The basic steps to relight a pilot light

To start your fireplace pilot light, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold it down, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the small flame at the pilot burner opening. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches — this allows the thermocouple to heat up and sense the flame is there. Then release the knob and turn it to "On" or your desired heat setting. If the pilot stays lit, your fireplace is ready to use.

The whole process usually takes less than two minutes. Most fireplaces have the pilot burner located at the bottom front of the firebox, though some models place it to the side. If you cannot see the opening clearly, check your fireplace manual for the exact location — it is a small brass or steel tube with a tiny opening where the flame should appear.

If the pilot light will not stay lit after you release the knob, or if you smell gas but see no flame, stop and wait five minutes before trying again. Do not force the process or hold the knob down longer than 90 seconds, as this can flood the burner with gas.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press it down, and light the pilot opening with a long lighter or match.
  • Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can register the heat.
  • If the pilot goes out when ready after you release the knob, wait five minutes and try again — do not attempt more than two or three times in a row.
  • If you smell gas but cannot get a flame, or if the pilot will not stay lit after three attempts, turn the knob to "Off" and contact a service technician.

What to do if the pilot light will not ignite

If you press the knob and hold a lighter to the pilot opening but see no flame, the problem is usually a clogged pilot tube or a dead battery in the ignition system. First, check whether your fireplace uses a piezo igniter (a button you push that makes a clicking sound) or a manual lighter. If it has a piezo igniter and you hear no click, the battery inside the control box may be dead — replace it with a fresh AA or AAA battery, depending on your model.

If the igniter clicks but produces no spark, or if you are using a manual lighter and the pilot tube seems blocked, the opening may be clogged with dust or debris. Turn the knob to "Off," wait five minutes, then use a straightened paperclip or a thin needle to gently clear the opening. Do not force it — you can damage the tube. Try lighting again after clearing.

If you still cannot get a flame after two or three attempts, stop and let the fireplace sit for at least 30 minutes. Repeated attempts can flood the burner with unburned gas, which is a safety hazard. After waiting, try once more. If it still does not light, the thermocouple or the gas valve itself may need replacement — this requires a service call.

Why the pilot light goes out right after you release the knob

The most common reason a pilot light will not stay lit is that you released the control knob too soon. The thermocouple — a heat-sensing device at the tip of the pilot flame — needs 30 to 60 seconds of continuous heat to signal the gas valve that the pilot is burning. If you let go of the knob before the thermocouple warms up, the valve closes and the flame dies. Always count to at least 30 before releasing, and do not be afraid to hold it for a full minute on your first try.

A weak or failing thermocouple is the second most common cause. If you hold the knob down for a full 90 seconds and the flame still dies the moment you release it, the thermocouple is probably worn out and no longer generates enough electrical signal to keep the valve open. This is a wear item and will eventually need replacement. A technician can test it with a multimeter to confirm.

Drafts can also blow out a pilot light, especially in fireplaces near windows or doors. If your pilot light goes out only on windy days or when you open a nearby door, improve the seal around the fireplace or move objects that might be creating air currents near the pilot opening.

Safety steps before you start

Before you attempt to light the pilot, turn the control knob all the way to "Off" and wait five minutes. This clears any unburned gas from the firebox and the burner tubes. If you smell gas strongly, do not light anything — open a window, leave the house, and call your gas company or a service technician. A strong gas smell means there may be a leak.

Make sure the fireplace damper is open. If the damper is closed, the pilot will not draw air properly and may not stay lit. The damper lever is usually on the side of the firebox or inside the chimney opening — pull it toward you or turn it to the "Open" position.

Keep your face and hands clear of the pilot opening when you light it. Use a long lighter or a long fireplace match, not a short match or a regular lighter, so your fingers stay away from the flame. If you have long hair, tie it back before you begin.

When to call a technician instead of relying on manual lighting

If your fireplace has an electronic ignition system and the igniter is not working, you may be able to light the pilot manually while you wait for a repair. However, if the pilot light will not stay lit no matter how long you hold the knob, or if you have to relight it every time you use the fireplace, a component is failing and needs professional replacement.

Do not attempt to repair the thermocouple, gas valve, or igniter yourself unless you have experience with gas appliances. These parts are under pressure and can be dangerous if mishandled. A service call usually costs between $150 and $300 for diagnosis and repair, depending on what needs to be replaced and your location.

If you smell gas inside your home, or if you hear a hissing sound near the fireplace, turn the control knob to "Off" when ready and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not use the fireplace again until a technician has inspected it.

Fireplace models with automatic ignition systems

Some newer fireplaces have automatic ignition and do not require you to hold the knob down manually. Instead, you turn the knob to "On" or "Ignite," and the system lights the pilot automatically using a piezo spark or hot surface igniter. If your fireplace has this feature, check your manual to see whether you need to press a button or straightforward turn the knob.

If your automatic ignition system is not working, the problem is usually a dead battery, a faulty igniter, or a blocked pilot tube. Replace the battery first — it is the cheapest and easiest fix. If that does not work, you can light the pilot manually using the steps above while you arrange for a technician to repair the ignition system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down before I release it?

Hold the knob down for at least 30 seconds after the pilot flame appears, and up to 60 seconds on your first attempt. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release too early, the flame will go out.

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

It means gas is flowing to the pilot but the flame is not igniting. Turn the knob to "Off" when ready, wait five minutes, and try again. If you still smell gas with no flame after a second attempt, stop and call a technician. Do not keep trying, as unburned gas can accumulate.

Can I light the pilot with a regular match instead of a long lighter?

You can, but a long fireplace match or long lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. If you use a short match, be careful not to burn your fingers on the match itself or on the hot metal around the pilot opening.

Why does my pilot light go out every time I turn off the fireplace?

That is normal — the pilot is supposed to go out when you turn the knob to "Off." If the pilot goes out on its own while the knob is in the "On" position, the thermocouple is likely failing and needs replacement.

Is it safe to leave the pilot light on all the time?

Yes, pilot lights are designed to burn continuously during the heating season. Leaving it on uses a small amount of gas but keeps the fireplace ready to use. Turn it off in summer if you do not plan to use the fireplace for several months.