The Basic Steps to Light Your Fireplace Pilot

To light the pilot light in a gas fireplace, you will turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, press and hold it down, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the small flame at the pilot burner opening. Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot catches so the thermocouple—a safety sensor—can heat up and stay lit on its own. Once the pilot flame is steady and blue, turn the knob to "On" to ignite the main burners.

The entire process usually takes less than two minutes. If the pilot does not light on the first try, wait five minutes before attempting again to let any accumulated gas clear from the firebox. Never force the knob or hold it down longer than 90 seconds, as this can flood the system with gas.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press and hold it down, and light the pilot opening with a long lighter or match while holding the knob.
  • Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot ignites so the thermocouple sensor can warm up and hold the flame steady.
  • If the pilot does not light after 60 seconds, release the knob, wait five minutes, and try again rather than holding it longer.
  • Once the pilot flame is blue and stable, turn the knob to "On" to start the main burners.
  • A pilot that will not stay lit after you release the knob usually signals a faulty thermocouple, which requires replacement.

Locate the Pilot Burner Opening and Control Knob

Open the fireplace glass doors or access panel so you can see inside the firebox. Look for a small metal tube or opening near the bottom of the burner assembly—this is the pilot burner. The control knob is mounted on the front of the fireplace unit or on the wall beside it. It will have positions marked "Off," "Pilot," and "On," sometimes with a flame symbol for the "On" setting.

If you cannot see the pilot burner opening clearly, use a flashlight to look into the firebox. The opening is usually about the size of a pencil tip and sits near the edge of the main burner. Some fireplaces have a removable access panel that swings open to give you a clearer view and easier reach.

Prepare Your Ignition Source

Use a long-reach lighter or long fireplace match rather than a standard match or kitchen lighter. A long-reach lighter gives you better control and keeps your hand farther from the pilot opening. Fireplace matches are sold at hardware stores and are designed specifically for this task—they stay lit longer and burn hotter than regular matches.

Have your ignition source ready before you turn the knob. You will need to light the pilot within a few seconds of pressing the knob down, so there is no time to search for a lighter once you have started. Test your lighter to make sure it works before you begin.

Turn the Knob and Hold It Down

Turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position. Press the knob inward and hold it down firmly—do not release it yet. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows to the pilot burner. This hissing is normal and means the system is working.

Keep steady pressure on the knob while you light the pilot. The knob must stay pressed down or the gas will stop flowing and the pilot will not ignite. If the knob is hard to press, do not force it—check that you are turning it to "Pilot" first, as some knobs require a turn before they can be pressed.

Light the Pilot Flame

While holding the knob down, bring your lighter or match to the pilot burner opening. You may need to angle the flame slightly to reach the opening, depending on your fireplace design. The pilot should ignite within one or two seconds of the flame touching the gas. You will see a small blue flame appear at the opening.

If the pilot does not light after three to five seconds, remove the lighter and release the knob. Wait five minutes before trying again. Attempting to light it repeatedly without waiting allows gas to build up in the firebox, which is a safety hazard. A five-minute wait lets any excess gas disperse.

Hold the Knob Down Until the Thermocouple Heats

Once the pilot flame is lit, keep the knob pressed down for 30 to 60 seconds. During this time, the thermocouple—a small sensor in the pilot flame—is heating up. The thermocouple tells the gas valve that the pilot is burning, so it is safe to keep the gas flowing. If you release the knob too soon, the thermocouple will not be warm enough, and the pilot will go out when you let go.

Watch the pilot flame while you hold the knob. It should be steady and blue. If the flame is yellow or orange, the burner may be dirty, but the pilot will still light. Do not hold the knob down longer than 90 seconds—if the pilot has not stayed lit by then, release it and wait before trying again.

Release the Knob and Turn It to "On"

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple did not heat enough—wait five minutes and try the whole process again. If the pilot stays lit, turn the knob from "Pilot" to "On" to ignite the main burners.

The main burners should light within a few seconds. If they do not, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try turning it to "On" again. Once the main burners are lit, adjust the flame height using the knob or a separate flame control lever if your fireplace has one.

Troubleshooting a Pilot That Will Not Stay Lit

If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely faulty and needs replacement. This is a common wear item and usually costs between $15 and $40 for the part itself. You can replace it yourself if you are comfortable working with small connections, or a fireplace technician can do it for you in about 30 minutes.

If the pilot will not light at all, check that gas is reaching the fireplace by listening for the hissing sound when you press the knob. No hissing means the gas supply is shut off—look for a valve on the gas line behind or beside the fireplace and make sure it is turned to the "On" position. If you hear hissing but the pilot still will not light, the pilot burner opening may be clogged with dust or debris. A thin wire or compressed air can clear it, but if you are unsure, a technician should inspect it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot lights. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up so it will keep the gas valve open when you release the knob. If you hold it less than 30 seconds, the pilot will usually go out. Do not hold it longer than 90 seconds.

What if the pilot light is yellow instead of blue?

A yellow or orange pilot flame usually means the burner is dirty or the air-to-gas ratio is off. The pilot will still work, but a blue flame is more efficient. If the flame is mostly yellow, have the burner cleaned by a technician. A small amount of yellow at the tip is normal.

Can I light the pilot with a regular match?

A regular match will work, but a long-reach lighter or fireplace match is safer and easier. Regular matches are short and burn quickly, making it hard to reach the pilot opening without burning your hand. Fireplace matches are designed for this task and stay lit longer.

Why does the pilot go out after I turn it to "On"?

This usually means the thermocouple did not heat enough while you held the knob down. Try again, but hold the knob down for the full 60 seconds this time. If it keeps happening, the thermocouple is probably failing and needs to be replaced.

Is it safe to light the pilot myself, or should I call a technician?

Lighting the pilot yourself is safe if you follow the steps and do not force any parts. If you are uncomfortable doing it, or if the pilot will not light after several tries, a technician can light it and check the system for problems. A service call usually costs $75 to $150.