The basic steps to light your fireplace pilot

To light a fireplace pilot, you turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, 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 thermocouple (a heat-sensing device near the flame) warms up, you release the button and turn the knob to "On." If the pilot stays lit after you let go, your fireplace is ready to use.

The exact location of the pilot opening and the appearance of your controls depend on your fireplace model, so check your manual first—it will show you exactly where to find the pilot and which direction to turn the knob. If you cannot find your manual, the manufacturer's website usually has a PDF you can read by entering your model number.

Key Takeaways

  • The control knob must be turned to "Pilot" before you attempt to light the flame, and you must hold down the ignition button while explore heat from a lighter or match.
  • You need to keep the ignition button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and hold the gas valve open.
  • If the pilot goes out when ready after you release the button, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing, and you should clean or replace it.
  • A fireplace pilot that will not light at all may have a blocked gas line, a faulty ignition switch, or no gas supply, and a technician should inspect it.

Locating the pilot light opening on your fireplace

The pilot opening is usually a small hole or tube at the base of your fireplace, often inside the firebox itself. On some models it sits on the front of the control box (a metal unit mounted to the side or back of the fireplace); on others you have to reach inside the firebox to find it. Your manual will show you the exact spot with a diagram.

Before you do anything, turn off the gas supply to the fireplace by closing the manual shut-off valve—it looks like a small lever on the gas line leading to the fireplace. Leave it off for five minutes to let any gas in the line clear out. This is a safety step that takes very little time and prevents accidental ignition.

Turning the control knob and preparing to ignite

Locate the control knob on your fireplace (usually on the front or side of the control box) and turn it to the position marked "Pilot." The knob may also have positions for "Off" and "On"—make sure you are at "Pilot" before you proceed. Some knobs require you to push in slightly while turning; your manual will say if yours does.

Once the knob is at "Pilot," you should see a button you can press—this is the ignition button. Have your lighter or long fireplace match ready before you press it. A long lighter or fireplace match is safer than a regular match because it keeps your hand farther from the pilot opening and any flame that may ignite.

Lighting the pilot and holding the ignition button

Press and hold the ignition button with one hand while you bring the flame from your lighter or match to the pilot opening with the other. You should see a small blue flame appear at the opening. The moment the flame appears, keep holding the ignition button—do not release it yet.

Continue holding the button for 30 to 60 seconds while the flame burns. This time allows the thermocouple to heat up. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and sends a signal to the gas valve that says "the pilot is lit, keep the gas flowing." If you release the button too soon, the valve closes and the pilot goes out. After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the button and watch the flame. If it stays lit, the thermocouple is working.

Turning the knob to "On" and testing the fireplace

Once the pilot flame is steady and you have released the ignition button, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On." The main burner should ignite—you will see a larger flame spread across the fireplace. If the main burner lights, your pilot is working correctly.

Let the fireplace run for a few minutes to make sure everything is stable. Then turn the knob back to "Off" and let the fireplace cool. You have now successfully lit the pilot and confirmed it is holding a flame.

What to do if the pilot will not stay lit

If the pilot flame goes out the moment you release the ignition button, the thermocouple is likely dirty or failing. A dirty thermocouple can be cleaned: turn off the gas, let the fireplace cool completely, then use a soft brush or fine steel wool to gently clean the tip of the thermocouple rod (the thin metal piece sitting in the pilot flame area). Do not scrub hard—just remove any soot or buildup. Then try lighting the pilot again.

If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple may have reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced. This is a straightforward part swap, but if you are not comfortable doing it yourself, a fireplace technician can replace it in under an hour. Do not attempt to bypass or ignore a failing thermocouple—it is a safety device that prevents gas from flowing when there is no flame to burn it.

When to call a professional

If the pilot will not light at all, or if it lights but the main burner will not ignite when you turn the knob to "On," the problem is beyond a straightforward cleaning. Possible causes include a blocked gas line, a faulty ignition switch, low gas pressure, or a broken gas valve. A technician has the tools to diagnose which one it is and can fix it safely.

Do not try to force the ignition button repeatedly or leave the gas on while troubleshooting—both create a safety hazard. If the pilot does not light within two or three attempts, turn the knob to "Off," wait five minutes, and call a professional. A service call usually costs between $100 and $300 depending on what needs to be repaired, but it is worth the cost to avoid a gas leak or other hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button down?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too soon, the pilot will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine—just do not hold it for more than a few minutes.

Can I use a regular match instead of a lighter?

Yes, but a long fireplace match or long lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame and the pilot opening. A regular match works, but you have to hold it closer and risk burning your fingers.

What does the thermocouple do?

The thermocouple is a heat sensor that sits in the pilot flame. When it gets hot, it sends an electrical signal to the gas valve that says "there is a flame here, keep the gas on." If the thermocouple fails or gets too dirty, the valve closes and the pilot goes out, even if the flame is still there.

Is it normal for the pilot to go out on its own?

No. A healthy pilot should stay lit indefinitely once you have held the ignition button long enough. If it goes out after a few minutes or hours, the thermocouple is likely failing or dirty. Clean it first; if that does not work, it needs to be replaced.

What if I smell gas while lighting the pilot?

Turn the knob to "Off" when ready, close the manual shut-off valve on the gas line, and open windows to ventilate the room. Wait 15 minutes, then call your gas company or a fireplace technician. Do not try to light the pilot again until a professional has checked for a leak.