The basic steps to light a gas log pilot
Most gas log sets light the same way: turn the control knob to Pilot, hold it down while you ignite the flame, keep holding for 30 to 60 seconds after it catches, then release. The ignition itself comes from a lighter, match, or an electronic spark button built into the control panel — depending on your model.
Before you start, locate your control knob. It is usually mounted on the front of the firebox or on the wall beside it. The knob has three positions: Off, Pilot, and On. You will also need to find the pilot opening — a small brass or steel tube that sticks out from the burner assembly, usually near the back or side of the firebox.
If your logs have been sitting unused for weeks or months, turn the knob to Off and wait five minutes. This clears any gas that may have pooled inside the line. Then proceed with lighting.
Key Takeaways
- The control knob must be turned to Pilot and held down while you ignite the flame at the pilot opening.
- You need either a long lighter, long match, or an electronic spark button to ignite the pilot — a regular lighter will not reach safely.
- After the pilot lights, keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds so the thermocouple heats up and holds the gas valve open.
- If the pilot goes out after you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely dirty or failing and may need cleaning or replacement.
- Never force the knob or hold it down longer than two minutes — if the pilot has not caught by then, stop and wait before trying again.
What you need before you start
A long lighter or long fireplace match is essential. The pilot opening sits inside the firebox, and a standard lighter or short match will not reach it safely without burning your hand or arm. Fireplace lighters have extended tips and are sold at hardware stores and online for a few dollars.
If your gas log set has an electronic spark button on the control panel, you do not need a lighter at all — the button creates a spark at the pilot opening automatically. Check your control knob or the panel beside it for a button labeled Spark or Ignition.
You will also want a flashlight or headlamp so you can see inside the firebox clearly. The pilot opening is small, and you need to aim the flame or spark directly at it.
Step-by-step lighting process
Step 1: Turn the knob to Pilot. Rotate the control knob slowly until it stops at the Pilot position. You should hear a faint hiss as gas begins to flow to the pilot burner.
Step 2: Press and hold the knob. Push the knob inward and keep it pressed. This opens the pilot gas valve. Do not release it yet — if you do, the gas stops flowing and the pilot will not light.
Step 3: Ignite the pilot. While holding the knob, bring your lighter or match to the pilot opening and light the gas. If your set has a spark button, press it repeatedly while holding the knob down. You should see a small blue flame appear at the pilot opening within a few seconds.
Step 4: Hold the knob for 30 to 60 seconds. Once the pilot is burning, keep the knob pressed. This allows the thermocouple — a heat-sensing device near the pilot flame — to warm up. When it reaches the right temperature, it signals the gas valve to stay open even after you release the knob.
Step 5: Release the knob slowly. After 30 to 60 seconds, let go of the knob. The pilot flame should stay lit. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple did not heat up enough. Wait a minute and try again, holding the knob longer this time.
What to do if the pilot will not light
If you hear gas flowing but see no flame, the problem is usually ignition, not gas supply. Move your lighter or match closer to the pilot opening — the flame needs to touch the gas stream directly. If you are using a spark button, press it several times in quick succession rather than once.
If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is not heating up properly. This usually means it is dirty. Turn the knob to Off, wait a minute, and try again while holding the knob for the full 60 seconds. If it still fails, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement — a job for a gas technician.
If you hear no hiss and smell no gas when the knob is on Pilot, the gas supply itself may be shut off. Check that the main gas valve on your fireplace or stove is open. It is usually a lever handle on the gas line behind or beside the unit — the handle should point in the same direction as the pipe. If the valve is already open and you still smell no gas, contact your gas provider or a technician.
Why the pilot stays lit after you release the knob
The thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame. As it heats up, it generates a tiny electrical signal that tells the main gas valve to stay open. This is a safety feature — if the pilot ever goes out, the thermocouple cools down, the signal stops, and the main valve closes automatically. This prevents gas from flowing into your home unburned.
That is why you must hold the knob down for long enough: the thermocouple needs time to reach the temperature at which it produces enough signal to hold the valve open on its own. Thirty seconds is the minimum for most units, but 60 seconds is safer if you have time.
Turning on the main burner after the pilot is lit
Once the pilot is burning steadily, turn the control knob from Pilot to On. Gas should flow to the main burner, and the pilot flame should ignite it. You should see a larger flame spread across the log set within a few seconds.
If the main burner does not light, turn the knob back to Pilot and wait a minute. Then try again. If it still fails, the main burner ports may be blocked or the thermocouple signal may be too weak. This is a sign to call a technician.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the knob down before releasing it?
Hold it for at least 30 seconds, ideally 60 seconds. The longer you hold it, the hotter the thermocouple gets, and the stronger the signal it sends to keep the gas valve open. If you release too early, the pilot may go out.
What if I smell gas but do not see a flame?
Gas is flowing but not igniting. Move your lighter or match closer to the pilot opening so the flame touches the gas stream directly. If you are using a spark button, press it several times. If the pilot still will not light after three attempts, stop and wait five minutes before trying again.
Can I use a regular lighter instead of a fireplace lighter?
A regular lighter is too short to reach the pilot opening safely without burning your hand. Buy a long fireplace lighter or long matches — they cost a few dollars and are much safer. Alternatively, use the spark button if your unit has one.
Why does the pilot go out right after I release the knob?
The thermocouple did not heat up enough. Hold the knob down for the full 60 seconds next time. If it still goes out, the thermocouple is likely dirty or failing and should be inspected by a technician.
Is it normal for the pilot flame to be small and blue?
Yes. A small, steady blue flame is what you want. If the flame is yellow or orange, the pilot opening may be dirty. If it flickers constantly, there may be a draft in the firebox. A steady blue flame means the pilot is working correctly.