Lighting the pilot: the basic steps

To light the pilot on a gas fireplace, 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 catches. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, you turn the knob to "On" or "Ignite" to start the main burner. The whole process takes about two minutes and requires no tools.

The pilot opening is a small brass or steel tube, usually located at the base of the fireplace inside the firebox. You will see it clearly when you open the glass doors or access panel. The exact location varies by model — some are on the left side, some on the right, and some are centered — so check your manual if you cannot spot it when ready.

If the pilot does not light after three attempts, or if it lights but goes out as soon as you release the button, stop and wait five minutes before trying again. Repeated attempts can flood the chamber with gas and create a safety hazard.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press and hold the ignition button, and hold a flame to the pilot opening until it catches.
  • Keep the ignition button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot lights to allow the thermocouple to warm up and sense the flame.
  • If the pilot does not stay lit after you release the button, wait five minutes and try again rather than making repeated attempts in quick succession.
  • The pilot opening is a small tube at the base of the firebox, and its exact location depends on your fireplace model.
  • If the pilot will not light after three separate attempts, or if you smell gas, turn the knob to "Off" and contact a service technician.

Finding and preparing the pilot opening

Open the fireplace glass doors or access panel fully so you can see inside the firebox clearly. Look at the base of the firebox, usually near the back or to one side. The pilot opening is a small tube, typically 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch in diameter, with a tiny opening at the end. It may have a small metal electrode or igniter tip next to it.

Before you light the pilot, make sure the control knob is set to "Off" for at least 30 seconds. This clears any gas that may have accumulated. Then turn the knob to "Pilot." You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas begins to flow to the pilot burner. If you do not hear anything, the gas supply may be shut off at the wall valve or the control knob may not be moving freely — try turning it more deliberately.

Gather your ignition source before you start. A long lighter (the kind used for candles or grills) works better than a short one because it keeps your hand farther from the opening. A long fireplace match also works well. Do not use a regular short match — you risk burning your fingers.

The ignition process step by step

With the knob set to "Pilot," press and hold the ignition button down firmly. You will feel it click into place. While holding the button down, bring your lit lighter or match to the pilot opening and hold the flame directly over or into the opening. The pilot should light within a few seconds — you will see a small blue flame appear.

Once the pilot flame is clearly visible and stable, keep holding the ignition button down for another 30 to 60 seconds. This is the most important step and the one most people rush. The button is connected to a safety device called a thermocouple, which senses heat from the pilot flame. If you release the button too soon, the thermocouple has not warmed up enough to hold the gas valve open, and the pilot will go out the moment you let go.

After 30 to 60 seconds have passed, slowly release the ignition button while watching the pilot flame. It should stay lit. If it does, you have successfully lit the pilot. If it goes out, wait five minutes and repeat the process.

What to do if the pilot will not stay lit

If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the button, the thermocouple is not sensing the flame properly. This usually means the flame is not positioned correctly on the thermocouple tip. Try again, but this time position the flame so it wraps around the thermocouple probe itself, not just the opening. The thermocouple tip is usually a small rod or bulb located just below or beside the pilot opening.

If the pilot still goes out, wait five minutes and try a third time. Do not attempt more than three ignitions in a row — if it has not worked by the third try, something else is wrong and you should stop. Repeated attempts can fill the chamber with unburned gas, which is a safety concern.

A pilot that will not light at all, even on the first attempt, suggests the gas is not reaching the pilot opening. Check that the control knob moves smoothly and that you hear gas hissing when it is set to "Pilot." If you hear nothing, the gas supply valve at the wall may be closed. Look for a small lever valve on the gas line behind or beside the fireplace and make sure it is parallel to the pipe (open position), not perpendicular (closed position).

Turning on the main burner after the pilot is lit

Once the pilot is burning steadily on its own, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On," "Ignite," or "Heat" — the exact label depends on your model. You should hear the main gas valve open and see the main burner flame ignite. This usually happens within a few seconds. If your fireplace has a thermostat, you can now set it to your desired temperature.

If the main burner does not light after you turn the knob, turn it back to "Off," wait 30 seconds, and try again. Make sure the pilot is still burning before you attempt this a second time. If the pilot has gone out, you will need to relight it before the main burner can ignite.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is releasing the ignition button too soon. Many people hold it for only 10 or 15 seconds and then wonder why the pilot goes out. The thermocouple needs the full 30 to 60 seconds to warm up. If you are unsure, count slowly to 30 before you let go.

Another frequent error is not positioning the flame correctly on the pilot opening. If you hold the lighter or match too far away, the pilot may light but the thermocouple will not get hot enough. Bring the flame close enough that it actually enters the opening or wraps around the thermocouple tip.

A third mistake is trying to light the pilot when the gas supply is off. If you hear no hissing sound when the knob is set to "Pilot," check the wall valve before you waste time with the lighter. The wall valve is usually a small lever on the gas line. It should be parallel to the pipe to be open.

Finally, do not ignore the smell of gas. If you smell gas but the pilot will not light, or if you smell gas after the pilot is lit, turn the knob to "Off" when ready and open a window. Do not try again. Contact a service technician or your gas company.

When to call a professional

If the pilot will not light after three separate attempts, or if it lights but will not stay lit even after you hold the button for a full minute, the fireplace needs professional service. The thermocouple may be faulty, the pilot opening may be clogged, or the gas valve may not be working correctly. These are not problems you can fix with a lighter.

You should also call a technician if you smell gas but do not see a flame, or if the pilot flame is yellow or orange instead of blue. A blue flame means complete combustion; a yellow or orange flame suggests incomplete combustion or a clogged burner. Do not attempt to clean the pilot opening yourself — the parts are delicate and straightforward to damage.

If the fireplace has not been used in several months or years, it is worth having a technician inspect it before you try to light it. Dust and debris can accumulate in the gas lines and burner, and a professional can clean and test everything safely.

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 warm up and sense the heat. If you release it too soon, the pilot will go out as soon as you let go. Count slowly to 30 if you are unsure.

What if I smell gas but do not see a flame?

Turn the control knob to "Off" when ready and open a window to ventilate the room. Do not attempt to light the pilot again. Gas is accumulating in the chamber, which is a safety hazard. Contact a service technician or your gas company before trying again.

Can I use a regular match instead of a lighter?

Yes, but use a long fireplace match, not a short one. A regular short match will burn down too quickly and you risk burning your fingers. A long lighter or long match keeps your hand at a safer distance from the pilot opening.

Why does the pilot light but then go out when I release the button?

The thermocouple has not warmed up enough. You are either releasing the button too soon or the flame is not positioned correctly on the thermocouple tip. Try again, hold the button for the full 30 to 60 seconds, and make sure the flame wraps around the thermocouple probe itself.

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

A yellow or orange flame indicates incomplete combustion, usually caused by a clogged pilot opening or burner. Do not attempt to clean it yourself — call a service technician. Incomplete combustion can produce carbon monoxide, which is dangerous.