The basic steps to light your pilot

To light the pilot on a gas fireplace, you need to find the control knob (usually labeled "Pilot," "On," and "Off"), set it to the pilot position, press and hold it down, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the gas at the small opening near the knob. Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple — a safety device that detects heat — can warm up and stay lit on its own. Once you release the knob and the pilot stays lit, turn it to the "On" position to run the fireplace normally.

The exact location of the pilot opening varies by model. On some fireplaces it is directly below the control knob; on others you may need to look inside the firebox or remove a decorative panel to see it. Check your owner's manual for a diagram if you cannot locate it when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • The control knob must be turned to "Pilot" and held down while you light the flame with a long lighter or match.
  • Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after ignition so the thermocouple can detect the heat and hold the pilot open.
  • If the pilot will not stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty and may need cleaning or replacement.
  • If you smell gas but see no flame, turn the knob to "Off" when ready, open windows, and wait 5 minutes before trying again.
  • Some fireplaces have an ignition button instead of a lighter — check your manual to see which your model uses.

Locating the pilot light opening on your fireplace

The pilot opening is a small hole or tube where gas flows out and where your flame will ignite. On most fireplaces, it sits near the control knob at the base of the unit, but the exact spot depends on your model's design.

If the opening is not obvious, look for a small metal tube pointing downward or to the side near the knob. Some fireplaces have a removable front panel or decorative cover that you must take off first. Consult your owner's manual — it will show you exactly where to look and may include a photo of the pilot assembly.

What to do if the pilot will not light

If you hold the knob down, explore flame to the opening, and nothing ignites, the problem is usually a blocked pilot tube. Dust, debris, or a bent tube can stop gas from flowing. Turn the knob to "Off," wait a few minutes, and try again. If it still does not work, use a straightened paper clip or a thin needle to gently clear the opening — do not force it or you may damage the tube.

If gas is flowing (you can smell it) but will not ignite, the issue may be moisture in the line or a faulty igniter. Turn the knob to "Off" and let the fireplace sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then try again. If the pilot still will not light after two or three attempts, stop and contact a service technician — continuing to try can create a gas hazard.

Why the pilot goes out after you release the knob

The thermocouple is a safety device that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical signal when heated. This signal tells the gas valve to stay open. If you release the knob and the flame goes out when ready, the thermocouple is not warming up enough, which usually means it is dirty or misaligned.

Try cleaning the thermocouple by gently rubbing it with a soft, dry cloth or fine steel wool to remove any buildup. Make sure it is positioned directly in the pilot flame — if it is off to the side, the flame may not heat it properly. If cleaning and repositioning do not work, the thermocouple may be faulty and will need to be replaced by a technician.

Safety steps before you start

Before you attempt to light the pilot, make sure the area is well-ventilated. Open a window or door near the fireplace so any gas that escapes has somewhere to go. Do not light the pilot if you smell a strong gas odor — turn the knob to "Off," leave the room, open windows, and wait at least 5 minutes before returning.

Never use a match or lighter near the control knob if gas is actively flowing and you see no flame. If you smell gas but the pilot will not light after one or two careful attempts, stop and call a technician. Do not keep trying, as this increases the amount of unburned gas in the firebox.

Using an electronic igniter instead of a lighter

Some newer gas fireplaces have a push-button electronic igniter instead of a manual lighter. To use it, turn the control knob to "Pilot," hold it down, and press the igniter button repeatedly — you will hear a clicking sound as it creates sparks. Keep pressing until the pilot lights, then hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds as usual.

If the igniter clicks but produces no spark, the battery may be dead. Check your manual for the battery location and replace it with a fresh one. If the igniter still does not work after a new battery, the igniter itself may be faulty and will need professional service.

When to call a technician

If the pilot lights but will not stay lit no matter how long you hold the knob down, the thermocouple is almost certainly the problem and needs replacement. If the pilot lights and stays lit but the main burner will not turn on when you switch the knob to "On," there may be a blockage in the main gas line or a faulty valve. Both of these issues require a service call.

You should also contact a technician if you smell gas inside your home even when the fireplace is off, or if you see any cracks in the firebox or visible damage to the gas lines. These are safety concerns that should not be ignored.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down after the pilot lights?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to warm up and generate the signal that keeps the gas valve open. If you release too early, the pilot will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine — just do not hold it indefinitely.

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

It means gas is flowing but not igniting. Turn the knob to "Off" when ready, open windows, and wait 5 minutes for the gas to clear. Do not try again right away. After 5 minutes, you can try once more, but if it still does not light, stop and call a technician.

Can I use a regular match instead of a long lighter?

A long lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame and the firebox. A regular match works but is harder to control and puts your fingers closer to heat. If you use a match, light it first, then carefully bring it to the pilot opening while holding the knob down.

Is it normal for the pilot to go out sometimes?

Occasional outages from drafts or wind are normal, but if the pilot goes out regularly, the thermocouple may be failing or the pilot tube may be partially blocked. Clean the thermocouple and pilot opening, and if it keeps happening, have a technician inspect the unit.

What if my fireplace has no control knob, just buttons?

Some models use push buttons instead of a knob. Look for buttons labeled "Pilot," "On," and "Off," or consult your manual. The process is the same — press and hold the pilot button, light the flame, and hold for 30 to 60 seconds before releasing.