The basic steps to light your fireplace pilot

To light the pilot light on a gas fireplace, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" or "Off" position, then hold it down while you ignite the pilot flame with a long lighter or match held near the pilot opening. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches — this allows the thermocouple to heat up and sense the flame. Once you release the knob, the pilot should stay lit. If it goes out when ready, repeat the process and hold the knob longer.

The exact location of the pilot opening varies by fireplace model. On most units, you'll find it near the main burner, often marked with a small hole or tube. Check your fireplace manual for the precise spot if you can't locate it easily. Some newer models have electronic ignition buttons instead of manual lighting, which simplifies the process considerably.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot" and hold it down while lighting the pilot flame with a long lighter or match.
  • Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after ignition so the thermocouple registers the heat and keeps the pilot burning.
  • If the pilot won't stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement.
  • Gas fireplaces with electronic ignition buttons don't require manual lighting and will relight automatically if the pilot goes out.

Locating the pilot light and control knob

The control knob is usually mounted on the front of the fireplace or on a panel below the opening. It typically has three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Some models label the pilot position differently — look for "Ignite" or a flame symbol. The knob controls gas flow to both the pilot and the main burner, so you must turn it to "Pilot" first to avoid flooding the firebox with gas.

The pilot opening itself is a small tube or hole, usually brass-colored, positioned near the main burner assembly. It may be recessed slightly into the fireplace body. If you have trouble seeing it, use a flashlight to peer into the firebox. The pilot flame should be a small blue flame, roughly the size of a match head when it's burning correctly.

Why the pilot light goes out

The most common reason a pilot light won't stay lit is a dirty or faulty thermocouple — a small sensor that detects the pilot flame and signals the gas valve to stay open. When the thermocouple gets coated with dust or debris, it can't sense the heat properly, and the gas valve shuts off. This is why holding the knob down for a full minute matters: it gives the thermocouple time to warm up enough to work reliably.

A draft in the firebox can also blow out the pilot flame, especially if a door or window is open nearby. If your pilot keeps going out shortly after you light it, try closing nearby doors and windows for a test. If the problem persists, the thermocouple itself may be worn out and need replacement — this is a job for a technician, as it involves working with gas lines.

Cleaning the thermocouple if the pilot won't stay lit

Before calling a technician, you can try cleaning the thermocouple yourself. First, turn the control knob to "Off" and wait five minutes for any residual gas to clear. Then locate the thermocouple — it's the thin rod or tube running from near the pilot opening back toward the control valve. Gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth or very fine steel wool to remove dust and soot buildup.

Do not use water or cleaning liquids on the thermocouple, as moisture can damage it. After cleaning, try lighting the pilot again using the steps above. If it still won't stay lit after cleaning, the thermocouple has likely failed internally and will need to be replaced by a professional.

Electronic ignition versus manual pilot lights

Newer gas fireplaces often have electronic ignition instead of a standing pilot light. With electronic ignition, you press a button or turn a knob to "On," and an electric spark lights the pilot automatically. If the pilot goes out, the system will attempt to relight it on its own. These systems are more reliable and don't waste gas keeping a pilot burning all the time.

If your fireplace has electronic ignition and won't light, check that the power cord is plugged in and the outlet is working. Some models have a battery backup for the ignition system — if the batteries are dead, the spark won't work. Replace them with fresh batteries and try again. If the fireplace still won't ignite, the ignition electrode may be dirty or the spark module may have failed, both of which require professional service.

Safety checks before and after lighting

Before you light the pilot, make sure the fireplace area is clear of debris, curtains, and anything flammable. Open any glass doors or screens so you can see the pilot opening clearly and may support the flame catches properly. Never leave the fireplace unattended while you're trying to light it.

After the pilot is lit and you've turned the knob to "On," the main burner should ignite within a few seconds. Listen for a soft whoosh sound and look for the main flame to appear. If the main burner doesn't light after 30 seconds, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again. If it still won't light, there may be an issue with the gas supply or the burner itself — stop trying and contact a service technician.

When to call a professional

You should contact a technician if the pilot light won't stay lit even after you've held the knob down for a full minute, or if it goes out repeatedly after you release the knob. A failing thermocouple, a gas valve problem, or a blockage in the pilot tube all require professional diagnosis and repair. Attempting to disassemble the fireplace or gas lines yourself can be dangerous.

Also call a technician if you smell gas when the fireplace is off, or if you hear a hissing sound coming from the control area. These are signs of a gas leak, which is a serious safety hazard. Do not attempt to light the pilot if you suspect a leak — instead, leave the area and contact your gas company or a licensed technician when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down after lighting the pilot?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release it too quickly, the pilot will go out. If it still goes out after a full minute, the thermocouple may be faulty.

What if I can't see the pilot flame when I light it?

Use a flashlight to look into the firebox. The pilot opening is usually a small hole near the main burner. If you still can't locate it, check your fireplace manual for a diagram. Some models have the pilot positioned in a spot that's hard to see without removing a cover panel.

Is it normal for the pilot light to go out sometimes?

An occasional outage due to a strong draft is normal, but if it happens regularly, the thermocouple is likely dirty or failing. Try cleaning it with a soft cloth first. If the problem continues, the thermocouple needs replacement.

Can I light the pilot if the fireplace is cold?

Yes, the fireplace doesn't need to be warm to light the pilot. However, make sure the area is well-ventilated and free of drafts. A strong draft from an open window or door can blow out the pilot flame as soon as you light it.

What does it mean if the pilot flame is yellow or orange instead of blue?

A yellow or orange flame usually means the pilot opening is dirty or there's not enough air reaching the flame. Try cleaning the pilot opening gently with a thin wire or compressed air. If the flame stays discolored after cleaning, have a technician check the gas mixture and burner alignment.