The basic steps to light your pilot

To light a fireplace pilot, you will turn the control knob to the pilot position, hold a lit match or lighter to the pilot burner opening, and keep the knob pressed in for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. The exact location of the pilot burner and the shape of the control knob vary by fireplace model, so check your manual first — it will show you where to find the pilot opening and which direction to turn.

Most fireplaces have the pilot burner inside the firebox, near the bottom front or to one side. You may need to remove a decorative cover or grate to reach it. The control knob is usually mounted on the front of the fireplace or on a wall-mounted remote panel. Once you know where both are, the process takes less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot" and hold it in place while you light the burner with a match or lighter held at the pilot opening.
  • Keep the knob pressed in for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple heats up and stays lit.
  • If the pilot goes out when ready after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty and will need cleaning or replacement.
  • Never force the knob or use excessive pressure — if it will not turn or stay in the pilot position, stop and consult your manual or a technician.

Finding the pilot burner and control knob

Open the fireplace door or remove any decorative covers blocking the interior. Look for a small brass or metal tube with a tiny opening — this is the pilot burner. It is usually positioned low in the firebox, either centered or off to one side depending on your model. Some fireplaces have the pilot burner hidden behind a removable panel or log set, so you may need to take those out first.

The control knob is normally on the front face of the fireplace unit or mounted on the wall nearby. It will have positions labeled "Off," "Pilot," and "On" (or "Heat"). Rotate it slowly to the "Pilot" position. If you cannot find the pilot burner or control knob, your manual will have a diagram showing their exact location for your specific model.

Lighting the pilot step by step

Set the control knob to "Pilot" and hold it down firmly. The knob must stay pressed in — this opens the gas valve to the pilot burner. While holding the knob, bring a lit match or lighter close to the pilot burner opening. You should see a small blue flame ignite within a few seconds.

Once the flame appears, continue holding the knob down for another 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device near the flame) to warm up. The thermocouple tells the gas valve to stay open. If you release the knob too soon, the pilot will go out because the thermocouple has not heated enough yet.

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it stays on, turn the knob to "On" to ignite the main burner, or leave it on "Pilot" if you only wanted to relight the pilot. If the flame goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely not working properly and will need to be cleaned or replaced.

What to do if the pilot will not stay lit

If the pilot lights but goes out when ready after you release the knob, the thermocouple is probably dirty or faulty. A thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical signal to hold the gas valve open. When it gets coated with dust or soot, it cannot sense the heat and the valve closes.

To clean the thermocouple, turn the knob to "Off" and wait five minutes for any remaining gas to clear. Locate the thermocouple — it is a thin rod about 4 to 6 inches long positioned in or very close to the pilot flame. Gently rub it with fine steel wool or a soft cloth to remove any buildup. Do not bend it or explore heavy pressure. Then try lighting the pilot again using the steps above.

If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple may be worn out and need replacement. This is an inexpensive part (usually $15 to $40) but requires some mechanical skill to swap out. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, a fireplace technician can replace it in about 30 minutes.

Safety checks before you start

Before lighting the pilot, make sure the fireplace has been off for at least five minutes. This allows any residual gas to clear from the lines. Smell inside the firebox — if you detect a strong gas odor, do not attempt to light the pilot. Turn the control knob to "Off" and open windows to ventilate the room. A strong smell may indicate a gas leak, which requires a technician to inspect.

Check that the area around the fireplace is clear of flammable materials like curtains, papers, or furniture. Keep your face and hands at a safe distance from the pilot opening when lighting it — the flame is small but can be hot. Never use a lighter with a long flame or a candle to light the pilot, as these can be harder to control. A long-handled match or a butane lighter with a thin flame works best.

When to call a technician instead

If the control knob is stuck or will not turn to the "Pilot" position, do not force it. A stuck knob usually means the valve inside is jammed or the knob itself is broken. Forcing it can damage the valve further. Stop and contact a fireplace technician or your fireplace manufacturer for guidance.

If you smell gas but cannot find a leak, or if the pilot lights but the main burner will not ignite after you turn the knob to "On," these are signs of a deeper problem with the gas line or ignition system. These issues require professional diagnosis. Similarly, if the pilot flame is yellow or orange instead of blue, or if it flickers constantly, the burner may need cleaning or adjustment by a technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down after the pilot lights?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release it too soon, the pilot will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine — just do not hold it for more than a few minutes, as this can overheat the thermocouple.

Can I use a candle or long lighter to light the pilot?

A long-handled match or thin-flame butane lighter is safer and easier to control. Candles and thick lighters make it harder to aim the flame precisely at the pilot opening and increase the risk of burns. Keep the flame source at least an inch away from the opening.

What does a healthy pilot flame look like?

A healthy pilot flame is bright blue with a small yellow tip at the very top. It should be steady and about the size of a pencil tip. If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, or if it flickers and dances, the burner may be dirty and needs cleaning by a technician.

Why does my pilot keep going out after I light it?

The most common cause is a dirty thermocouple. Clean it gently with steel wool as described above. If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple may be faulty and need replacement. Less often, a draft in the room can blow the pilot out — try closing doors or windows near the fireplace.

Is it normal for the pilot to go out on its own?

A pilot that stays lit indefinitely is normal for most fireplaces. However, some models have a thermostat that turns the pilot off when the room reaches a set temperature, then relights it when the room cools. Check your manual to see if your fireplace has this feature. If the pilot goes out unexpectedly and your fireplace does not have this feature, the thermocouple or gas valve may need service.