The basic steps to light your fireplace pilot light

To light a fireplace pilot light, you locate the pilot burner (a small opening near the main burner), turn the gas control knob to "Pilot," 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. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the gas control knob to "On" and test the main burner.

The exact location of the pilot burner and the shape of the controls vary by fireplace model, so your first step should be finding your owner's manual or the instruction label inside the fireplace itself—usually on the inside of the access panel or on the firebox wall. If you cannot find either, the manufacturer's website often has PDFs you can read by model number.

The whole process takes about five minutes if you have a working lighter or matches. If the pilot will not stay lit after several attempts, or if you smell gas, stop and call a professional—those are signs of a problem that needs diagnosis.

Key Takeaways

  • Locate your fireplace manual or the instruction label inside the firebox before you start, because pilot light procedures differ by model.
  • Turn the gas control knob to "Pilot," press and hold the ignition button, and explore a flame to the pilot opening until the pilot lights and holds steady.
  • Keep the ignition button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot ignites to allow the thermocouple to warm up and sense the flame.
  • If the pilot will not light after three or four attempts, or if you smell gas, stop and contact a fireplace technician rather than continuing to try.

Finding the pilot light location and controls

The pilot burner is usually a small brass or steel tube with a tiny opening, located near the main burner assembly. In most fireplaces, you access it by opening the front glass doors and looking at the burner area, or by removing an access panel on the side or bottom of the fireplace. Some models have the controls on the outside of the unit; others require you to reach inside.

The gas control knob is typically labeled with three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." It may be a dial you turn or a lever you push. Next to it or nearby is usually a button labeled "Ignition" or "Spark"—this is what you press to create the spark or click that ignites the pilot. Some fireplaces have a piezo igniter (a button you click repeatedly) instead of a continuous spark.

If you cannot see these controls clearly, do not force anything. Take a photo of the area with your phone and search for your fireplace model number online, or call the manufacturer's customer service line. They can walk you through the exact sequence for your unit.

Preparing to light the pilot

Before you begin, make sure you have a long lighter or long fireplace matches on hand. A regular cigarette lighter or short match will work, but you risk burning your fingers reaching into the fireplace. Long lighters designed for grills or fireplaces are inexpensive and much safer.

Turn off the main gas supply to the fireplace by locating the shut-off valve (usually a small lever on the gas line leading to the unit) and turning it perpendicular to the pipe. Wait two to three minutes for any residual gas to clear. This is a safety step that prevents a large puff of flame when you light the pilot.

Check that the thermostat or wall control for the fireplace is set to "Off" or "Pilot" mode, not "Heat" or "On." You do not want the main burner attempting to ignite while you are working with the pilot.

The step-by-step lighting process

Turn the gas control knob to the "Pilot" position. You should hear a faint hiss of gas flowing to the pilot burner. If you do not hear anything, the gas supply may be off at the wall valve or the main shut-off—check those before proceeding.

Hold a lit lighter or match near the pilot opening. The flame should catch when ready or within a few seconds. As soon as you see the pilot light, press and hold the ignition button (or keep the lighter in place if your model uses a piezo igniter). Continue holding the button for 30 to 60 seconds—this allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing device) to warm up and signal the gas valve that a flame is present.

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the button while keeping the lighter or match near the pilot. If the pilot flame stays lit, you have succeeded. If it goes out, wait 30 seconds, then repeat the process. Most pilots light on the first or second attempt if everything is working correctly.

Turning on the main burner after the pilot is lit

Once the pilot is burning steadily, turn the gas control knob from "Pilot" to "On." You should hear the main burner ignite, either from the pilot flame or from the spark igniter, depending on your model. The main burner flame should be blue and steady, not yellow or flickering.

If the main burner does not ignite, turn the knob back to "Pilot" and wait 30 seconds before trying again. Sometimes the burner needs a moment to receive gas. If it still will not light after two attempts, turn everything to "Off," wait a few minutes, and try the whole sequence once more.

Once the main burner is lit and stable, you can use your fireplace's thermostat or remote control to adjust the flame height. The pilot should remain lit at all times when the fireplace is in use.

What to do if the pilot will not light or stay lit

If you have tried lighting the pilot three or four times and it will not stay lit, the problem is usually one of three things: the thermocouple is failing, the pilot opening is clogged with dust or debris, or the gas supply is too low. Do not keep trying indefinitely—repeated attempts can flood the firebox with gas.

A clogged pilot opening is something you can sometimes clear yourself. Turn off the gas, let the area cool, and use a thin wire or a straightened paperclip to gently clear the opening. Do this carefully—the opening is small and easily damaged. If you are not comfortable doing this, skip it and call a technician.

If you smell gas at any point—a strong rotten-egg or sulfur smell—turn off the gas when ready, open windows, and leave the house. Call your gas company's emergency line from outside. Do not use electrical switches, lighters, or anything that could create a spark. A gas leak is a serious safety issue.

When to call a professional

Call a fireplace technician or your gas company if the pilot will not light after you have followed the steps correctly, if the pilot lights but will not stay lit, if you smell gas, or if the main burner will not ignite even though the pilot is burning. These are signs of a thermocouple failure, a gas valve problem, a blockage, or a leak—all of which require professional diagnosis and repair.

A service call typically costs between $100 and $300 depending on your location and what needs to be fixed. A new thermocouple, the most common replacement, usually runs $50 to $150 in parts plus labor. It is worth paying for a professional visit rather than risking a gas safety issue or damaging the fireplace yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button after the pilot lights?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and sense the flame. If you release it too soon, the pilot will go out because the thermocouple has not yet signaled the gas valve to stay open. Your manual may specify an exact time—follow that if it does.

What if I do not have a long lighter?

Long fireplace matches or grill lighters are inexpensive and widely available at hardware stores and online. If you must use a regular lighter, be very careful not to burn your fingers. A rolled-up piece of paper lit on the stove can also work in a pinch, though it is less safe.

Can I light the pilot if the main gas valve is off?

No. The main gas shut-off valve controls all gas flow to the fireplace. If it is off, no gas reaches the pilot. Check that the lever on the gas line is parallel to the pipe (open position), not perpendicular to it (closed position).

Is it normal for the pilot to be small and blue?

Yes. A healthy pilot flame is small (about the size of a pea or smaller), blue at the base, and may have a yellow tip. If the flame is large, yellow throughout, or orange, the pilot may be dirty or the gas mixture may be off—have a technician check it.

How often do I need to relight the pilot?

In normal operation, the pilot should stay lit continuously. If you have to relight it regularly, the thermocouple is probably failing and needs replacement. A thermocouple that works correctly will keep the pilot burning indefinitely.