile and expensive to replace if damaged.

If you smell gas while lighting the pilot or at any other time, turn the knob to "Off," open all windows, and leave the house. Call your gas company from outside or from a neighbor's phone. Do not use electrical switches, lighters, or anything that could create a spark. Gas leaks are serious and require professional attention.

When to call a professional instead

If the pilot will not light after you have followed the steps correctly, or if it lights but the main burner will not ignite, the problem is likely beyond a straightforward relighting. Common issues include a clogged pilot tube, a faulty ignition electrode, a broken thermocouple, or a gas supply problem. A fireplace technician can diagnose and fix these issues safely.

You should also call a professional if you smell gas, if the flame is unusually colored (bright yellow or orange instead of blue), or if the fireplace makes unusual sounds like hissing or popping. These are signs of a problem that needs informed attention. Most fireplace service calls cost between $100 and $300 for diagnosis and repair, depending on what is wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down after the pilot lights?

Hold it down for 30 seconds after the flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release it too soon, the pilot will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine — just do not release it before 30 seconds have passed.

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

Turn the knob to "Off" when ready, open all windows, and leave the house. Wait 15 minutes for the gas to clear, then try again. If you still smell gas after a second attempt, do not try again. Call your gas company from outside — they will check for a leak at no charge.

Can I use a regular lighter instead of a long lighter?

A long lighter or long match is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame and the hot fireplace. A regular lighter works but is harder to control and can burn your hand. Long lighters cost a few dollars and are worth having on hand for this task.

Why does the pilot light but go out when I release the knob?

The thermocouple is not heating up enough to keep the gas valve open. This usually means it is dirty, bent, or failing. Try gently cleaning the tip with a soft cloth, but if the problem continues, the thermocouple needs professional replacement.

How often do I need to relight the pilot?

A healthy pilot should stay lit continuously during the heating season. If you have to relight it every few days or weeks, the thermocouple or another component is failing and should be inspected by a technician. A pilot that goes out once in a while due to wind or a power outage is normal.