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 bringing a long lighter or lit match to the pilot opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. Once the thermocouple (a heat-sensing rod near the flame) warms up, you release the button and turn the knob to "On" or "Ignite" to run the fireplace normally.
The whole process takes about two minutes. If the pilot won't stay lit after you release the button, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement, or the gas supply may be interrupted. Most pilot lights that go out can be relit at home without calling a technician, but some problems require professional help.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press and hold the ignition button, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the small flame at the pilot opening.
- Keep the ignition button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and hold the gas valve open.
- If the pilot light goes out when ready when you release the button, the thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty and may need cleaning or replacement.
- Check that the gas supply valve (usually at the base of the fireplace or on the gas line) is turned on before attempting to light the pilot.
- If you smell gas but cannot light the pilot after three attempts, stop trying and contact your gas company or a may have access to technician.
Locate the pilot opening and control knob
Open the fireplace door or access panel to see the burner assembly inside. The pilot opening is a small hole or tube, usually near the main burner, with a tiny nozzle where the pilot flame burns. Next to it or on the front of the fireplace you will find a control knob labeled with positions like "Off," "Pilot," and "On" or "Ignite."
Some fireplaces have the control knob on a wall-mounted remote or inside a cabinet below the fireplace. Check your owner's manual if you cannot locate it—the manual will show you exactly where the pilot opening is and which knob controls it. If you have lost the manual, the fireplace model number is usually stamped on a metal plate inside the unit, and you can search for the manual online using that number.
Turn off the gas and wait before you start
Turn the control knob all the way to "Off" and wait five minutes. This clears any gas that may have built up inside the fireplace. If you smell a strong gas odor in the room, open a window and wait 10 to 15 minutes before proceeding. A faint gas smell is normal when you first open the fireplace, but a strong smell means gas is accumulating and you should not attempt to light the pilot.
Check the gas supply valve, which is usually located at the base of the fireplace or on the gas line running to it. The valve handle should be parallel to the gas line (pointing in the same direction as the pipe). If it is perpendicular to the line, the gas is shut off—turn it parallel to the line to turn the gas back on. Wait another minute after opening the valve before moving to the next step.
Set the knob to Pilot and prepare your lighter
Turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows to the pilot opening. Get a long lighter (a fireplace or grill lighter with an extended nozzle works best) or a long wooden match ready. A regular short lighter or match will not reach the pilot opening safely, and you risk burning your hand.
If you do not have a long lighter, you can light a wooden match, let it burn for a few seconds so the flame is stable, and then carefully bring it to the pilot opening. Keep your face and hands at a safe distance—the pilot flame will ignite suddenly and can be startling. Have the lighter or match in your hand before you press the ignition button so you are not fumbling while gas is flowing.
Press the ignition button and light the pilot flame
Press and hold the ignition button (usually a red or black button near the control knob). You will hear a clicking sound as the igniter sparks. While holding the button down, bring the flame from your lighter or match to the pilot opening. The pilot should ignite within a few seconds, producing a small blue flame about the size of a pea or pencil tip.
Once the pilot flame appears, keep holding the ignition button down for another 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple—a metal rod that sits in the pilot flame—to heat up enough to signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release the button too soon, the pilot will go out because the thermocouple has not warmed up yet. After 60 seconds, slowly release the button while watching the pilot flame. It should stay lit.
Turn the knob to On and test the fireplace
Once the pilot is burning steadily, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On" or "Ignite." The main burner should light within a few seconds, and you should see flames across the burner bed. If the main burner does not ignite, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again. Sometimes the burner needs a second attempt to catch.
Let the fireplace run for a few minutes to make sure everything is working correctly. The flames should be steady and blue (or yellow-orange if your fireplace is designed to produce that color). If the flames are very yellow or orange and producing black soot, the burner may need cleaning, but that is a separate maintenance task. Once you are satisfied the fireplace is running normally, you can close the access panel or door and use the fireplace as usual.
What to do if the pilot will not stay lit
If the pilot flame goes out as soon as you release the ignition button, the thermocouple is likely the problem. The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas if the pilot goes out, preventing gas from building up inside your home. A thermocouple that does not stay warm enough to hold the valve open usually needs cleaning or replacement.
To clean the thermocouple, turn the gas off, wait five minutes, and locate the thermocouple rod (a thin metal tube sitting in the pilot flame). Gently rub the tip of the rod with fine steel wool or a soft cloth to remove any soot or debris. Wipe away any loose material with a clean cloth, then try lighting the pilot again. If cleaning does not work, or if you are not comfortable doing it, contact a may have access to technician—thermocouple replacement is inexpensive but requires some mechanical skill and knowledge of your specific fireplace model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I smell gas but the pilot won't light?
Stop trying to light it. Turn the control knob to "Off," open windows to ventilate the room, and leave the area for 15 minutes. If the smell persists, contact your gas company's emergency line. Do not use any electrical switches, lighters, or matches until the smell is gone—gas leaks are a serious safety hazard.
Can I light the pilot with the fireplace door closed?
No. You need to see the pilot opening and reach it with your lighter or match. Open the access panel or door fully before you begin. Some fireplaces have a small opening in the door for this purpose, but most require the door to be completely open.
How long should I hold the ignition button down?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up. If you hold it for less than 30 seconds, the pilot will usually go out when you release the button. Holding it longer than 60 seconds does not hurt, but it is not necessary.
Why does my pilot light keep going out after I turn on the main burner?
This usually means the thermocouple is failing or dirty. Try cleaning it with steel wool as described above. If the pilot stays lit when you are in "Pilot" mode but goes out when you switch to "On," the thermocouple may not be positioned correctly in the flame, or it may need replacement by a technician.
Is it safe to light the pilot myself, or should I call a technician?
Lighting the pilot yourself is safe if you follow the steps carefully and stop when ready if you smell a strong gas odor. However, if the pilot will not stay lit after one or two attempts, or if you are uncomfortable working with gas appliances, contact a may have access to technician. They can diagnose the problem and make repairs safely.