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 is usually safe to relight yourself. The process is straightforward: locate the pilot light assembly (a small burner near the main gas valve), turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while bringing a flame to the pilot opening, and wait for the flame to catch and hold steady. Most pilot lights stay lit once they catch, though some take a few attempts if the gas line has air in it.

The whole job requires no tools beyond a long lighter or long fireplace match. You do not need to call a technician unless the pilot light will not stay lit after multiple attempts, or if you smell gas during the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot" before attempting to light, and keep it there while you hold the ignition button.
  • Use a long lighter or long match to reach the pilot opening safely without burning your hand.
  • Hold the ignition button down for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches to let the thermocouple heat up and sense the flame.
  • If the pilot light goes out when ready after you release the button, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement, which requires a technician.
  • Stop and call for service if you smell gas or see no spark when you press the ignition button.

Locate the pilot light assembly and control knob

Open the fireplace access panel or door and look for the control knob, usually labeled with "Off," "Pilot," and "On" positions. The pilot light assembly itself is a small brass or metal tube with an opening at the end, positioned near the main burner. On most fireplaces, it sits to the side or slightly below the main gas logs or grates.

If you cannot find the control knob or pilot assembly, check the fireplace manual or look inside the access panel for a diagram. Some fireplaces have the controls mounted on the exterior wall rather than inside the fireplace itself.

Turn the knob to "Pilot" and prepare to ignite

Rotate the control knob to the "Pilot" position. This setting allows gas to flow to the pilot burner without igniting the main fireplace. Do not turn it to "On" yet—that comes after the pilot is lit and holding steady.

Gather your long lighter or long fireplace match. A standard short match or lighter will not reach safely into the fireplace without risking a burn. Long fireplace matches are sold at hardware stores and online, or you can use a long-reach butane lighter designed for candles or grills.

Hold the ignition button and light the pilot

Press and hold the ignition button (usually located on the control knob itself or nearby on the fireplace face). You should hear a clicking sound as the igniter sparks. While holding the button down, bring the flame from your lighter or match to the pilot opening. The pilot should ignite within a few seconds.

If the pilot does not light after three or four attempts, release the button, wait 30 seconds for any accumulated gas to clear, and try again. If it still will not light, stop and check whether you hear the igniter clicking. No clicking sound usually means the igniter battery is dead or the igniter itself has failed.

Keep the button pressed while the flame catches and holds

Once the pilot flame appears, continue holding the ignition button down for another 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple—a heat-sensing device near the pilot flame—to warm up and signal that the pilot is burning. If you release the button too soon, the pilot may go out because the thermocouple has not yet reached operating temperature.

Watch the flame as it burns. It should be steady and blue, not yellow or orange. A yellow flame suggests incomplete combustion or a dirty pilot opening, which can cause the pilot to go out repeatedly.

Release the button and turn the knob to "On"

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the ignition button while watching the pilot flame. If the flame stays lit, the thermocouple is working correctly. Now turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On" to allow gas to flow to the main burner. The main burner should ignite from the pilot flame.

If the pilot goes out as soon as you release the button, the thermocouple is not holding the gas valve open. This usually means the thermocouple needs cleaning or replacement, which requires a technician. Do not repeatedly attempt to light a pilot that will not hold—this wastes gas and can create a safety hazard.

Troubleshoot if the pilot will not stay lit

A pilot light that ignites but goes out when ready after you release the button almost always points to a faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple sits in the pilot flame and sends a signal to keep the gas valve open; if it is not working, the valve closes as soon as you stop holding the button.

A pilot that lights but produces a weak, yellow, or flickering flame may have a clogged opening. Dust and debris can block the pilot opening over time. If you are comfortable doing so, you can try gently cleaning the opening with a thin wire or compressed air, but if the problem persists, a technician should inspect it.

If you smell gas at any point during the process, stop when ready, turn the knob to "Off," open windows for ventilation, and call your gas company or a fireplace technician. Do not attempt to relight the pilot again until a professional has checked the system.

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 heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. Releasing too early is the most common reason a newly lit pilot goes out when ready.

What if I hear clicking but no spark appears?

The igniter is clicking but not producing a spark, which usually means the igniter itself has failed or the spark electrode is dirty. Try gently wiping the electrode with a dry cloth, then attempt to light again. If that does not work, the igniter needs replacement by a technician.

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

You can, but it is not safe. A short match or lighter requires you to reach deep into the fireplace and hold your hand very close to the pilot opening, risking a burn. A long fireplace match or long-reach lighter keeps your hand at a safe distance.

Why does my pilot light keep going out after I turn it to "On"?

If the pilot stays lit on "Pilot" but goes out when you switch to "On," the main burner may be drawing too much gas or air, starving the pilot. This can happen if the main burner opening is clogged. A technician should inspect the burner assembly.

Is it normal for the pilot flame to be yellow instead of blue?

A steady blue flame is normal. A yellow or orange flame suggests the pilot opening is clogged with dust or the gas mixture is off. Try gently cleaning the opening with compressed air. If the flame remains yellow, have a technician check the pilot assembly.