The basic steps to relight your gas log pilot
To light the pilot on gas logs, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold it down, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the small flame at the pilot burner opening. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot catches so the thermocouple — a safety device that detects heat — can warm up and stay open. Once you release the knob and the pilot stays lit, turn the control to "On" to run your logs normally.
The exact location of the pilot burner varies by model. On most units, it sits near the front or side of the firebox, often marked with a small arrow or label. If you cannot see it clearly, check your owner's manual or look for a small metal tube with an opening about the size of a pencil tip.
If the pilot does not light on the first try, wait five minutes before attempting again. This allows any gas that accumulated to clear, reducing the risk of a larger flame or pop when you relight.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to "Pilot," hold it down, and use a long lighter to ignite the small flame opening near the front or side of the firebox.
- Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot ignites so the thermocouple can warm up and lock the gas valve open.
- If the pilot does not light, wait five minutes and try again rather than attempting repeatedly in quick succession.
- If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing and needs professional inspection.
- Never force the knob or turn it past the "Pilot" position — the control is designed to stop at set points to prevent damage.
Why the pilot goes out and how to prevent it
A pilot light that goes out on its own usually has one of three causes: a weak thermocouple that is no longer sensing heat properly, a draft or air current blowing the flame out, or a gas supply issue at the valve. The thermocouple is the most common culprit, especially if the pilot lights easily but dies as soon as you release the knob.
To reduce the chance of the pilot blowing out, keep the area around your fireplace free of drafts. Close doors and windows on windy days, and avoid placing fans or air returns directly in front of the unit. If you live in a very drafty space or the pilot goes out repeatedly despite no obvious air movement, have a technician inspect the thermocouple and the pilot assembly.
Seasonal shutdowns can also cause the pilot to be harder to light. If you turn off your gas logs for the summer, the pilot opening may collect dust or debris. Before relighting in fall, use a thin wire or compressed air to gently clear the opening — but do not poke hard or you risk damaging the small tube.
When to call a professional instead of relighting yourself
If you have tried to light the pilot three times over the course of an hour and it will not catch, stop and call a technician. Repeated attempts can allow gas to build up in the firebox, creating a safety hazard. A professional can check the gas line, the ignition electrode, and the pilot tube to find out why ignition is failing.
You should also call a technician if the pilot lights but when ready goes out when you release the knob, or if you smell gas but see no flame. A thermocouple that is failing, a cracked pilot tube, or a problem with the gas valve all require professional repair and are not safe to troubleshoot on your own.
If your gas logs are still under warranty, relighting the pilot yourself is usually fine, but check your manual to see whether repeated pilot outages void coverage. Some manufacturers require professional service for any issue beyond the first manual relight.
Tools and materials you will need
A long lighter — the kind designed for candles or grills — is the easiest tool for this job. Matches work as well, but they burn faster and are harder to hold steady while you press the control knob. Avoid using a regular short lighter, as your hand will be too close to the pilot opening and the heat from ignition.
If you cannot see the pilot opening clearly, a small flashlight helps. Some fireplaces have the pilot burner in a recessed spot where natural light does not reach. A flashlight also lets you confirm the pilot is actually lit before you release the knob.
Keep your owner's manual nearby. If the control knob does not have clear labels or if your model has an unusual layout, the manual will show you exactly where the pilot burner is and what position each knob setting represents.
Understanding the thermocouple and why it matters
The thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame. When it gets hot, it generates a tiny electrical signal that tells the gas valve to stay open. If the thermocouple is cold or dirty, it cannot send that signal, and the valve closes automatically — which is why the pilot goes out when you release the knob.
This is a safety feature. If the pilot flame ever blows out while your logs are running, the thermocouple cools down, the valve closes, and gas stops flowing. Without this device, gas could leak into your home undetected.
If you suspect a thermocouple problem, you will notice the pilot lights easily but dies within a few seconds of releasing the knob. A technician can clean the thermocouple or replace it if it is worn out. Replacement is inexpensive and usually takes less than an hour.
Troubleshooting a pilot that will not stay lit
If your pilot lights but goes out when ready, first check that you held the knob down long enough — 30 to 60 seconds is the standard time. The thermocouple needs that window to heat up fully. If you released the knob too soon, wait five minutes and try again, this time counting to 60 before letting go.
If the pilot still goes out after a full minute of holding the knob, look for drafts. Close nearby doors and windows, and turn off ceiling fans or air conditioning. Try lighting the pilot again. If it stays lit with the draft gone, you have found your problem — you may need to adjust how you use the space or install a draft guard around the fireplace.
If there is no obvious draft and the pilot still will not stay lit, the thermocouple is likely the issue. Do not keep trying to light it. Call a technician to inspect and clean or replace the thermocouple, which is a quick and inexpensive repair.
Safety reminders when working with your gas logs
Never force the control knob or turn it past the marked positions. The knob is designed to stop at "Pilot," "On," and "Off" for a reason — forcing it can damage the internal valve mechanism and create a gas leak.
If you smell gas at any point, stop what you are doing, turn the knob to "Off," and leave the area. Open windows and doors to ventilate, then call your gas company or a technician. Do not attempt to light the pilot if you smell gas, and do not use matches or lighters to search for a leak.
Make sure the area around your fireplace is clear of flammable materials — curtains, blankets, paper, and furniture should be at least three feet away. When you light the pilot, the flame will be small, but it is still an open flame and deserves the same respect you would give to a candle or match.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the knob down after the pilot lights?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. The thermocouple needs time to heat up and send the signal to keep the gas valve open. If you release too soon, the valve closes and the pilot goes out. If you hold it longer, that is fine — just do not exceed a few minutes.
What if I smell gas but do not see a flame?
Turn the knob to "Off" when ready and leave the area. Open windows and doors. Do not use a lighter or match to look for the flame. Call your gas company or a technician — a gas leak is a safety issue that requires professional attention.
Can I light the pilot if the power is out?
Yes. The pilot light on gas logs uses only gas and a manual ignition source — it does not require electricity. A long lighter or match will work even if your home has no power. However, if your fireplace has an electronic ignition system instead of a manual one, you will need power to operate it.
Why does my pilot light go out every winter?
Seasonal drafts from heating systems, open doors, or weather changes can blow out the pilot. Dust or debris in the pilot opening from storage can also make it harder to light. Before the heating season, gently clear the pilot opening with a thin wire or compressed air, and keep the area around the fireplace free of drafts.
Is it normal for the pilot to be very small?
Yes. The pilot flame should be about the size of a pencil tip or smaller. If it is much larger or if it is yellow instead of blue, the pilot tube may be clogged or the gas mixture may be off. Have a technician check it, as an abnormal flame can indicate a problem with the burner.