The basic steps to relight your fireplace pilot
To restart a pilot light on a gas fireplace, turn the control knob to "Off," wait five minutes, then switch it to "Pilot." Hold a long lighter or lit match near the pilot burner 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 so the thermocouple—a safety device that detects heat—registers the flame. Then release the button, turn the knob to "On," and the main burners should ignite.
The entire process usually takes two to three minutes. If the pilot does not stay lit after you release the button, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement, or gas may not be reaching the pilot. Most pilot lights relight on the first or second attempt if the gas supply is working and the thermocouple is in good condition.
Key Takeaways
- Always turn the control knob to "Off" and wait five minutes before attempting to relight, to clear any gas buildup in the chamber.
- You need a long lighter or long match to safely reach the pilot burner opening without burning your hand or arm.
- Hold the ignition button for 30 to 60 seconds while the flame is present, then another 30 seconds after releasing the lighter to let the thermocouple warm up.
- If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the button, the thermocouple is likely dirty or failing and may need professional service.
- Check that your fireplace's gas valve is in the "On" position before you start—a closed valve is the most common reason a pilot will not light.
Locate the pilot burner and ignition controls
Open the fireplace access panel or glass doors so you can see inside the firebox. The pilot burner is a small brass or metal tube, usually located near the front or bottom of the fireplace, often close to where the main logs or burner sits. It is much smaller than the main burner and produces a thin, pencil-sized flame when lit.
Next to or near the pilot burner, you will see the control knob on the front of the fireplace. This knob typically has three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Some models have a separate ignition button next to the knob; others require you to push the knob itself while turning it. Check your fireplace manual if you are unsure which button or knob to use—the manual is usually stored in a pocket on the inside of the access panel or in a drawer beneath the fireplace.
Clear the chamber and prepare to light
Turn the control knob all the way to "Off" and leave it there for at least five minutes. This pause allows any unburned gas in the firebox to escape safely. Skipping this step can create a small puff of flame when you relight, which is harmless but startling.
While you wait, gather your lighting tool. A long lighter (the kind used for candles or grills) works best because it keeps your hand far from the pilot opening. A long fireplace match is the second choice. Do not use a short match or regular lighter—you risk burning your hand or arm. If you do not have a long lighter, you can buy one at any grocery store, hardware store, or online for a few dollars.
Light the pilot and hold the ignition button
After five minutes, turn the control knob to "Pilot." Position your long lighter or lit match near the pilot burner opening—aim for the small opening where gas flows out, usually a tiny hole at the end of the brass tube. You may hear a soft hissing sound as gas begins to flow.
While holding the flame near the pilot opening, press and hold the ignition button (or push the knob if your model uses the knob as the button). Keep holding it for 30 to 60 seconds. You should see a small blue flame appear at the pilot burner. Once the flame is clearly visible, continue holding the button for another 30 seconds without the lighter—this allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas valve that the pilot is burning safely.
After 30 seconds, slowly release the button. The pilot flame should stay lit. If it goes out when ready, wait 30 seconds and try again. Most pilots relight on the second attempt. If it goes out a third time, stop and let the fireplace cool for 10 minutes before trying again.
Turn the knob to "On" and check the main burners
Once the pilot flame is steady and stays lit after you release the button, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On." The main burners should ignite within a few seconds. If they do not, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again. Sometimes the main burners need a second attempt.
Once the main burners are lit, close the fireplace access panel or glass doors and let the fireplace run for a few minutes to make sure everything is stable. The flame should be blue with a small yellow tip at the base—this is normal. If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, or if it flickers excessively, the burner may need cleaning, but the pilot light itself is working.
What to do if the pilot will not stay lit
If the pilot lights but goes out the moment you release the ignition button, the thermocouple is usually the problem. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical signal when heated. If it is dirty, bent, or failing, it cannot signal the gas valve to stay open, and the gas shuts off automatically for safety.
You can try cleaning the thermocouple yourself: turn off the gas, let the fireplace cool, then gently wipe the tip of the thermocouple (the part that sits in the flame) with a soft cloth or fine sandpaper. Do not bend it or explore heavy pressure. Relight the pilot and see if it holds. If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple likely needs replacement, which requires a service call from a may have access to technician.
Another common reason a pilot will not stay lit is a closed gas valve. Check the valve on the gas line leading to your fireplace—it should be parallel to the pipe (pointing in the same direction as the gas flow). If it is perpendicular to the pipe, it is closed. Turn it parallel and try relighting the pilot.
Common mistakes that prevent the pilot from lighting
The most frequent error is not waiting long enough after turning the knob to "Off." If you skip the five-minute wait or rush through it, unburned gas can still be in the chamber, and the pilot may not ignite properly. Always wait the full five minutes.
Another mistake is releasing the ignition button too soon. The thermocouple needs at least 30 seconds of heat to warm up and signal the valve. If you let go after only 10 or 15 seconds, the pilot will light but then shut off when ready. Count to 30 slowly after the flame appears, then release.
A third common issue is using a lighter or match that does not reach the pilot burner. If your flame is too far away, the pilot will not ignite. Position the lighter tip directly at the pilot opening, even if it feels close to the firebox. The small opening is designed to accept a flame right at its mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my pilot light keep going out after I turn the fireplace on?
This usually means the thermocouple is dirty or failing. Try cleaning the tip of the thermocouple with a soft cloth or fine sandpaper, then relight. If it still goes out, the thermocouple needs replacement by a technician. A closed gas valve can also cause this—check that the valve on the gas line is parallel to the pipe, not perpendicular.
Can I light the pilot without a long lighter?
A long fireplace match works well and is safer than a short match or regular lighter. If you do not have either, buy a long lighter at a hardware or grocery store for a few dollars. Do not attempt to light the pilot with your hand close to the opening—you risk burning yourself.
How long should I hold the ignition button after the flame appears?
Hold it for at least 30 seconds after the pilot flame is clearly visible. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too early, the pilot will light but then shut off when you let go of the button.
What if the pilot lights but the main burners do not turn on?
Turn the knob back to "Off," wait one minute, then turn it to "On" again. Sometimes the main burners need a second attempt to ignite. If they still do not light after two or three tries, the main burner may have a blockage or the ignition system may need service.
Is it safe to relight the pilot myself, or should I call a technician?
Relighting the pilot is safe and is a normal maintenance task for homeowners. However, if the pilot will not stay lit after cleaning the thermocouple, or if you smell gas or see no flame after several attempts, turn off the gas and call a technician. Do not keep trying if something seems wrong.