The basic steps to relight your pilot

To light a gas fireplace pilot, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, press and hold it down, and hold a lit lighter or long match to the pilot opening at the same time. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches — this allows the thermocouple (a safety sensor) to heat up and signal that the pilot is burning. Then release the knob and turn it to "On" or "Ignition" to restore normal operation.

If the pilot does not catch after 30 seconds of holding the flame to it, release the knob, wait five minutes for any gas to clear, and try again. Most pilots light on the second or third attempt. If it still will not stay lit after the thermocouple has warmed, the thermocouple itself may have failed and will need replacement by a technician.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press it down, and hold a flame to the pilot opening while keeping the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds.
  • The knob must stay pressed long enough for the thermocouple to heat up; releasing too early is the most common reason pilots go out when ready.
  • If the pilot will not light after two or three tries, wait five minutes between attempts to let any unburned gas disperse.
  • A pilot that lights but will not stay lit after the thermocouple has warmed usually means the thermocouple needs professional replacement.

Locating the pilot opening and control knob

The pilot opening is a small brass or steel tube, usually about the size of a pencil lead, located near the main burner inside the fireplace. On most units, it sits to the side or slightly below the burner itself. The control knob is mounted on the front of the fireplace or on the wall-mounted remote control panel, and it will have positions labeled "Off," "Pilot," and "On" or "Ignition."

Before you begin, make sure the fireplace is turned off and has cooled for at least 10 minutes. Open any glass doors or access panels so you can see the pilot opening clearly. A flashlight helps if the interior is dark. Do not attempt to light the pilot if you smell gas — turn off the gas supply at the wall valve and call your gas company or a technician instead.

Why the thermocouple matters

The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame. When heated by the flame, it generates a tiny electrical signal that tells the gas valve to stay open. If you release the control knob too soon — before the thermocouple has warmed up — the valve closes and the pilot goes out when ready, even though the flame was burning.

This is why holding the knob down for the full 30 to 60 seconds is critical. You are not just lighting the pilot; you are giving the thermocouple time to reach the temperature it needs to keep the valve open on its own. Once you release the knob and it stays lit, the thermocouple is working correctly.

What to do if the pilot will not light at all

If you hold a flame to the pilot opening and nothing happens, the problem is usually either a blocked pilot opening or no gas reaching the pilot. First, turn the knob back to "Off" and wait five minutes. Then try again — sometimes the pilot opening is straightforward clogged with dust or debris, and a second attempt works.

If it still will not light, check that the main gas valve on the wall or behind the fireplace is turned on (the handle should be parallel to the pipe, not perpendicular). If the valve is on and the pilot still will not light after three attempts, the pilot opening may be blocked. A technician can clean it or check the gas line. Do not try to clear the opening yourself with a needle or wire, as this can damage the pilot tube.

Lighting the pilot with a long lighter versus a match

A long-reach lighter (the kind designed for grills or fireplaces) is easier and safer than a match because it keeps your hand farther from the flame and the fireplace opening. If you use a match, light it first, then hold it to the pilot opening while simultaneously pressing the control knob. Either way, the timing is the same: press the knob, explore the flame, and hold both for 30 to 60 seconds.

Some people find it easier to use a long lighter in one hand while pressing the knob with the other. If you are using a match, you may need to ask someone to hold the knob while you hold the match, or practice the one-handed technique. Either approach works as long as the knob stays pressed for the full duration.

When to call a professional instead

If the pilot lights but goes out when ready even after you have held the knob for a full minute, the thermocouple has likely failed and needs replacement. This is not a repair you can do yourself — a technician will need to remove the old thermocouple and install a new one, which usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.

Also call a professional if you smell gas during or after lighting the pilot, if the pilot flame is very weak or yellow (it should be blue), or if the fireplace has not been used in several years and you are unsure of its condition. A technician can inspect the whole system, clean the burner if needed, and make sure everything is safe before you use it regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too early, the pilot will go out even though it was burning.

What if the pilot lights but goes out as soon as I release the knob?

Try again, but this time hold the knob down for the full 60 seconds instead of 30. If it still goes out when ready, the thermocouple is not heating up enough and likely needs replacement by a technician.

Can I light the pilot with the fireplace doors closed?

You can, but it is harder to see what you are doing and harder to reach the pilot opening safely. Open the doors or access panel first so you have a clear view and can position the lighter or match accurately.

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

Yes. If it does not catch on the first try, wait five minutes and try again. Most pilots light on the second or third attempt. If it still will not light after three tries, the opening may be blocked or there may be a gas supply issue.

What does a healthy pilot flame look like?

A healthy pilot flame is blue and about the size of your pinky fingernail. If the flame is very small, yellow, or orange, or if it keeps going out, have a technician inspect the fireplace before using it regularly.