The basic steps to relight your pilot light

Most gas fireplace pilot lights can be relit by hand in under five minutes. Turn the gas control knob to the "Off" position, wait 30 seconds for any gas to clear, then switch it to "Pilot." Hold a long lighter or lit match to the pilot burner opening while pressing and holding the ignition button (usually labeled "Ignite" or marked with a spark symbol). Keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the knob to "On" to restore heat to your fireplace.

The exact location of the pilot burner and ignition button varies by model. Check the front of your fireplace or inside the access panel for a diagram showing where these parts are. Some fireplaces have the controls on the right side of the unit, others on the left. If you cannot find the diagram on the fireplace itself, the model number is usually stamped on a metal plate inside the unit—you can search for your manual online using that number.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the gas knob to "Off," wait 30 seconds, then switch to "Pilot" before attempting to light the flame.
  • Use a long lighter or long match to reach the pilot burner while pressing the ignition button for 30 to 60 seconds.
  • If the pilot light goes out again within a few minutes, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing and will need professional inspection.
  • Never force the gas knob or ignition button, and do not attempt to relight if you smell gas—turn off the unit and call your gas company.

Why your pilot light went out

Pilot lights go out for three main reasons: a draft blew out the flame, the thermocouple (a heat-sensing safety device) became dirty or failed, or the gas supply was interrupted. A single gust from an open window or door can extinguish the pilot, and relighting it once usually solves the problem. If the pilot light goes out repeatedly within minutes of relighting, the thermocouple is likely the culprit and will need professional service.

Thermocouples are inexpensive parts, but they require a technician to access safely and test properly. If you relight the pilot and it stays on for at least 15 minutes, the thermocouple is probably fine. If it dies again quickly, call a gas fireplace technician rather than relighting it repeatedly—each attempt uses gas and creates a small safety risk.

Safety checks before you start

Before relighting, smell around the fireplace and the area in front of it. If you detect a strong rotten-egg or sulfur smell, do not attempt to relight. Turn the gas control knob to "Off" when ready and call your gas company's emergency line. This smell indicates a gas leak, which is a serious hazard.

Also check that the fireplace glass or doors are cool to the touch. If the unit was running recently, wait 10 to 15 minutes before attempting to relight. Never reach into the fireplace or touch the burner area while the glass is hot. If you have small children or pets, keep them away from the fireplace while you work and while the pilot is lighting.

Step-by-step relighting process

Step 1: Turn off the gas. Locate the gas control knob on the front or side of the fireplace. Turn it fully to "Off" and wait 30 seconds. This clears any unburned gas from the unit.

Step 2: Switch to pilot mode. Turn the knob to "Pilot." You may hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows to the pilot burner.

Step 3: Light the pilot. Hold a long lighter or long match to the pilot burner opening. At the same time, press and hold the ignition button (or spark button). Keep both the lighter and the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds. The pilot should ignite within the first 10 to 15 seconds; if it does not, release both and wait another 30 seconds before trying again.

Step 4: Hold the button after ignition. Once the pilot flame appears, keep the ignition button pressed for another 30 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release the button too early, the pilot will go out.

Step 5: Return to normal operation. Release the ignition button and turn the gas knob to "On." The main burner should ignite. If it does not, turn the knob back to "Off," wait 30 seconds, and try again. If the main burner still will not light after two attempts, stop and call a technician.

What to do if the pilot will not stay lit

If the pilot light ignites but goes out within a few minutes, the thermocouple is almost certainly the problem. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical signal that tells the gas valve to stay open. When it becomes dirty or fails, the valve closes and the gas stops flowing to the pilot.

A technician can clean or replace the thermocouple in 30 minutes to an hour. This is not a repair you should attempt yourself, because the thermocouple must be positioned precisely and tested to may support it is working. Attempting to adjust it without proper tools can damage the part or create a safety issue.

In the meantime, you can relight the pilot as many times as needed without risk—each relighting uses only a small amount of gas. However, if you find yourself relighting it more than once a week, have it serviced soon rather than waiting for it to fail completely.

When to call a professional

Call a gas fireplace technician if the pilot light goes out repeatedly, if the main burner will not ignite after the pilot is lit, if you smell gas, or if you cannot locate the ignition button or pilot burner on your unit. You should also call if the fireplace has not been used in more than a year—a technician can inspect the unit for any issues before you rely on it for heat.

Most gas fireplace service calls cost between $100 and $300 for diagnosis and a straightforward repair like thermocouple replacement. If you have a service contract with your gas company or fireplace installer, the call may be covered. Check your paperwork or call your provider to ask whether maintenance visits are included.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button after the pilot lights?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. 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 and you will have to start over.

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

A long lighter or long match is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the pilot burner and the hot fireplace. A regular lighter works but puts your fingers closer to the heat. Never use a short match or your fingers to light the pilot.

What does it mean if I smell gas while relighting?

A faint gas smell during relighting is normal. If the smell is strong or lingers after you turn the knob to "Off," stop when ready and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not attempt to relight and do not use any electrical switches or appliances.

Is it safe to relight the pilot myself, or should I always call a technician?

Relighting the pilot yourself is safe and is the standard first step. You only need to call a technician if the pilot will not light, if it goes out repeatedly, or if you smell gas. Most homeowners relight their pilots once or twice a year without any issues.

How often do pilot lights normally go out?

A healthy pilot light should stay lit indefinitely unless a strong draft blows it out or the gas supply is interrupted. If your pilot goes out more than once or twice a year, have the thermocouple and gas valve inspected by a technician.