The basic restart process for a gas fireplace pilot light
To restart a gas fireplace pilot light, turn the control knob to the OFF position, wait three to five minutes for any gas to clear, then switch it to PILOT. Hold a long lighter or lit match to the pilot opening while pressing and holding the ignition button (or knob, depending on your model) for 30 to 60 seconds. Once the pilot flame appears, keep holding the button for another 30 seconds to let the thermocouple warm up. Release the button, and if the flame stays lit, turn the knob to ON.
The wait at the beginning matters. Gas can pool in the firebox if the pilot has been off for a while, and igniting it without clearing that gas risks a small puff or pop. Three to five minutes is enough time for the gas to dissipate safely.
If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the button, the thermocouple is not warming properly. This is the most common reason a restart fails. Hold the button longer the next time — up to 90 seconds — before releasing.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to OFF and wait three to five minutes before attempting to light the pilot.
- Use a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot while holding down the ignition button for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Keep the button pressed for another 30 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up.
- If the pilot goes out when you release the button, the thermocouple needs more heat — try holding the button for up to 90 seconds on your next attempt.
- If the pilot will not light at all after multiple tries, the gas supply line or ignition mechanism may need professional inspection.
Locating the pilot light opening and controls
The pilot light opening is a small brass or steel tube inside the firebox, usually near the bottom front or to one side. It is smaller than the main burner opening. The control knob is mounted on the front of the fireplace unit or on a wall-mounted panel nearby. It will have three positions marked: OFF, PILOT, and ON. Some models use a push-button igniter instead of a spark system, while others have an electronic ignition that works when you turn the knob to PILOT.
Before you start, locate your lighter or matches. A long-handled lighter designed for candles or grills works better than a short one because it keeps your hand farther from the pilot opening. If you cannot find the pilot opening easily, check your fireplace manual — the location varies by brand and model year.
What to do if the pilot light will not stay lit
A pilot that lights but when ready goes out usually means the thermocouple is not getting hot enough. The thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and signals the gas valve to stay open. If it does not reach the right temperature, the valve closes and shuts off the gas. The fix is to hold the ignition button down longer — try 60 to 90 seconds instead of 30.
If the pilot still goes out, the thermocouple itself may be dirty or damaged. A thin layer of soot can prevent it from heating properly. You can try cleaning it gently with a dry cloth or soft brush, but if that does not work, the thermocouple will need to be replaced by a technician. This is not a repair most homeowners do themselves because it requires disconnecting the gas line.
Draft problems can also cause the pilot to blow out. If your fireplace is in a room with strong air movement — near an open window, a ceiling fan, or an air return vent — the pilot flame may not stay stable. Close nearby windows and turn off fans during your restart attempt to rule this out.
When the pilot light will not ignite at all
If you have tried the restart process three or four times and the pilot flame never appears, the problem is usually one of three things: no gas reaching the pilot, a blocked pilot opening, or a faulty ignition system.
Check that the main gas valve for the fireplace is open. This is often a separate lever or knob on the gas line itself, separate from the control knob on the fireplace. It should be parallel to the gas line, not perpendicular. If it is perpendicular, turn it to parallel and try again.
A blocked pilot opening can happen if dust or debris has settled inside the tube. You can try blowing gently into the opening to clear it, or use a thin piece of wire or a straightened paperclip to carefully clear any blockage. Do this only when the knob is in the OFF position and you have waited several minutes for any gas to clear.
If the gas valve is open, the opening is clear, and you still see no spark or hear no clicking sound when you press the ignition button, the ignition system itself has failed. This requires a technician to diagnose and repair.
Safety steps before you begin
Never attempt to restart a pilot light if you smell gas in the room. Turn off the main gas valve when ready and open windows to ventilate. Call your gas company's emergency line — they will send someone to check for a leak at no charge. Do not use lighters, matches, or any ignition source until the smell is completely gone and a professional has cleared the system.
Make sure the fireplace has been off for at least three to five minutes before you start. This is not just about comfort — it gives any accumulated gas time to disperse safely. If the pilot has been off for more than a few hours, wait the full five minutes.
Keep your face and hands at a safe distance from the pilot opening. The flame itself is small, but a sudden ignition can produce a brief puff of heat. A long-handled lighter protects your hand, and keeping your face a few inches back protects your face.
Restarting a pilot light with an electronic ignition system
Some newer gas fireplaces have electronic ignition instead of a manual lighter system. With these models, you turn the knob to PILOT and press a button on the control panel or remote. The system creates a spark automatically. You do not need a lighter or match.
If your fireplace has electronic ignition and the pilot will not light, first check that the batteries in the remote or wall control are fresh. A weak battery can prevent the spark from firing. Replace them and try again. If the spark fires but the pilot does not light, the problem is likely a blocked opening or no gas reaching the pilot — the same issues as with manual ignition.
Electronic systems also have a safety lockout. If the pilot fails to light after several attempts, the system may shut down for a period of time to prevent gas buildup. Wait 10 to 15 minutes before trying again. If it still will not light after that, the ignition electrode or gas valve may need professional service.
When to call a technician instead of restarting yourself
If you have tried the restart process more than four times without success, or if the pilot lights but goes out repeatedly even after you hold the button for 90 seconds, a technician should inspect the fireplace. Repeated failures usually point to a thermocouple that needs replacement, a gas valve that is not opening properly, or a blockage in the gas line itself.
You should also call a technician if you smell gas but cannot find a leak, if the pilot flame is very small or an unusual color (yellow or orange instead of blue), or if the fireplace makes a loud pop or hissing sound when you try to light it. These are signs of problems that need professional diagnosis.
Most fireplace technicians charge a service call fee of $100 to $200, plus the cost of any parts that need replacement. A thermocouple replacement typically runs $150 to $300 total. Getting a professional diagnosis is faster and safer than troubleshooting on your own if the basic restart does not work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the ignition button down?
Start with 30 to 60 seconds. If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the button, hold it longer — up to 90 seconds — on your next attempt. The longer hold gives the thermocouple time to heat up enough to keep the gas valve open.
What if I smell gas while trying to restart the pilot?
Stop when ready, turn the control knob to OFF, and open windows to ventilate the room. Do not use any ignition source. Call your gas company's emergency line. A strong gas smell usually means gas is leaking somewhere in the system, and a professional needs to find and fix it before you try again.
Can I use a regular lighter instead of a long-handled one?
You can, but a long-handled lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the pilot opening. A regular lighter works if that is what you have, but be careful to keep your hand and face back from the opening in case of a sudden flame.
How often do pilot lights go out on their own?
A pilot light that is working properly should stay lit indefinitely. If yours goes out regularly — once a week or more — the thermocouple is probably wearing out or the draft in your room is too strong. Have a technician check it if this happens repeatedly.
Is it normal for the pilot to take a few tries to light?
One or two tries is normal, especially if the fireplace has been off for a long time. If it takes more than three or four attempts, or if the pilot lights but will not stay on, something is not working as it should and needs professional attention.