The Basic Steps to Relight Your Pilot

To start a pilot light in a gas fireplace, turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position, hold down the ignition button while holding a long lighter or match to the pilot opening, and keep the button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the knob to "On" to restore normal operation.

The exact location of the pilot opening and the control knob varies by fireplace model, but the sequence is the same across most units. You will find these controls either inside the fireplace itself or on a panel behind a removable trim piece. Check your owner's manual for the exact location on your model — if you no longer have it, the manufacturer's website usually has a PDF version you can read by model number.

If the pilot does not light after several attempts, or if it lights but goes out when you release the button, the problem is usually a faulty thermocouple or a gas supply issue. These require professional service and are not something to troubleshoot on your own.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press the ignition button, and hold a flame to the pilot opening until it catches and stays lit for at least 30 seconds.
  • The pilot opening is a small hole near the burner; you may need to remove a trim panel or look inside the fireplace to find it.
  • Keep the ignition button pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can heat up and hold the gas valve open.
  • If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the button, the thermocouple is likely faulty and needs professional replacement.
  • If the pilot will not light at all after multiple attempts, check that the gas valve is on and call a technician to inspect the gas line and ignition system.

Locate the Pilot Opening and Control Knob

Before you attempt to light the pilot, you need to find where it is. On most gas fireplaces, the control knob and pilot opening are on a panel inside the fireplace itself, usually at the bottom or side near the burner. Some models have these controls hidden behind a removable trim piece or access panel on the front of the fireplace.

Open the fireplace doors or remove any trim panels that block your view. Look for a small metal knob labeled "Pilot," "On," and "Off." Next to it, you should see a small hole or tube — that is the pilot opening. If you cannot locate these parts, check your owner's manual or search the manufacturer's website by model number. Many manufacturers post installation and operation guides as free PDFs.

Once you have found both the knob and the opening, make sure the area is clear of any debris or obstructions. A blocked pilot opening will prevent the flame from igniting properly.

Turn the Knob to Pilot and Press the Ignition Button

Turn the control knob clockwise until it stops at the "Pilot" position. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas begins to flow to the pilot. Next to the knob, you will see a button labeled "Ignition" or sometimes just a red or black button — press and hold it down.

While holding the ignition button, use a long lighter or long fireplace match to bring a flame to the pilot opening. The flame should catch within a few seconds. If it does not light after 10 to 15 seconds, release the button, wait a minute for the gas to clear, and try again. Do not hold the button for more than a minute at a time, as this can flood the pilot chamber with gas.

Once the pilot flame appears, keep holding the ignition button down. This is the critical step: the button must stay pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame ignites. During this time, the thermocouple — a heat-sensing device near the flame — warms up. Once it is warm enough, it signals the gas valve to stay open on its own, even after you release the button.

Hold the Button Long Enough for the Thermocouple to Heat

The thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in or very close to the pilot flame. When it heats up, it generates a tiny electrical signal that tells the gas valve to remain open. If you release the ignition button too soon, before the thermocouple is warm enough, the gas valve will close and the pilot will go out.

Count slowly to 30 or 60 after the pilot flame appears, then slowly release the button. The pilot should stay lit. If it goes out when ready or within a few seconds, the thermocouple may be faulty or dirty. A dirty thermocouple can sometimes be cleaned with a soft brush or cloth, but if cleaning does not work, the part needs to be replaced by a technician.

If the pilot stays lit after you release the button, turn the control knob to "On" to restore the fireplace to normal operation. The main burner should ignite. If it does not, turn the knob back to "Off" and wait a few minutes before trying again.

What to Do If the Pilot Will Not Stay Lit

If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the ignition button, the thermocouple is almost certainly the problem. This is a wear item that eventually fails on all gas fireplaces. Replacement requires removing the thermocouple from its fitting and installing a new one — a job that takes a technician about 15 to 30 minutes.

If the pilot will not light at all, even after several attempts, first check that the main gas valve to the fireplace is turned on. This valve is usually located on the gas line leading to the fireplace and has a handle you can turn. The handle should be parallel to the pipe when the valve is open. If the valve is already on, the problem is likely a blocked gas line, a faulty igniter, or a problem with the ignition system itself. These issues require professional service.

Do not attempt to force the ignition button or hold it down for longer than a minute. Doing so can damage the ignition system and create a safety hazard.

Safety Checks Before You Start

Before you light the pilot, make sure the fireplace has been off for at least five minutes. This allows any residual gas to clear. Check that the room is well-ventilated — gas fireplaces produce carbon dioxide and consume oxygen, so your fireplace should have a vent to the outside or draw air from outside. If your fireplace is sealed or has no vent, do not operate it.

If you smell gas at any point during the lighting process, stop when ready, turn off the gas valve, open windows, and leave the house. Call your gas company's emergency line from outside. Do not use matches, lighters, or electrical switches inside the house, as a spark could ignite the gas.

If you have a fireplace with an electronic ignition system (rather than a manual pilot light), the process is different — the system ignites the pilot automatically when you turn the knob to "On." Check your manual to see which type you have.

When to Call a Professional

If the pilot lights and stays lit, but the main burner does not ignite when you turn the knob to "On," the problem is usually a faulty thermocouple, a blocked burner, or a problem with the main gas valve. These are not safe to troubleshoot on your own.

Similarly, if you smell gas but cannot see a leak, or if the pilot flame is very small or discolored (yellow or orange instead of blue), call a technician. A small or discolored flame can indicate a gas line problem, a dirty burner, or incomplete combustion — all of which require professional inspection.

Most fireplace service calls cost between $100 and $300 for diagnosis and repair, depending on what needs to be fixed. Many HVAC and heating companies offer fireplace service, as do some plumbing companies. Ask for a quote before work begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button after the pilot lights?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release it too soon, the pilot will go out. If the pilot stays lit after you release the button, the thermocouple is working correctly.

What if the pilot flame is very small or hard to see?

A weak pilot flame can mean the gas line is partially blocked, the burner is dirty, or the gas pressure is low. This should be inspected by a technician. Do not try to adjust the gas flow yourself, as this can create a safety hazard.

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

Yes, but a long lighter or long fireplace match is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. Regular matches work if you are careful, but the flame may go out before you can reach the pilot opening.

Why does the pilot go out after I turn the knob to "On"?

This usually means the thermocouple did not heat up enough before you released the ignition button. Try again, and this time hold the button for the full 60 seconds. If it still goes out, the thermocouple is likely faulty and needs replacement.

Is it normal for the pilot to go out on its own sometimes?

No. A healthy pilot should stay lit continuously. If it goes out regularly, the thermocouple is wearing out or the gas supply is unstable. Have a technician inspect it before the thermocouple fails completely.