The basic steps to light your gas log pilot

To light a pilot light on gas logs, you turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, press and hold it down, then use a long lighter or match to ignite the small flame at the pilot burner opening. Once the flame catches, you keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds so the thermocouple—a heat-sensing device—warms up and tells the gas valve it is safe to stay open. Then you release the knob and turn it to "On" to run the logs normally.

The whole process usually takes less than two minutes. If the pilot does not light on the first try, wait five minutes before attempting again so any excess gas can clear from the firebox. If it lights but goes out when you release the knob, the thermocouple may need replacement—a job for a technician.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press it down, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot flame opening while holding the knob.
  • Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame lights so the thermocouple heats up and signals the gas valve to stay open.
  • If the pilot lights but the flame dies when you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely worn out and needs professional replacement.
  • Wait at least five minutes between attempts if the pilot does not light on the first try, to allow gas to clear from the firebox.
  • If you smell gas during the process or cannot light the pilot after three attempts, turn the knob to "Off" and contact a technician.

Locate the pilot burner opening and control knob

Before you light anything, find where the pilot flame is supposed to burn. On most gas log sets, the pilot burner opening is a small hole or nozzle near the base of the logs, often on the left side or front. It may be marked with a small label or arrow. The control knob is usually mounted on the front of the firebox or on a wall-mounted remote control panel. The knob will have positions labeled "Off," "Pilot," and "On."

If you cannot locate the pilot opening or the control knob, check the owner's manual for your specific model—the manual will have a diagram showing both. If you no longer have the manual, search online for the brand and model number, which is usually stamped on a metal plate inside the firebox or on the back of the unit.

Turn the knob to Pilot and prepare to ignite

Set the control knob firmly to the "Pilot" position. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas begins to flow to the pilot burner. Have your long lighter or long-handled match ready before you move to the next step—you want to ignite the pilot as soon as the gas reaches the opening.

A long lighter (the kind used for candles or grills) works better than a short match because it keeps your hand farther from the pilot opening and gives you better control. If you use a match, light it first, then bring it to the opening. Do not try to light the match at the pilot opening itself.

Press the knob and light the pilot flame

Press the control knob down and hold it in the depressed position. While holding it, bring your lit lighter or match to the pilot burner opening and ignite the gas. You should see a small blue flame appear at the opening. If the flame does not appear within a few seconds, release the knob, wait five minutes, and try again.

Once the pilot flame is burning steadily, keep the knob pressed down. Do not release it yet. The flame 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 wildly, something may be blocking the burner—but continue holding the knob for now.

Hold the knob to let the thermocouple warm up

Keep the knob pressed down for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame lights. During this time, the thermocouple—a small metal rod in the flame—is heating up. The thermocouple generates a tiny electrical signal that tells the main gas valve "the pilot is burning, so it is safe to keep gas flowing." If you release the knob too soon, the thermocouple will not be warm enough to hold the valve open, and the pilot will go out.

You do not need to do anything during these 30 to 60 seconds except hold the knob down and watch the flame. If the flame goes out while you are holding the knob, release it when ready, wait five minutes, and start over.

Release the knob and turn it to On

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. The pilot flame should stay lit. If it does, turn the knob to the "On" position to ignite the main burner and begin heating the logs. The main flame should appear within a few seconds. If the pilot goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is not working properly and needs to be replaced by a technician.

Once the logs are burning, adjust the flame height using the control knob or remote, if your unit has that feature. The logs should produce a steady, blue flame at the base. Yellow or orange flames indicate incomplete combustion and may mean the burner needs cleaning—contact a technician if this persists.

What to do if the pilot will not stay lit

If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely the problem. A thermocouple typically lasts 5 to 10 years before it becomes too weak to hold the valve open. Replacement requires removing the thermocouple from its bracket and installing a new one—a job that is straightforward for a technician but involves working with gas lines, so it is not recommended as a DIY task.

If the pilot will not light at all after three attempts, or if you smell gas during the process, turn the knob to "Off" and wait 10 minutes before trying again. If the problem continues, contact a technician. Do not force the knob or attempt to disassemble the burner yourself.

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 heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release it 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.

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

Turn the knob to "Off" when ready and wait 10 minutes for the gas to clear. Do not attempt to light it again. If you still smell gas after 10 minutes, open a window and contact a technician—there may be a leak in the gas line or burner assembly.

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

Yes, but a long lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the pilot opening. If you use a match, light it first, then bring it to the opening. Never try to light a match directly at the pilot burner.

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

The thermocouple is not warming up enough to hold the gas valve open. This usually means the thermocouple is worn out and needs replacement by a technician. It is a common repair on gas logs that are 5 to 10 years old.

Is it normal for the pilot flame to be small?

Yes. The pilot flame should be about the size of a pea and a steady blue color. If it is yellow or orange, the burner may need cleaning. If it is very large or very small, contact a technician to check the gas pressure and burner alignment.