The Basic Steps to Light Your Fireplace Pilot

To light the pilot in a gas fireplace, you will 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 appears. The pilot should stay lit once you release the button. If it goes out, wait five minutes before trying again—this prevents gas buildup in the firebox.

The exact location of the pilot opening and control knob varies by fireplace model, but both are almost always inside the firebox at the base of the unit. Check your owner's manual first to confirm the location and any model-specific steps, since some fireplaces have slightly different procedures.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot" and press the ignition button while holding a flame to the pilot opening for 30 to 60 seconds.
  • Keep the ignition button pressed for a full 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears, or it will go out when you release it.
  • If the pilot will not stay lit, wait at least five minutes before trying again to let any gas clear from the firebox.
  • A working pilot flame should be blue and about the size of your pinky fingernail; a yellow or orange flame means the opening may be clogged.

Locate the Control Knob and Pilot Opening

Open the fireplace doors or access panel and look at the base of the firebox. You will see a metal control knob, usually labeled with positions like "Off," "Pilot," and "On." The pilot opening is a small brass or metal tube nearby, often with a tiny hole at the end. Some fireplaces have the pilot opening on the left side of the firebox, others on the right—your manual will show the exact spot.

If you cannot locate either part, do not force anything open. Refer to your owner's manual or contact the fireplace manufacturer for guidance specific to your model. Forcing parts can damage the gas line or ignition system.

Turn the Knob to Pilot and Press the Ignition Button

Rotate the control knob clockwise until it stops at the "Pilot" position. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows to the pilot. Now locate the ignition button—it is usually a red or black button near the control knob, sometimes labeled "Ignite" or "Start." Press and hold this button down.

While holding the button, bring a lit long lighter or long match to the pilot opening. The flame should ignite within a few seconds. Do not release the button yet. Keep it pressed for a full 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 too early, the pilot will go out.

Keep the Flame Burning and Release the Button

After 30 to 60 seconds have passed, slowly release the ignition button while watching the pilot flame. A healthy pilot flame is blue, steady, and about the size of your pinky fingernail. If the flame stays lit after you release the button, you have succeeded. The pilot is now ready to ignite the main burner when you turn the knob to "On."

If the pilot goes out as soon as you release the button, wait at least five minutes before trying again. This pause lets any unburned gas escape from the firebox. Attempting to relight too quickly can create a gas pocket that makes ignition harder or unsafe.

Troubleshoot a Pilot That Will Not Stay Lit

If the pilot lights but goes out when ready when you release the button, the thermocouple may not be heating properly. Try lighting it again, but this time hold the button down for the full 60 seconds—do not stop at 30. If it still goes out, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement, which requires turning off the gas supply and waiting for a service technician.

A yellow or orange pilot flame instead of blue usually means the pilot opening is clogged with dust or debris. Turn the knob to "Off" and wait a few minutes. Then use a thin, stiff wire or a straightened paperclip to gently clear the opening. Do not use excessive force. Light the pilot again and check whether the flame is now blue.

What to Do If the Pilot Will Not Light at All

If you press the ignition button and hear no hissing sound, the gas supply may be shut off. Check that the main gas valve (usually a lever on the gas line outside or behind the fireplace) is in the "On" position—the lever should be parallel to the pipe. If the valve is already on, the gas line may have a blockage or the ignition system may be faulty.

If you hear hissing but the flame will not ignite even with a lighter held to the opening, the igniter may be broken. Some fireplaces have an electronic igniter instead of a button you press while holding a lighter. If your fireplace has an electronic igniter and it is not working, you will need a service technician to diagnose and repair it. Do not attempt to repair the ignition system yourself.

Safety Reminders When Lighting the Pilot

Always may support the room is well-ventilated before lighting the pilot. If you smell gas and cannot find the source, turn off the main gas valve when ready and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not use matches or lighters near the fireplace if you smell gas—a spark could ignite it unexpectedly.

Never leave the control knob in the "Pilot" position for more than 15 minutes without lighting the pilot. Gas will continue to flow and build up in the firebox. If you cannot light the pilot after two or three attempts, stop and wait five minutes before trying again. If the pilot still will not light after several attempts, turn the knob to "Off" and contact a fireplace service technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button down?

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 pilot will go out when you let go of the button.

What does a healthy pilot flame look like?

A healthy pilot flame is blue, steady, and about the size of your pinky fingernail. If the flame is yellow or orange, the pilot opening is likely clogged with dust. A flame that is too small or flickers may indicate a weak thermocouple or low gas pressure.

Why does the pilot go out as soon as I release the button?

The thermocouple is not heating up enough to keep the gas valve open. Try holding the button for the full 60 seconds next time instead of 30. If it still goes out, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement by a service technician.

Can I light the pilot with a match instead of a lighter?

Yes, a long match works just as well as a long lighter. Make sure the match is long enough that your fingers stay away from the pilot opening and the flame. Hold it steady in the opening while pressing the ignition button.

What should I do if I smell gas while trying to light the pilot?

Turn the control knob to "Off" when ready and do not attempt to light the pilot again. Open windows to ventilate the room and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not use any electrical switches or create sparks, as this could ignite the gas.