Starting a Pilot Light Without an Ignition Button

If your fireplace has no automatic ignition button, you will light the pilot by hand using a long lighter or match. The process takes about two minutes and requires you to hold down the gas control knob while the flame catches. Most pilot lights stay lit once they reach full temperature, which takes another 30 seconds to a minute after you remove the lighter.

Before you begin, make sure the fireplace has been off for at least five minutes. This clears any gas that may have built up inside the firebox. Check that the main gas valve (the one outside or below the fireplace) is in the ON position — it should be parallel to the gas line, not perpendicular to it.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the gas control knob to PILOT, then hold it down firmly while you light the flame with a long lighter or match held near the pilot opening.
  • Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot ignites so the thermocouple heats up and keeps the gas valve open.
  • If the pilot goes out when you release the knob, wait five minutes and try again — the thermocouple may need more time to warm.
  • A pilot flame should be blue with a small yellow tip and should wrap around the thermocouple rod without blowing out.
  • If the pilot will not stay lit after three attempts, the thermocouple or gas line may need professional inspection.

Locate the Pilot Opening and Gas Control Knob

Open the fireplace access panel or door. Look for a small opening near the bottom of the firebox — this is where the pilot flame burns. You will also see a control knob on the front of the fireplace unit or on the wall nearby, labeled with settings like OFF, PILOT, and ON.

Some fireplaces have the control knob inside a metal box mounted on the side of the unit. If you cannot find it, check the owner's manual or look for a label on the fireplace itself. The knob should turn smoothly and click into position at each setting.

Turn the Knob to Pilot and Hold It Down

Turn the gas control knob to the PILOT position. You will hear a faint hissing sound as gas begins to flow to the pilot opening. Now press the knob inward and hold it down — do not release it yet. You need to keep it pressed while you light the flame.

Holding the knob down keeps the gas flowing even though the thermocouple (the safety device that detects heat) is not yet warm enough to hold the valve open on its own. This is a safety feature: if you do not hold the knob, the gas shuts off when ready and the pilot cannot light.

Light the Pilot Flame With a Long Lighter or Match

While holding the knob down, bring a long lighter or long match to the pilot opening. You may need to crouch or use a flashlight to see inside the firebox clearly. Hold the flame near the opening for a few seconds. The pilot should ignite with a small blue flame.

If the flame does not catch after five seconds, remove the lighter, release the knob, and wait five minutes before trying again. Trying repeatedly without waiting can flood the firebox with gas. A long lighter (the kind used for candles or grills) works better than a short match because it keeps your hand farther from the heat.

Keep the Knob Pressed While the Flame Warms Up

Once the pilot ignites, keep holding the knob down for another 30 to 60 seconds. During this time, the flame heats the thermocouple, which is a metal rod inside the pilot assembly. As the thermocouple warms, it generates a small electrical signal that tells the gas valve to stay open.

Watch the flame while you hold the knob. It should be mostly blue with a small yellow tip and should wrap around the thermocouple rod. If the flame is very yellow or orange, or if it blows out easily, the pilot opening may be dirty — you may need to clean it with compressed air before trying again.

Release the Knob and Check That the Pilot Stays Lit

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. The pilot flame should stay lit. If it goes out when ready, wait five minutes and repeat the process. Sometimes the thermocouple needs a second attempt to reach full temperature.

If the pilot stays lit, you can now turn the knob to ON to light the main burner, or leave it on PILOT if you only wanted to test the pilot light. The pilot will continue to burn as long as the knob is not turned to OFF.

What a Healthy Pilot Flame Looks Like

A working pilot flame is mostly blue with a small yellow or orange tip at the very top. The flame should be about half an inch to one inch tall and should wrap partially around the thermocouple rod without blowing it out. If you see a flame that is mostly yellow or orange, or one that flickers and goes out easily, the pilot opening is likely clogged with dust or debris.

To clean a clogged pilot opening, turn the knob to OFF and wait five minutes. Use a can of compressed air (the kind sold for cleaning electronics) to blow air into the pilot opening from the outside. Do not use a wire or needle, as these can damage the opening. After cleaning, wait another five minutes and try lighting the pilot again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the pilot go out as soon as I release the knob?

The thermocouple has not warmed enough yet. Wait five minutes for the firebox to cool, then try again and hold the knob down for the full 60 seconds. If this happens three times in a row, the thermocouple may be faulty and will need professional replacement.

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

Yes, but a long lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the heat and the firebox. If you use a match, light it first, then hold it near the pilot opening while you press the knob down with your other hand.

What if I smell gas but do not see a flame?

Turn the knob to OFF when ready and wait five minutes with the fireplace door open. Do not try to light it again. Gas smell without a flame means the pilot opening is blocked or the ignition is not working. Contact a fireplace technician before attempting to light it again.

How long should I hold the knob down?

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 early, the pilot will go out.

Is it normal for the pilot to take a few tries to light?

Yes, especially if the fireplace has not been used in a while. Wait five minutes between attempts to let any excess gas clear from the firebox. If the pilot will not light after three or four attempts, stop and have a technician inspect the gas line and thermocouple.