Relighting a fireplace pilot light takes five to ten minutes and requires only a long lighter or match

A fireplace pilot light that has gone out can usually be relit by hand without calling a technician. The process is the same whether your fireplace burns natural gas or propane: you locate the pilot burner inside the firebox, turn the control knob to the correct position, and use a flame to ignite the gas flowing to the pilot. Most pilot lights stay lit once relit, though some go out repeatedly because of a draft, a faulty thermocouple, or a gas supply problem.

Before you begin, locate your fireplace's control knob and pilot burner. The control knob is usually on the front of the fireplace or on a panel below the opening. The pilot burner is a small brass or steel tube inside the firebox, typically near the bottom and to one side. If you cannot find either, check your fireplace manual or look for a label on the control knob itself—most have a diagram showing the pilot location.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to the "Pilot" or "Off" position before attempting to relight, never to "On."
  • Hold the knob in the pilot position for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot ignites to let the thermocouple warm up.
  • Use a long lighter or long match to reach the pilot burner safely without putting your hand too far into the firebox.
  • If the pilot light goes out repeatedly after relighting, the thermocouple may be failing and will need replacement by a technician.

Turn the control knob to pilot position and wait

Locate the control knob on your fireplace—it is usually labeled with three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Turn the knob clockwise to the "Pilot" position. Do not turn it to "On" yet; the pilot must light first.

Once the knob is in the pilot position, gas begins flowing to the pilot burner. Wait about 30 seconds before attempting to light it. This pause allows any air in the gas line to escape. If you try to light the pilot when ready, the air pocket may prevent ignition.

Light the pilot with a long lighter or match

Hold a long lighter or long match near the pilot burner opening. The pilot burner is a small opening, usually about the size of a pencil tip, and it sits inside the firebox. Bring the flame close to the opening and watch for ignition. The pilot should light with a small blue flame about the size of your pinky fingernail.

If the pilot does not light on the first try, wait 15 seconds, then try again. Do not attempt to light it more than three times in a row—if it does not ignite after three attempts, turn the knob to "Off" and wait five minutes before trying again. Multiple failed attempts can create a buildup of unburned gas inside the firebox.

Hold the knob in pilot position for 30 to 60 seconds

Once the pilot is lit, keep the control knob in the "Pilot" position and hold it there for 30 to 60 seconds. During this time, the thermocouple—a safety device that detects the pilot flame—is warming up. The thermocouple must reach the correct temperature, or it will shut off the gas supply and the pilot will go out as soon as you release the knob.

While you hold the knob, watch the pilot flame. It should remain steady and blue. If the flame flickers or 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 control knob. The pilot flame should stay lit. If it goes out the moment you let go, the thermocouple is not warming up properly and may need replacement—this is a job for a technician.

If the pilot stays lit after you release the knob, turn the knob to the "On" position. The main burner should ignite, and you should see a larger flame in the firebox. If the main burner does not light, turn the knob back to "Off" and wait a few minutes before trying again.

Common reasons a pilot light goes out repeatedly

If you relight the pilot and it goes out again within hours or days, one of several things may be happening. A faulty thermocouple is the most common cause—this safety device can wear out and stop detecting the pilot flame, causing the gas valve to close. A technician can replace a thermocouple in 15 to 30 minutes.

A draft or air current blowing through the firebox can also blow out the pilot. If you have a fireplace damper, make sure it is fully open before lighting the pilot. If the pilot goes out only on windy days, a draft is likely the cause. Some fireplaces have a draft shield or baffle that can be adjusted to reduce air movement.

Less commonly, the gas supply itself may be interrupted. If you have a propane fireplace, check that the tank is not empty or nearly empty. For natural gas, contact your gas company if you suspect a supply problem.

When to call a technician instead

If the pilot light will not stay lit no matter how many times you relight it, or if you smell gas while attempting to relight it, stop and call a technician. Do not attempt to force the pilot to stay lit by holding the knob down longer than 60 seconds—this can damage the thermocouple or create a safety hazard.

You should also call a technician if you cannot locate the pilot burner, if the control knob is stuck or will not turn, or if you see rust or corrosion around the pilot assembly. These are signs that the fireplace needs professional inspection and repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the control knob in pilot position?

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

What if the pilot light goes out while I'm holding the knob?

Release the knob when ready and turn it to "Off." Wait five minutes, then start the process over. If this happens repeatedly, the thermocouple is likely failing and needs to be replaced by a technician.

Can I use a regular match or lighter, or does it have to be long?

A long lighter or long match is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the firebox opening. A regular match or lighter will work, but you risk burning your hand or arm on the firebox edge.

Is it normal for the pilot light to go out sometimes?

An occasional outage from a strong draft is normal, but if it goes out more than once a month, the thermocouple is probably wearing out. Have it inspected by a technician to avoid repeated relighting.

What does it mean if I smell gas while relighting the pilot?

Stop when ready and turn the control knob to "Off." Open windows to ventilate the room and call your gas company or a technician. A gas smell during pilot relighting can indicate a leak or a problem with the gas valve.