The basic steps to light your gas log pilot

To light the pilot on a gas log set, 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. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot catches—this allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing safety device) to warm up and signal that the pilot is burning. Once you release the knob, the pilot should stay lit. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement, and you should call a technician.

The exact location of the pilot burner varies by model. On most gas logs, it sits near the front or side of the burner assembly, often marked with a small arrow or label on the unit itself. Check your owner's manual for the specific location on your model—it typically takes less than a minute to find once you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," hold it down, and light the pilot opening with a long lighter or match while keeping the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds.
  • The pilot burner opening is usually marked on the unit or shown in your owner's manual, and you may need to remove a decorative cover or grate to reach it.
  • If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty and requires professional service.
  • Never force the control knob or use excessive pressure—if it feels stuck, stop and contact a technician rather than risk damaging the valve.

Locating the pilot burner on your gas log set

The pilot burner is a small opening where a tiny flame burns continuously to ignite the main burner when you turn on the logs. On most gas log sets, it sits at the base or front edge of the burner assembly, sometimes inside a small metal tube or chamber. Manufacturers often label it with an arrow, the word "Pilot," or a small diagram on the unit itself.

If you cannot see it when ready, remove any decorative grates, screens, or covers that sit in front of the burner. These are usually held by a few screws or clips and lift out easily. Once removed, you should have a clear view of the burner area. If your manual came with the unit, it will show a photo or diagram of the exact location—this saves time and prevents you from lighting the wrong opening.

What to do if the pilot won't stay lit

If the pilot lights when you hold the knob down but goes out as soon as you release it, the thermocouple is not detecting the heat from the flame. This is the most common reason a pilot will not hold. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and sends a signal to the gas valve saying "the pilot is burning, keep the gas flowing." When it gets dirty or fails, the valve shuts off the gas to protect against unburned gas accumulating in your home.

Before calling a technician, you can try cleaning the thermocouple yourself if you are comfortable doing so. Turn off the gas at the control knob, wait a few minutes, then locate the thermocouple (a thin rod near the pilot opening). Gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth or very fine steel wool to remove any soot or buildup. Relight the pilot and hold the knob for a full 60 seconds. If it still goes out, the thermocouple likely needs replacement, which requires a professional.

Safety steps before you start

Before lighting the pilot, make sure the area around the gas logs is clear of flammable materials—blankets, curtains, papers, and furniture should be at least 3 feet away. Check that the gas supply is turned on at the control knob (it should be in the "Off" position before you begin, then you will turn it to "Pilot"). Never light the pilot if you smell gas; instead, turn off the gas at the knob, leave the area, and call your gas company or a technician.

Use a long lighter or long fireplace match rather than short matches or a regular lighter. Your fingers and hand need to stay well away from the pilot opening, and a long lighter gives you the reach and control to do this safely. If you have a gas smell that does not go away after you turn off the knob, or if you hear a hissing sound, stop and call for help—do not try to relight.

When to call a professional instead

If the pilot will not light at all after several attempts, if you smell gas continuously, or if the control knob feels stuck or damaged, do not force it. A stuck knob can indicate a problem inside the valve that requires professional repair. Similarly, if the pilot lights but the main burner will not turn on when you switch the knob to "On," the issue is beyond the pilot light itself and needs a technician's diagnosis.

Gas log systems are safe when working correctly, but they involve pressurized gas and electrical components that can fail in ways that are not obvious to the eye. A technician can test the thermocouple, check gas pressure, inspect the valve, and confirm that everything is operating safely. The cost of a service call is much lower than the risk of a gas leak or malfunction.

Maintaining your pilot light so it stays lit

The most common reason pilots go out is soot or dust buildup on the thermocouple. To reduce this, keep the area around your gas logs clean and free of dust. Vacuum or wipe the exterior of the unit every few months, and avoid placing anything that sheds fibers (like blankets or upholstered furniture) directly in front of the logs.

If you use your gas logs regularly during winter, the pilot should stay lit on its own once you light it. If you turn the logs off for the season, you may need to relight the pilot when you turn them back on in the fall. This is normal. If the pilot goes out unexpectedly during the season when you are using the logs, it usually signals that the thermocouple needs cleaning or the gas supply has been interrupted—check that the control knob is in the correct position and that no one has turned off the gas at the wall valve or meter.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and send the signal to the valve that the pilot is burning. If you release too quickly, the valve may close before the thermocouple is warm enough, and the pilot will go out.

Can I light the pilot with a regular lighter instead of a long match?

A long lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame and the hot pilot opening. A regular lighter works, but you risk burning your fingers or hand. A long fireplace match is also a good option if you do not have a long lighter.

What does it mean if the pilot lights but the main burner won't turn on?

This usually means the thermocouple is working (since the pilot stays lit), but the valve that controls the main burner is stuck or faulty. This requires professional service—do not try to force the control knob or adjust anything yourself.

Is it normal for the pilot to go out if I do not use the logs for a few weeks?

It can happen, especially if the logs sit unused during warm months. When you are ready to use them again, straightforward relight the pilot following the same steps. If the pilot goes out repeatedly during active use, the thermocouple likely needs cleaning or replacement.

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

Stop when ready, turn the control knob to "Off," leave the area, and call your gas company's emergency line or a technician. Do not try again until a professional has checked the system. A gas smell means there is a leak or a problem that needs informed attention.