The basic steps to light a pilot light
To light the pilot light on a gas fireplace, you 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 flame catches so the thermocouple—a safety sensor—can heat up and stay lit. Then turn the knob to "On" or "Ignition" to restore normal operation.
The exact location of the pilot burner opening varies by fireplace model. It is usually a small hole or tube near the main burner, sometimes marked with an arrow or label on the fireplace itself. Check your owner's manual if you cannot find it; the manual also tells you whether your specific model has any extra steps or safety features you need to know about.
If the pilot light will not stay lit after you release the knob, or if you smell gas, turn the knob to "Off" when ready and wait five minutes before trying again. If it still will not light after two or three attempts, stop and call a technician—a persistent problem usually means a faulty thermocouple or a gas supply issue that needs professional repair.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press and hold it, then use a long lighter to ignite the small flame at the pilot burner opening.
- Keep the knob pressed down for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and lock the gas valve open.
- If the pilot light goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely faulty and needs replacement by a technician.
- If you smell gas at any point, turn the knob to "Off," leave the room, and call your gas company or a fireplace technician before trying again.
Where to find the pilot burner and control knob
The control knob is usually mounted on the front of the fireplace, below the opening or on the side panel. It is a round dial with labeled positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On" (or sometimes "Ignition"). The pilot burner opening itself is typically a small hole or tube inside the fireplace, near the base of the main burner assembly. Some models have a metal tube that directs you to the exact spot.
If your fireplace has a remote control or electronic ignition, the process is different—you may only need to press a button, and the system lights itself. Check your manual to confirm whether your model has manual or automatic ignition. If you have lost the manual, search online for your fireplace brand and model number; most manufacturers post PDFs for free.
Why the pilot light goes out and when to call a technician
A pilot light that will not stay lit usually fails because the thermocouple is worn out or dirty. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical signal that tells the gas valve to stay open. If it is not hot enough, the valve closes and the gas shuts off. A faulty thermocouple cannot be cleaned or adjusted at home—it must be replaced by a technician.
Other reasons a pilot light may not stay lit include a blocked pilot tube (which can sometimes be cleared by gently blowing compressed air through it), low gas pressure, or a draft blowing the flame out. If your fireplace is in a drafty location or near a ceiling fan, try closing nearby doors or windows and attempt to light it again. If the problem persists after two or three tries, or if you smell gas, stop and call a professional.
A technician can diagnose whether the issue is the thermocouple, the gas valve, the pilot tube, or something else. Repair costs vary, but thermocouple replacement is usually one of the less expensive fireplace repairs. Do not attempt to replace the thermocouple yourself unless you have experience with gas appliances—improper installation can create a safety hazard.
Safety precautions before you start
Before you light the pilot, make sure the fireplace has been off for at least five minutes. This allows any residual gas to clear. If you smell gas before you start, do not attempt to light the pilot—instead, turn the control knob to "Off," leave the room, open windows, and call your gas company or a fireplace technician.
Use a long lighter (the kind made for candles or grills) rather than a short match or regular lighter. Your hand and face will be farther from the pilot opening, which is safer. Keep your face and hands clear of the fireplace opening while you light the pilot, in case the flame flares up.
Never force the control knob or turn it past the labeled positions. If the knob feels stuck or stiff, stop and call a technician—forcing it can damage the valve mechanism. Also, do not leave the fireplace unattended while the pilot is lighting or while you are holding the knob down.
What to do if the pilot light keeps going out after you light it
If the pilot light ignites but goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is not generating enough signal to hold the gas valve open. Try lighting it again and holding the knob down for a full 60 seconds instead of 30. If it still goes out, the thermocouple is faulty and needs replacement.
If the pilot light stays lit for a few minutes and then goes out, the problem may be a draft, a blocked pilot tube, or low gas pressure. Check that doors and windows near the fireplace are closed, and that no ceiling fan or air vent is blowing directly at the fireplace. If closing these does not help, call a technician to inspect the pilot tube and gas pressure.
Relighting after the pilot has been out for a while
If your pilot light has been out for more than a few hours, turn the control knob to "Off" and wait five minutes before attempting to relight. This clears any gas that may have accumulated in the line. Then follow the standard lighting steps: turn to "Pilot," press and hold, and use a long lighter to ignite the flame.
If your fireplace has been off for the entire season (such as over the summer), the pilot may take a few extra attempts to light because air has filled the gas line. Do not be alarmed if it takes two or three tries. If it does not light after three attempts, wait ten minutes and try again. If it still will not light, contact a technician before the heating season begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the knob down after the pilot light ignites?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. The longer you hold it, the hotter the thermocouple becomes, and the more likely it is to stay lit when you release the knob. If you release it too quickly, the thermocouple may not be hot enough to keep the gas valve open.
What does it mean if I smell gas while lighting the pilot?
Stop when ready, turn the knob to "Off," and leave the room. Open windows and call your gas company or a fireplace technician. Do not attempt to light the pilot again until a professional has inspected the fireplace. A gas smell can indicate a leak or a problem with the valve.
Can I light the pilot with a regular match instead of a long lighter?
You can, but a long lighter is safer because your hand stays farther from the pilot opening. If you use a match, light it first, then carefully bring it to the pilot burner opening. Keep your face and hands clear of the fireplace in case the flame flares.
Why does my pilot light go out every time I release the knob?
The thermocouple is almost certainly faulty. It is not generating enough electrical signal to hold the gas valve open. This is a common wear-and-tear issue and requires replacement by a technician. Do not attempt to repair or replace it yourself.
Is it normal for the pilot light to be small and blue?
Yes. A healthy pilot light is small (about the size of a pea or smaller), blue at the base, and may have a yellow tip. If the flame is very large, orange, or flickering wildly, the pilot tube may be dirty or the air-to-gas ratio may be off. Call a technician to have it inspected and adjusted.