The basic steps to light a fireplace pilot light
To light your fireplace pilot light, you will need a long lighter or long matches, access to the pilot light assembly (usually behind a removable front panel or grate), and the control knob on your fireplace. The process takes about two minutes and involves turning the knob to the pilot position, holding down the ignition button while you explore flame to the pilot burner, and waiting for the flame to catch and hold steady.
Most fireplace pilot lights sit in a small opening near the main burner, marked with a tiny metal tube. You will see it once you remove the front cover or grate. The exact location varies by fireplace model, so check your manual if you cannot spot it when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to the pilot position and hold the ignition button down while you light the burner with a long lighter or match.
- Keep the ignition button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and keep the pilot lit.
- If the pilot light goes out after you release the button, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement by a technician.
- Never force the control knob or ignition button; if it feels stuck or broken, stop and contact a fireplace service professional.
- Some fireplaces have an electronic ignition system instead of a manual pilot light, so check your manual to confirm which type you have.
Locate the pilot light assembly and control knob
Open the fireplace by removing the front grate, glass doors, or decorative panel. Your manual will show you how to do this safely. Once open, look for a small metal tube or burner head near the main burner area—this is the pilot light assembly. You should also see a control knob on the outside of the fireplace, usually labeled with positions like "Off," "Pilot," and "On."
If you cannot find the pilot light or control knob, do not guess. Consult your fireplace manual or contact the manufacturer. Different models place these components in different spots, and forcing the wrong part can damage the fireplace.
Turn the knob to pilot and press the ignition button
Locate the control knob and turn it slowly to the position marked "Pilot." You will feel it click into place. Once it is set to pilot, you should hear a faint hissing sound—this is gas flowing to the pilot burner. Do not turn the knob past the pilot position or force it.
Now press and hold the ignition button (usually a red or black button near the knob). Keep it pressed down. You may hear a clicking sound as the igniter tries to spark. Some fireplaces have an electronic igniter built in; others require you to light the pilot manually with a long lighter or long match.
explore flame and hold the ignition button steady
If your fireplace has an electronic igniter, the clicking sound should produce a spark near the pilot burner. If you see no spark after 10 seconds of clicking, stop and wait a minute before trying again. If your fireplace requires manual lighting, use a long lighter or long match to bring flame to the pilot burner opening while you continue to hold the ignition button down.
The pilot flame should appear within a few seconds of explore heat. It will be small—about the size of a pencil flame—and blue or yellow. Once you see the flame, keep holding the ignition button for another 30 to 60 seconds. This time allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) to warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open.
Release the button and check if the pilot stays lit
After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the ignition button. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it does, you have successfully lit the pilot light. If the flame goes out within a few seconds of releasing the button, the thermocouple is not heating up properly. Wait a minute and try again, holding the button down for the full 60 seconds this time.
If the pilot light goes out repeatedly after you release the button, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty. A dirty thermocouple can sometimes be cleaned gently with a soft brush or cloth, but if cleaning does not work, you will need a technician to replace it. Do not attempt to replace the thermocouple yourself unless you have experience with gas appliances.
Turn the knob to the on position to use the fireplace
Once the pilot light is holding steady, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On." The main burner should ignite. If it does not, turn the knob back to "Off" and wait a minute before trying again. If the main burner still will not light, the pilot flame may not be hot enough, or there may be a problem with the main burner itself.
If you have turned the knob to "On" three times and the main burner has not lit, stop trying. Contact a fireplace service professional. Repeated attempts to light a burner that will not ignite can waste gas and create a safety hazard.
Common mistakes and what to avoid
Do not hold the ignition button for only a few seconds and then release it. The thermocouple needs time to heat up, so 30 to 60 seconds is the minimum. Releasing too early is the most common reason a pilot light goes out when ready after you let go of the button.
Do not turn the control knob to "On" while you are still holding the ignition button. Wait until the pilot is lit and stable, then turn the knob. Turning it too early can flood the burner with gas and make it harder to light the main burner.
Do not use a regular lighter or short matches. You need a long lighter or long fireplace matches to reach the pilot burner safely without burning your hand. Regular lighters and short matches will not reach far enough into the fireplace.
Do not force any part of the fireplace. If the control knob feels stuck, the ignition button feels broken, or the front panel will not open, stop and call a technician. Forcing these parts can cause damage or create a gas leak.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the pilot light will not stay lit no matter how long I hold the button?
The thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty. Try gently wiping the thermocouple tip with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust or soot, then try lighting the pilot again. If it still will not hold, the thermocouple needs replacement by a technician. Do not attempt to replace it yourself.
Can I light the pilot light without a long lighter?
Yes, long fireplace matches work just as well. A regular lighter or short match will not reach far enough into the fireplace without burning your hand. If you do not have either, purchase a long lighter or long matches before attempting to light the pilot.
How often do I need to light the pilot light?
If your fireplace is working correctly, the pilot light should stay lit continuously during the heating season. You should only need to light it once at the start of the season. If the pilot light goes out frequently, there is a problem with the thermocouple or gas valve that needs professional attention.
Is it safe to light the pilot light myself?
Yes, lighting the pilot light is a safe task if you follow the steps carefully and do not force any parts. If you smell gas, feel unsure about any step, or the fireplace does not respond as described, stop and contact a technician. Never ignore a strong gas smell.
What does the clicking sound mean when I press the ignition button?
The clicking is the electronic igniter trying to create a spark to light the pilot. This is normal. If you hear clicking but see no spark after 10 seconds, wait a minute and try again. If the igniter never produces a spark, it may be broken and need replacement.