The Basic Steps to Relight Your Pilot

Relighting a gas fireplace pilot light usually takes five to ten minutes and requires no tools beyond a long lighter or long match. Turn the control knob to the OFF position, wait three minutes for any gas to clear, then switch it to PILOT. Press and hold the knob inward while you light the pilot opening with your flame — you should see a small blue flame ignite. Keep holding the knob for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears, then release it slowly. If the flame stays lit, turn the knob to ON.

The reason you hold the knob is that it opens a valve that lets gas flow to the pilot. Once the flame heats a small metal rod called a thermocouple, that rod generates a tiny electrical signal that tells the valve to stay open on its own. If you release the knob too soon, the thermocouple hasn't warmed enough yet, and the valve closes when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Always turn the control knob to OFF and wait three minutes before attempting to relight, so any stray gas can escape safely.
  • You must hold the knob inward while lighting the pilot and for 30 to 60 seconds afterward so the thermocouple can heat up and hold the valve open.
  • If the pilot light goes out again within a few minutes of releasing the knob, the thermocouple is likely worn out and needs replacement by a technician.
  • If you smell gas at any point or cannot light the pilot after three attempts, stop and call your gas company or a may have access to technician — do not keep trying.

Locating the Pilot Light Opening

The pilot opening is a small hole or tube inside the firebox, usually near the bottom front or to one side. On most fireplaces, you can see it without removing anything — it sits just below or beside the main burner. If your fireplace has a decorative cover or grate, you may need to swing it open or lift it out of the way first. Check your owner's manual for the exact location, as it varies by model.

The opening itself is tiny, often no wider than a pencil tip. This is why a long lighter or long match works better than a regular one — your fingers need to stay clear of the burner area. Some people use a grill lighter (the kind with a long wand and trigger) because it gives you better control and keeps your hand farther away.

What to Do If the Pilot Won't Stay Lit

If the pilot light ignites but goes out within a few minutes of you releasing the knob, the thermocouple is probably failing. The thermocouple is a safety device that detects whether the pilot is burning; if it stops generating a signal, the gas valve closes automatically to prevent gas from flowing into an unlit fireplace. A worn thermocouple cannot generate that signal reliably, even when it is hot.

Thermocouples are inexpensive parts — usually between $15 and $40 — but they require opening the fireplace and removing the old one, which involves disconnecting a small tube and a wire. This is a job for a may have access to technician or someone experienced with gas appliances. Attempting it yourself without proper training can damage the fireplace or create a gas leak.

Safety Steps Before You Start

Before you touch anything, make sure the fireplace has been off for at least three minutes. This allows any gas that may have accumulated to disperse. If you smell gas at any point — a rotten-egg or sulfur-like odor — stop when ready, leave the room, open windows, and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not light anything, flip switches, or use your phone inside the house.

If you attempt to light the pilot three times and it does not stay lit, stop trying. Each attempt releases a small amount of gas into the firebox, and repeated failed attempts can create a hazardous buildup. Call a technician instead. Also, if the control knob is stuck, cracked, or does not turn smoothly, do not force it — call for service.

When the Pilot Light Is Hard to See

Some fireplaces have a small viewing window or opening that lets you see the pilot, while others require you to look directly into the firebox. If you cannot see the pilot opening clearly, use a flashlight to look into the firebox from the front. Angle the light so it shines on the area where the pilot should be — usually a small metal tube or opening near the base of the burner assembly.

If the fireplace is very dark inside or the opening is in an awkward spot, you can ask someone to hold a flashlight while you work, or use a headlamp if you have one. The goal is to see the pilot opening well enough to direct your lighter flame into it without guessing.

Checking Your Owner's Manual

Every fireplace model is slightly different, and your owner's manual contains the exact steps and safety warnings for yours. If you have the manual, read the pilot light section before you start. If you do not have it, you can often find it online by searching the manufacturer's name and model number — that information is usually printed on a label inside the firebox or on the back of the unit.

The manual will tell you the correct position for the control knob (some say PILOT, others say IGNITE), how long to hold it, and what the pilot flame should look like. It will also list any warning signs that mean you should call a technician instead of trying to relight it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob in before releasing it?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and generate the signal that keeps the gas valve open. If you release it too soon, the valve closes and the pilot goes out.

What does a healthy pilot flame look like?

A normal pilot flame is blue with a small yellow tip, about the size of a match flame or slightly larger. If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, the burner may need cleaning, and you should call a technician. A blue flame means the gas is burning cleanly.

Can I relight the pilot if I smell a faint gas odor?

A faint smell after the fireplace has been off for a while is usually normal — it is just residual gas. But if the smell is strong or does not fade after you open a window for a few minutes, do not attempt to light the pilot. Call your gas company instead.

What if the control knob is stuck or hard to turn?

Do not force it. A stuck knob can mean the valve inside is damaged or corroded. Forcing it can break the knob or damage the valve further. Call a technician to inspect it.

Is it normal for the pilot light to go out on its own?

Occasional outages from drafts or wind are normal, but if it goes out regularly, the thermocouple is likely wearing out. A technician can test it and replace it if needed.