Starting a gas fireplace pilot light yourself

Most gas fireplaces let you light the pilot by hand using a long lighter or match, without calling a technician. The process takes about five minutes and involves locating the pilot burner inside the firebox, finding the gas control knob, and holding a flame to the pilot while the gas flows. If your fireplace has been off for months or the pilot won't stay lit after you light it, the problem is usually a clogged pilot tube or a thermocouple that needs cleaning—both are fixable without special tools.

Before you start, locate your fireplace manual or the label on the gas control box itself. The label shows you exactly where the pilot burner sits and what the control knob positions mean. If you can't find either, take a photo of the control box and search online for your fireplace model number; manufacturers post manuals free on their websites.

Key Takeaways

  • The pilot light sits inside the firebox near the main burner and is lit by holding a flame to it while the gas control knob is in the "Pilot" position.
  • You need a long lighter or long fireplace match because the pilot burner is set back inside the box, away from the opening.
  • Once lit, hold the control knob in the pilot position for 30 to 60 seconds so the thermocouple heats up and keeps the gas flowing.
  • If the pilot won't light or goes out when ready, the pilot tube is likely clogged with dust or the thermocouple needs cleaning; both require removing the access panel.
  • If you smell gas but see no flame, or if the pilot lights but the main burner won't ignite, stop and call your gas company or a technician.

Locating the pilot burner and control knob

Open the fireplace doors or remove the front panel if your model has one. Look inside the firebox at the base, near where the main burner sits. The pilot burner is a small brass or steel tube, usually about the size of a pencil tip, positioned a few inches away from the main burner. Next to it you'll see a thin metal rod—that's the thermocouple, which senses heat from the pilot flame and tells the gas valve to stay open.

The gas control knob is mounted on the outside of the fireplace, usually on the right side of the unit or on a wall-mounted control box. The knob has three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Some models use a dial with a button you push while turning; others have a straightforward three-position switch. Your manual will show which is which. Never turn the knob to "On" without first lighting the pilot—gas will flow into the firebox with no flame to burn it.

Setting up and lighting the pilot

Turn the gas control knob to the "Off" position and wait two minutes. This clears any stray gas from the line. Then turn the knob to "Pilot." You should hear a soft hissing sound—that's gas flowing to the pilot burner.

Hold a long lighter or long fireplace match near the pilot burner opening. The flame needs to reach into the burner tube itself, not just hover near it. Light the match or ignite the lighter, then bring it close to the pilot. You should see a small blue flame appear at the burner tip within a second or two. If nothing happens after five seconds, turn the knob back to "Off," wait 30 seconds, and try again. Repeated failed attempts mean the gas line to the pilot is blocked.

Once the pilot is lit, keep the control knob pressed in the "Pilot" position (or held in that position if it's a dial) for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up. The thermocouple is a safety device—when it gets warm enough, it signals the gas valve that the pilot is burning and keeps the gas flowing. If you release the knob too soon, the pilot will go out.

Turning on the main burner after the pilot is lit

After holding the pilot position for a full minute, slowly turn the control knob to "On." The main burner should ignite within a few seconds, either from the pilot flame or from an electric igniter (depending on your model). You should see a larger flame rise from the main burner area. If the main burner doesn't light, turn the knob back to "Off" and wait a minute before trying again.

Once the main burner is on, adjust the flame height using the control knob or a separate flame adjustment dial if your fireplace has one. Most models let you turn the knob further to increase or decrease the flame size. Leave the fireplace running for a few minutes to make sure both the pilot and main burner stay lit steadily.

What to do if the pilot won't light or won't stay lit

If you see no flame after holding a lighter to the pilot for five seconds, the pilot tube is likely clogged with dust or debris. Turn the knob to "Off" and let the fireplace sit for a few minutes. Then locate the access panel or front cover of the fireplace—it's usually held on by a few screws or clips. Remove it to expose the pilot burner and thermocouple.

Use a thin, stiff wire (a straightened paperclip works) or a small needle to gently poke into the pilot burner opening. Push slowly and carefully to dislodge any dust blocking the gas flow. Do not force it or twist it—you can damage the burner. Blow gently into the opening to clear out loose debris, then reassemble the panel and try lighting the pilot again.

If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the control knob, the thermocouple is not heating up properly. This usually means it's dirty or positioned too far from the pilot flame. Turn off the fireplace and remove the access panel again. Look at the thermocouple rod—it should be sitting right in the path of the pilot flame, about a quarter-inch away. If it's bent or pushed back, gently bend it closer to the flame using pliers. If it's clean but still doesn't work after repositioning, the thermocouple itself has failed and needs replacement by a technician.

When to call a professional instead

Stop and call your gas company or a licensed technician if you smell gas but see no pilot flame after trying to light it twice. Do not keep trying—a gas leak is a safety hazard. Also call a professional if the pilot lights but you smell gas coming from the fireplace, or if the main burner won't ignite even though the pilot is burning steadily.

If your fireplace has an electronic igniter (a spark you hear clicking when you turn the knob) rather than a manual pilot light, do not attempt to light it by hand. Electronic igniters require a service call if they fail. The same applies if your fireplace is connected to a wall thermostat or remote control—those systems have wiring that only a technician should touch.

Seasonal maintenance to keep the pilot reliable

If you use your fireplace only in winter, light the pilot once a month during the off-season to keep the thermocouple clean and the gas line clear. A pilot that sits unused for six months is more likely to clog. Run it for 10 to 15 minutes each time.

Before the heating season starts, remove the front panel and use a soft brush or compressed air to gently clean around the pilot burner and thermocouple. Dust settles over the summer, and a quick cleaning prevents most lighting problems. Never use a vacuum cleaner near the pilot area—the static can be a hazard around gas lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the control knob in the pilot position?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple enough time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release it too soon, the pilot will go out. Your fireplace manual may specify an exact time—follow that if it does.

What if the pilot lights but the main burner won't turn on?

Turn the knob to "Off" and wait a minute, then try turning it to "On" again. Sometimes the igniter needs a second attempt. If the main burner still won't light after two tries, the igniter may be faulty or the gas line to the main burner may be blocked. Call a technician.

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

A regular match is risky because the pilot burner sits several inches inside the firebox, and a short match may burn your fingers before the flame reaches it. A long fireplace match or a long lighter is much safer and easier to control.

Is it normal for the pilot to be yellow or orange instead of blue?

A blue pilot flame is normal and means complete combustion. A yellow or orange flame means the pilot is not getting enough air or the burner is dirty. Turn off the fireplace and clean the pilot burner opening with a thin wire, then try again. If it's still yellow, call a technician.

How often should I relight the pilot if I use the fireplace daily?

Once the pilot is lit and the main burner is on, you should not need to relight it unless you turn off the fireplace completely. If the pilot keeps going out while the fireplace is running, the thermocouple is failing and needs replacement by a professional.