The Basic Steps to Light Your Fireplace Pilot

To light the pilot on a gas fireplace, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while holding a long lighter or lit match to the pilot opening for 30 to 60 seconds, then release the button. Once the pilot flame appears and holds steady for a few seconds, turn the knob to "On" to restore normal operation. If the pilot does not light after a minute of trying, or if it lights but goes out when you release the button, stop and wait five minutes before trying again—this prevents gas buildup in the firebox.

The exact location of the pilot opening and the shape of the control knob vary by fireplace model, so check your owner's manual first. Most manuals include a diagram showing where to aim the flame and which direction to turn the knob. If you no longer have the manual, search online for your fireplace brand and model number—manufacturers usually post PDFs for free.

Key Takeaways

  • The control knob must be in the "Pilot" position before you attempt to light; turning it to "On" without a lit pilot can flood the firebox with gas.
  • You need a long lighter or long fireplace match because the pilot opening is often recessed and difficult to reach with a standard match.
  • Hold the ignition button down continuously while the flame is near the pilot—releasing it too early will extinguish the pilot.
  • If the pilot lights but dies when you release the button, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement, and you should contact a technician.
  • Never leave the control knob in the "Pilot" position for more than a few minutes; return it to "On" once the pilot is stable.

Locate the Pilot Opening and Control Knob

Open the fireplace door or access panel and look for a small metal tube with a tiny opening at the end—this is the pilot burner. It is usually located at the base of the main burner assembly, often to one side. The control knob is mounted on the front of the fireplace or on the wall beside it; it will have positions labeled "Off," "Pilot," and "On," sometimes with a fourth position for "Ignition" or a separate ignition button nearby.

If you cannot see the pilot opening clearly, use a flashlight. Some fireplaces have a viewing window that lets you see the pilot from the front; others require you to look inside the firebox itself. Do not reach into the firebox or touch any metal parts—they may be hot even if the fireplace has not been used recently.

Turn the Knob to Pilot and Prepare to Ignite

Turn the control knob clockwise or counterclockwise to the "Pilot" position. You should hear or feel a slight click. Leave the knob there and do not turn it further. At this point, gas is flowing to the pilot burner but no flame is present yet.

Gather your long lighter or fireplace match. A standard kitchen match is too short to reach most pilot openings safely. Long fireplace matches are sold at hardware stores and online; a long lighter (the kind used for candles) works equally well. Have it ready before you proceed to the next step so you do not have to search for it while holding the knob.

Hold the Button and Light the Pilot Flame

Locate the ignition button—it is usually a small red or black button near the control knob, or it may be part of the knob itself. Press and hold this button down with one hand. While holding it, bring the lit match or lighter flame to the pilot opening with your other hand. You should see a small blue flame appear at the pilot burner within a few seconds.

Keep the flame near the pilot opening and continue holding the button for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot lights. This allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) to warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release the button too soon, the pilot will go out. If the pilot has not lit after 60 seconds, remove the flame, release the button, and wait five minutes before trying again.

Release the Button and Switch to On

Once the pilot flame is burning steadily and you have held the button for at least 30 seconds, slowly release the button. The pilot should remain lit. Watch it for another 10 to 15 seconds to make sure it does not flicker out. If it stays lit, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On." The main burner should ignite within a few seconds, and you will see a larger flame in the firebox.

If the pilot goes out as soon as you release the button, wait five minutes and try the whole process again. If it goes out a second time, the thermocouple may be faulty or dirty. A technician will need to inspect it, as this is not a repair most homeowners can do safely.

Troubleshooting a Pilot That Won't Stay Lit

A pilot that lights but dies when you release the button usually means the thermocouple is not detecting the heat. Before calling a technician, try cleaning the pilot opening with a thin wire or compressed air to remove any dust or debris blocking the flame. Turn the knob to "Off," wait a few minutes, then try lighting again. If it still does not hold, the thermocouple itself needs replacement.

A pilot that will not light at all may indicate a gas supply problem. Check that the main gas valve (usually located where the gas line enters the fireplace) is turned on—it should be parallel to the pipe, not perpendicular. If the valve is on and the pilot still will not light after three attempts, there may be air in the gas line or a blockage. Stop trying and contact a service technician; continuing to attempt ignition can create a safety hazard.

Safety Reminders While Lighting the Pilot

Never turn the control knob to "On" without a lit pilot flame present. Doing so sends gas into the firebox without ignition, creating a dangerous buildup. Always start with the knob in the "Off" position, move it to "Pilot," light the pilot, and only then move it to "On."

Keep your face and hands away from the firebox opening while lighting. The pilot flame is small, but the ignition process can produce a brief puff of flame. Wear long sleeves if you have a lot of arm hair, as the heat can singe it. If you smell gas but see no flame after trying to light the pilot, turn the knob to "Off" when ready, open a window, and leave the house for at least 15 minutes before returning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button down?

Hold it for at least 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to remain open. Releasing too early is the most common reason a pilot goes out when ready.

What if I smell gas but the pilot won't light?

Turn the control knob to "Off," open windows to ventilate, and leave the house for 15 minutes. Do not try to light it again. Gas smell with no flame suggests a leak or blockage that requires professional inspection.

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

A regular match is too short to reach most pilot openings safely without burning your fingers. Buy a long fireplace match or a long lighter from a hardware store—they cost a few dollars and are much safer to use.

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

The thermocouple is not detecting enough heat from the pilot flame. Try cleaning the pilot opening with compressed air or a thin wire to remove dust, then attempt again. If it still fails, the thermocouple needs replacement by a technician.

Is it normal for the pilot to flicker?

A steady blue flame is normal. A flickering or yellow-tipped pilot may indicate a dirty burner or air supply problem. If it flickers constantly but stays lit, have a technician inspect it before using the fireplace regularly.