Light the pilot by holding the ignition button while aiming a long lighter at the pilot opening

The pilot light on a gas fireplace is a small, continuous flame that ignites the main burner when you turn on the fireplace. If your pilot has gone out, you can relight it yourself in most cases—it takes about five minutes and requires only a long lighter or long matches. The process is the same whether your fireplace has a manual control knob or an electronic ignition system.

Before you start, locate your fireplace's control knob. It will be labeled with settings like "Off," "Pilot," and "On." You'll also need to find the pilot opening—a small brass or steel tube near the bottom of the fireplace interior, usually near the front edge of the burner assembly. If you cannot see it clearly, consult your fireplace manual or look for a diagram on the inside of the access panel.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot" and hold the ignition button down while lighting the pilot tube with a long lighter.
  • Keep the ignition button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot ignites so the thermocouple can heat up and stay lit.
  • If the pilot goes out when you release the button, wait five minutes for the gas to clear, then try again.
  • Once the pilot stays lit, turn the knob to "On" to test the main burner flame.
  • If the pilot will not stay lit after three attempts, the thermocouple may need replacement—contact a technician.

Turn the control knob to the pilot position

Locate the control knob on your fireplace and turn it counterclockwise to the "Pilot" setting. This setting allows gas to flow to the pilot tube without igniting the main burner. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas begins to flow—this is normal.

If your fireplace has an electronic ignition system, you will see a button labeled "Ignition" or "Spark" near the control knob. Do not press it yet. If your fireplace is older and has no electronic button, you will light the pilot manually with a lighter or match.

Hold down the ignition button and light the pilot

Press and hold the ignition button with one hand. At the same time, bring a long lighter or long match to the pilot opening and hold the flame directly over or into the small tube. The pilot should ignite within a few seconds. You will see a small blue flame appear at the pilot opening.

If you have an older fireplace without an electronic ignition button, straightforward hold a long lighter or lit match to the pilot opening while gas is flowing. The flame will catch when ready once the lighter or match reaches the gas stream.

Keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after ignition

Once the pilot flame appears, continue holding the ignition button down for at least 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple—a heat-sensing device near the pilot flame—to warm up enough to keep the gas valve open. If you release the button too soon, the pilot will go out because the thermocouple has not reached the correct temperature.

Watch the pilot flame while you hold the button. It should be a steady blue color, about the size of a pea or smaller. If the flame is yellow or orange, or if it flickers badly, the pilot tube may be clogged with dust. In that case, release the button, wait five minutes, and try again after cleaning the opening with a thin wire or compressed air.

Release the button and check if the pilot stays lit

Slowly release the ignition button. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it goes out when ready, wait five minutes for any remaining gas to clear the fireplace, then repeat the process. It often takes a second or third attempt, especially if the pilot has been out for a while.

If the pilot stays lit after you release the button, you have successfully relit it. The small flame will now remain on continuously, ready to ignite the main burner when you turn the control knob to "On."

Turn the knob to "On" to test the main burner

Once the pilot is burning steadily, turn the control knob clockwise from "Pilot" to "On." The main burner should ignite within a few seconds. You will see a larger flame spread across the burner logs or grates. If the main burner ignites and burns with a steady blue flame, your fireplace is working correctly.

If the main burner does not ignite after 30 seconds, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a few minutes, and try again. Sometimes the pilot needs a bit more time to heat the thermocouple fully. If the main burner still will not light after two attempts, there may be an issue with the gas supply or the ignition system—contact a technician.

What to do if the pilot will not stay lit

If the pilot goes out every time you release the ignition button, even after multiple attempts, the thermocouple is likely faulty. A thermocouple that is worn out or misaligned cannot sense the heat from the pilot flame, so the gas valve closes automatically. This is a safety feature to prevent gas from flowing without a flame present.

Do not attempt to replace the thermocouple yourself unless you have experience with gas appliances. Contact a licensed technician or your fireplace manufacturer for a replacement. In the meantime, you can keep the fireplace off to avoid repeated failed attempts, which waste gas and can be frustrating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my pilot light keep going out?

The most common cause is a faulty thermocouple that is not heating up properly. A clogged pilot tube, a draft blowing out the flame, or low gas pressure can also cause the pilot to go out. If it goes out when ready after you release the button, the thermocouple needs replacement.

How long should I hold the ignition button?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot ignites. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too early, the pilot will go out.

Can I light the pilot if there is no electronic ignition button?

Yes. Turn the knob to "Pilot," then hold a long lighter or lit match directly to the pilot opening. The gas will ignite when the flame reaches it. Hold the knob in the "Pilot" position for 30 to 60 seconds after ignition, just as you would with an electronic button.

What if I smell gas but the pilot will not light?

Turn the control knob to "Off" when ready and open windows to ventilate the room. Do not use matches or lighters. Wait 15 minutes for the gas to clear, then try again. If you continue to smell gas or the pilot still will not light, turn off the gas at the main valve and call a technician.

Is it safe to light the pilot myself?

Yes, relighting a pilot is a normal maintenance task and is safe if you follow the steps carefully. However, if the pilot will not stay lit after three attempts, or if you smell gas continuously, stop trying and contact a technician. Do not attempt repairs beyond relighting the pilot.