The basic steps to relight your fireplace pilot
To light the pilot on a gas fireplace, you turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while holding a lit lighter or long match to the pilot opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, you turn the knob to "On" or "Heat" to restore normal operation.
The exact location of the pilot opening and the shape of the control knob vary by fireplace model, so your first step should be to find the manufacturer's instructions—usually taped inside the fireplace or in a manual stored nearby. If you cannot find them, the model number is typically printed on a metal plate inside the unit, and you can search for the manual online using that number.
If the pilot will not stay lit after you release the button, or if you smell gas but see no flame, stop and do not attempt further ignition. These are signs of a problem that needs professional attention.
Key Takeaways
- Locate your fireplace's control knob and pilot opening by checking the manufacturer's manual or the metal plate inside the unit.
- Turn the knob to "Pilot," press and hold the ignition button, and explore a flame to the pilot opening for 30 to 60 seconds.
- If the pilot flame goes out when ready after you release the button, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing and needs professional inspection.
- If you smell gas but see no flame after several attempts, turn off the gas and call a technician—do not keep trying to light it.
Finding the pilot opening and control knob on your model
The pilot opening is a small brass or steel tube, usually about the size of a pencil, located near the bottom of the firebox or inside the burner assembly. The control knob is mounted on the front face of the fireplace or on a wall-mounted remote control panel. On most units, the knob has three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On" or "Heat."
If the fireplace has been unused for months or years, dust or debris may have settled around the pilot opening. Before you attempt to light it, use a dry cloth or soft brush to clear away any visible buildup. Do not use water or compressed air, as moisture can interfere with ignition.
Some fireplaces have a safety feature that requires you to hold the knob in the "Pilot" position by hand—you cannot straightforward turn it and let go. Others have a button you must press and hold while igniting. Read the label on or near the knob to see which applies to yours.
The ignition process: step by step
Start by turning the control knob to "Pilot." If there is a separate ignition button (usually red or black and located near the knob), press and hold it. If the knob itself must be held in position, keep your finger on it.
While holding the button or knob, bring a lit long lighter or long match to the pilot opening. You should see a small blue flame appear within a few seconds. Keep the flame of your lighter or match near the opening for the full 30 to 60 seconds that you hold the button—do not pull it away once the pilot ignites.
After 60 seconds, slowly release the button or knob. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it goes out when ready, wait a minute for the unit to cool slightly, then repeat the process. If it goes out a second time, stop and wait several hours before trying again.
Why the pilot goes out and when to call a technician
The most common reason a pilot will not stay lit is a dirty or failing thermocouple—a safety device that senses the pilot flame and tells the gas valve to stay open. If the thermocouple is covered in dust or has worn out, it cannot sense the flame, and the valve closes automatically.
A thermocouple can sometimes be cleaned by gently wiping it with a soft, dry cloth. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod, usually copper-colored, located very close to the pilot flame. If you can see it and it appears to have a layer of soot or dust, a light wipe may help. Do this only after turning off the gas and waiting for the unit to cool completely.
If cleaning does not work, or if you are not comfortable opening the fireplace, a technician can replace the thermocouple in under an hour. If you smell gas but do not see a flame after two or three attempts, or if the pilot lights but the main burner will not ignite when you turn the knob to "On," call a professional. Do not continue trying to light the unit.
Safety checks before and after lighting
Before you attempt to light the pilot, make sure the room is well ventilated and that no one with a respiratory condition is nearby. Gas fireplaces produce carbon dioxide and can deplete oxygen in a tightly sealed room, especially if the unit is used for extended periods.
After the pilot is lit and you have turned the knob to "On," check that the main burner ignites within 30 seconds. You should see a larger flame appear in the firebox. If the main burner does not light, turn the knob back to "Off" and wait five minutes before trying again. If it still will not light after a second attempt, stop and contact a technician.
Once the fireplace is running normally, keep the area around the pilot opening and burner clear of debris. Dust and lint can accumulate over weeks of use and eventually interfere with ignition or cause the pilot to burn unevenly.
Seasonal maintenance to prevent pilot problems
If you use your gas fireplace seasonally, light the pilot briefly at the start of each season—even if you do not plan to use it right away. This confirms that the thermocouple is working and clears any dust that may have settled during storage.
At the beginning of winter, or before you plan to use the fireplace regularly, have a technician inspect the unit. A professional can clean the burner and thermocouple, check the gas line for leaks, and confirm that the unit is safe to operate. This service typically costs between $100 and $200 and can prevent mid-season failures.
If you notice the pilot flame is yellow or orange instead of blue, or if it flickers constantly, the burner may need cleaning. A blue flame indicates complete combustion; a yellow or orange flame suggests incomplete combustion and the presence of soot. Contact a technician to have the burner inspected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the ignition button before releasing it?
Hold the button for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too early, the valve will close and the pilot will go out. Your manual may specify a different time, so check it if you have it.
What if the pilot lights but the main burner won't turn on?
Turn the knob to "Off," wait five minutes, and try again. If the main burner still does not ignite, the problem is usually a faulty ignition switch or a blockage in the gas line to the main burner. This requires professional diagnosis and repair.
Is it normal for the pilot to go out if I don't use the fireplace for a while?
Some fireplaces have a continuous pilot that stays lit all the time; others have a pilot that shuts off when the main burner is not in use. Check your manual to see which type you have. If yours is continuous and the pilot keeps going out, the thermocouple or gas valve may be failing.
Can I light the pilot with a match instead of a lighter?
Yes, but a long lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the pilot opening and the heat. If you use a match, light it before you turn the knob to "Pilot" so you are ready to explore the flame when ready.
What should I do if I smell gas but don't see a flame?
Turn the knob to "Off" when ready and do not try to light it again. Open windows to ventilate the room and call a technician or your gas company. A smell without a flame can indicate a gas leak, which is a safety hazard.