The basic restart process
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 near the pilot opening while pressing the ignition button or knob (depending on your model) until the small flame catches. Once lit, keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds, then release it and turn the knob to "On."
The waiting period matters. Gas can pool inside the fireplace during a shutdown, and igniting it without clearing that gas first creates a safety risk. Three to five minutes is the standard interval most manufacturers recommend.
If the pilot lights but goes out when ready when you release the knob, the thermocouple—a safety sensor that detects the pilot flame—may need cleaning or replacement. This is covered in the troubleshooting section below.
Key Takeaways
- Always wait three to five minutes after turning the knob to "Off" before attempting to light the pilot, to let any pooled gas disperse.
- The ignition button or knob location varies by fireplace model, so check your manual or the control panel itself to find where to press or turn.
- If the pilot lights but when ready extinguishes when you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely dirty or failing and should be inspected.
- A pilot that won't light at all after multiple attempts may indicate a gas supply issue or a blocked pilot tube, both of which require professional service.
Locating your control knob and ignition button
The control panel is usually mounted on the front of the fireplace or on the side of the firebox, behind the grate or trim ring. Look for a knob labeled with "Off," "Pilot," and "On" positions. Next to or below this knob, you will find either a red ignition button (push-button ignition) or a spark knob you turn repeatedly (turn-knob ignition).
Some fireplaces have a separate pilot light access door. If you cannot see the pilot opening from the front, check the side of the fireplace or inside the firebox itself. Your owner's manual will show the exact location for your model. If you no longer have the manual, search the manufacturer's name and model number online—most companies post PDFs on their websites.
Once you locate the control knob, check whether it has a safety lock or child-proof feature. A few models require you to press a separate button before the knob will turn. This is noted in the manual.
Step-by-step lighting procedure
Step 1: Turn the knob to "Off" and wait three to five minutes. Do not skip this step. If you smell gas during the wait, stop, open windows, and leave the house. Call your gas company's emergency line.
Step 2: Turn the knob to "Pilot." You may hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows to the pilot tube. This is normal.
Step 3: Light the pilot. Hold a long lighter or long match near the pilot opening. At the same time, press and hold the ignition button (or turn the spark knob repeatedly if your model uses turn-knob ignition). The pilot should light within a few seconds. If it does not light after 30 seconds of trying, stop, return the knob to "Off," wait three minutes, and try again.
Step 4: Hold the knob in "Pilot" for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. This allows the thermocouple to warm up and signal the gas valve that the pilot is burning safely. If you release too early, the pilot will go out.
Step 5: Release the knob. The pilot should stay lit. If it does, turn the knob to "On" to ignite the main burner. If the pilot goes out, the thermocouple needs attention (see the troubleshooting section).
Why the pilot keeps going out
The most common reason a pilot lights but when ready extinguishes is a dirty thermocouple. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame. When it heats up, it tells the gas valve to stay open. If dust or soot coats the thermocouple, it cannot heat properly, and the valve closes, shutting off gas to the pilot.
Cleaning the thermocouple is straightforward if you are comfortable working inside the fireplace. Turn the knob to "Off," wait five minutes, then locate the thermocouple—a thin rod running from the control assembly into the pilot area. Use a soft brush or fine steel wool to gently scrub away any buildup. Do not bend the rod. Reassemble and try lighting again.
If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple may be worn out and need replacement. This is an inexpensive part (typically $15 to $40), but installation requires disconnecting the thermocouple from the control assembly. If you are not confident doing this, a technician can replace it in under an hour.
When the pilot will not light at all
If the pilot refuses to light after three or four attempts, the problem is usually one of three things: no gas reaching the pilot, a blocked pilot tube, or a faulty ignition system.
First, confirm that gas is reaching the fireplace. Check whether your gas valve (the main shutoff for the fireplace) is open. It should be parallel to the gas line, not perpendicular. If it is perpendicular, turn it parallel and wait a minute, then try lighting again. If you smell gas but the pilot still will not light, the ignition system may be failing—this requires professional service.
If you smell no gas at all, the pilot tube may be clogged. A blocked tube prevents gas from reaching the pilot opening. This can happen if the fireplace has sat unused for months or if debris entered during installation. A technician can clear the tube with compressed air or by disassembling and cleaning the pilot assembly.
Safety checks before and after lighting
Before you attempt to light the pilot, smell the air around the fireplace. If you detect a strong rotten-egg or sulfur smell, do not light anything. Leave the house, open windows, and call your gas company's emergency number. This smell indicates a gas leak, and ignition could be dangerous.
After the pilot is lit and the main burner is on, check that the flame is blue with a small yellow tip at the base. A flame that is mostly yellow or orange, or one that flickers excessively, suggests incomplete combustion or a ventilation problem. Turn the fireplace off and have it inspected by a technician.
Also confirm that the fireplace is drawing air properly. You should feel a slight draft being pulled into the fireplace when it is running. If you feel warm air blowing back into the room, or if you smell smoke or fumes, turn off the fireplace and do not use it until a technician has checked the venting.
When to call a professional
Contact a technician if the pilot lights but will not stay lit even after cleaning the thermocouple, if the pilot will not light after multiple attempts, if you smell gas but see no flame, or if the main burner will not ignite once the pilot is on. These issues point to problems inside the control assembly or gas valve that require specialized tools and knowledge.
You should also call a professional if you are uncomfortable working inside the fireplace, if you do not have a long lighter or match and cannot safely reach the pilot opening, or if your fireplace is still under warranty—opening it yourself may void coverage. A service call typically costs $100 to $200 and includes a safety inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait after turning off the fireplace before trying to restart it?
Wait at least three to five minutes. This allows any gas pooled inside the firebox to disperse safely. If you smell gas strongly after five minutes, wait longer and may support the room is well ventilated.
What does it mean if the pilot lights but goes out when I release the knob?
The thermocouple is not warming up properly, usually because it is dirty or failing. Try cleaning it with a soft brush first. If that does not work, the thermocouple likely needs replacement—a job a technician can do in under an hour.
Can I light the pilot with a regular match instead of a long lighter?
A regular match works, but a long lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame and the pilot opening. If you use a match, light it first, then quickly position it near the pilot while pressing the ignition button.
Is it normal to smell gas when the pilot is on?
A faint gas smell is normal for a few seconds after lighting. If the smell persists or is strong, turn off the fireplace and check that the control knob is fully in the "On" position. If the smell continues, call your gas company's emergency line.
What should I do if I cannot find the pilot opening?
Check your owner's manual or search the manufacturer's website for your model number. The pilot opening location varies widely. If you still cannot locate it, a technician can show you where it is and walk you through the lighting process.