The basic steps to relight a gas log pilot
To light the pilot on gas logs, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, press and hold it down, then hold a long lighter or lit match to the pilot burner opening until the flame catches. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and sense the flame. Release the knob slowly — if the pilot stays lit, you are done. If it goes out, wait five minutes and repeat.
The exact location of the pilot burner varies by model. On most units it sits near the front or side of the burner assembly, often marked with a small arrow or label on the firebox. Check your manual for the specific spot on your model, since some logs have the pilot tucked underneath or to the rear where it is harder to reach.
You will need a lighter with a long stem or a long fireplace match — a regular match or lighter will not reach safely. Keep your hand and face clear of the opening as you light it, and do not force the knob or turn it past the Pilot setting.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to Pilot, press it down, and hold a long lighter or match to the pilot opening until the flame lights.
- Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after ignition so the thermocouple can detect the flame and stay lit.
- If the pilot goes out after you release the knob, wait five minutes before trying again — do not attempt it when ready.
- Use a long-stem lighter or fireplace match to avoid burning your hand, and check your manual for the exact pilot location on your model.
Why the pilot goes out and how to prevent it
A pilot light that will not stay lit usually means the thermocouple — a small metal rod that senses heat from the flame — is not getting hot enough or is not positioned correctly in the flame. If you light the pilot and it goes out the moment you release the knob, the thermocouple is not sensing the heat. This can happen if the pilot flame is too small, the thermocouple is bent away from the flame, or the thermocouple itself has failed.
Before you assume the thermocouple is broken, check that you held the knob down long enough — at least 30 seconds. Many people release too early. Also make sure the flame is actually touching the thermocouple tip. If the flame is small or yellow instead of blue, the pilot opening may be clogged with dust or debris. A small blast of compressed air can sometimes clear it, but if the problem persists, the pilot assembly may need professional cleaning or replacement.
To prevent the pilot from going out in the first place, keep the area around the gas logs clear of dust and pet hair, and do not move the logs or firebox once the pilot is lit. Vibration or shifting can bend the thermocouple or disturb the flame.
When to call a professional instead of relighting yourself
If the pilot lights but goes out every time you release the knob, or if you have tried relighting it three times and it will not stay on, stop and contact a gas appliance technician. Repeated failure usually signals a thermocouple problem, a gas supply issue, or a blockage that requires tools and informed to fix safely.
Do not attempt to adjust the gas flow, bend the thermocouple yourself, or disassemble any part of the pilot assembly. These adjustments need a professional with the right equipment and knowledge of your specific model. Improper adjustments can create a gas leak or a flame that does not work correctly.
If you smell gas at any point — whether during relighting or after — stop when ready, leave the area, and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not try to light the pilot again until a professional has checked for leaks.
Tools and materials you will need
Gather these items before you start: a long-stem lighter or long fireplace match, your gas log manual (to locate the pilot on your model), and a flashlight if the pilot opening is hard to see. Some people also keep a small can of compressed air nearby in case the pilot opening is dusty, though this is optional.
Do not use a regular short lighter or standard match — you need the extra length to keep your hand and face away from the opening. If you do not have a long lighter, a fireplace match works just as well and is often easier to control. Keep these items in a drawer near your fireplace so you have them ready if the pilot goes out.
The role of the thermocouple in keeping the pilot lit
The thermocouple is a heat-sensing device that sits in the pilot flame. When it gets hot enough, it sends a signal to the gas valve that tells it to stay open. Without this signal, the valve closes and the gas stops flowing — which is a safety feature. If the thermocouple does not sense enough heat, the valve closes even if you are still holding the knob down.
This is why you have to hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds: the thermocouple needs time to heat up and reach the temperature at which it signals the valve to stay open. If you release the knob too soon, the thermocouple has not warmed up yet, so the valve closes and the pilot goes out.
A thermocouple that has failed or is out of position will not heat up no matter how long you hold the knob. In that case, the pilot will light when you hold the knob down (because you are forcing gas to the pilot), but it will go out the moment you release it. This is the clearest sign that the thermocouple needs attention from a professional.
Troubleshooting a pilot that will not light at all
If the pilot will not light even when you hold a flame to it, the problem is usually a blocked pilot opening, no gas reaching the pilot, or a faulty ignition system. Start by checking that the control knob is actually in the Pilot position — some models have a small detent or click that confirms it. Make sure you are holding the knob down firmly; a loose grip can prevent gas from flowing to the pilot.
Next, look at the pilot opening itself. If it looks clogged with dust, soot, or debris, a short burst of compressed air may clear it. Hold the can upright and use a short, controlled spray — do not soak the area. If the opening is still blocked after that, or if you do not have compressed air, a professional will need to clean it.
If the opening is clear but the pilot still will not light, the gas supply to the pilot may be shut off or the gas line may have an issue. Check that the main gas valve for the fireplace is open (it should be parallel to the gas line, not perpendicular). If the valve is open and the pilot still will not light, contact a technician or your gas company to check the supply line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the knob down after the pilot lights?
Hold it down for 30 to 60 seconds. 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. If you hold it longer, that is fine — just do not force the knob or turn it past the Pilot position.
What if the pilot flame is very small or yellow instead of blue?
A small or yellow flame usually means the pilot opening is partially clogged with dust or debris. Try a short burst of compressed air to clear it. If the flame stays small or yellow after that, the pilot assembly may need professional cleaning. A healthy pilot flame should be blue and about half an inch tall.
Can I light the pilot with a regular match or lighter?
A regular match or lighter is too short and puts your hand too close to the opening. Use a long-stem lighter or a long fireplace match instead. These give you enough distance to stay safe while you light the pilot.
What should I do if I smell gas while trying to light the pilot?
Stop when ready, leave the area, and do not try to light the pilot again. Call your gas company's emergency line or a licensed gas technician. A gas smell can mean a leak or a problem with the gas line that needs professional attention right away.
How often do gas log pilots need to be relit?
A healthy pilot should stay lit indefinitely once it is going. If your pilot goes out regularly, something is wrong — either the thermocouple is failing, the pilot opening is clogged, or there is a gas supply issue. Have a technician check it rather than relighting it repeatedly.