The basic steps to relight your pilot
To start the pilot light on a gas fireplace, 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 opening while you hold the knob. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches so the thermocouple — a heat-sensing device — warms up and signals the gas valve to stay open. Then release the knob and turn it to "On" or the heat setting you want.
The exact location of the pilot opening varies by fireplace model. On most units, it sits near the main burner, often marked with a small hole or a label. If you cannot see it clearly, check the manual that came with your fireplace or look for a diagram on the inside of the access panel or door frame.
If the pilot does not stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing, or the gas supply may be interrupted. Wait five minutes before trying again, because attempting to relight too quickly can flood the chamber with gas.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob to "Pilot," hold it down, and light the pilot opening with a long lighter or match while keeping pressure on the knob.
- Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after ignition so the thermocouple warms and the gas valve locks open.
- If the pilot goes out when you release the knob, wait five minutes and try again; repeated failure usually means the thermocouple needs cleaning or replacement.
- A long lighter or long-handled match works better than a regular match because the pilot opening sits close to the burner and can be hard to reach.
Finding the pilot opening on your fireplace
The pilot opening is a small hole or tube, usually located at the base of the burner assembly or to one side of it. On some models it points straight up; on others it angles toward the main burner. Look for a label or arrow on the fireplace itself that points to the pilot location.
If the fireplace has a removable front panel or glass door, you may need to open it first to see the pilot clearly. Some fireplaces require you to remove a decorative cover or access panel on the side or bottom. Check your manual for the exact steps for your model, because forcing a panel can damage the seal or the controls.
Once you locate the opening, make sure the area around it is clear of debris, dust, or soot. A clogged pilot opening will not light or will produce a weak flame. If you see buildup, use a thin wire or a paperclip to gently clear the opening before you attempt to light it.
What to do if the pilot light will not stay on
If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is usually at fault. This small metal rod sits in the pilot flame and generates a tiny electrical signal that tells the gas valve to stay open. When it is dirty or worn out, the signal is too weak to hold the valve open, and the gas shuts off.
To clean the thermocouple, turn off the gas at the control knob and wait five minutes. Then locate the thermocouple — it is a thin rod that sits directly in the pilot flame — and gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth or fine steel wool. Do not bend it or explore heavy pressure. Turn the gas back to "Pilot" and try lighting again.
If cleaning does not work, the thermocouple may have reached the end of its life. Replacement thermocouples are inexpensive (usually $15 to $40) and are available from fireplace dealers or online retailers. Installation is straightforward: the thermocouple screws into a fitting at the control box, and the other end sits in the pilot flame. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, a fireplace technician can replace it in under an hour.
Safety checks before you light the pilot
Before you attempt to light the pilot, make sure the gas supply is actually on. Check that the main gas valve — usually located on the gas line leading to the fireplace — is in the open position. The handle should be parallel to the pipe, not perpendicular to it. If the valve is closed, turn it to open and wait a minute for gas to reach the pilot chamber.
Smell the area around the fireplace. If you detect a strong rotten-egg or sulfur smell, there may be a gas leak. Do not light the pilot. Turn off the gas at the main valve, open windows and doors to ventilate, and call your gas company or a licensed technician. Gas leaks are serious and require professional attention.
Make sure the fireplace is in a well-ventilated space and that any vents or flues are clear. A blocked vent can cause dangerous gas buildup. If you have not used the fireplace in months or if you see visible debris in the vent, have it inspected by a professional before lighting the pilot.
Using the right tools to light the pilot
A long lighter — the kind used for candles or grills — is the best tool for lighting a fireplace pilot. The extended nozzle lets you reach the pilot opening safely without putting your hand close to the burner. Long lighters are sold at most hardware stores and supermarkets for $3 to $8.
A long-handled match also works if you do not have a lighter. Strike the match and hold it to the pilot opening while you press the control knob. Regular short matches are harder to use because your fingers come too close to the burner and the flame may go out before it reaches the pilot.
Do not use a regular cigarette lighter or a short match. The flame is too small and your hand will be too close to the burner. Do not try to light the pilot with a piece of paper or cardboard — it will burn too quickly and may not ignite the gas.
When to call a professional
If you have cleaned the thermocouple and the pilot still will not light or stay on, or if you smell gas but cannot find the source, contact a licensed fireplace technician or your gas company. Some problems — like a faulty gas valve, a broken ignition electrode, or a blocked gas line — require professional tools and training to fix safely.
If the pilot lights but the main burner will not turn on, the problem is usually in the main valve or the burner itself, not the pilot. Again, a technician should diagnose this. Attempting to force the burner on or to adjust the gas flow yourself can damage the fireplace or create a safety hazard.
Most fireplace service calls cost between $100 and $300 for diagnosis and repair, depending on what is wrong and where you live. Many technicians offer emergency service, though weekend or after-hours calls may cost more. If your fireplace is still under warranty, check whether the repair is covered before you pay out of pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the knob down after the pilot lights?
Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and send a signal to the gas valve. If you release too quickly, the valve may close and the pilot will go out. If you hold it much longer than a minute, you are not gaining anything — the thermocouple reaches full temperature in about 60 seconds.
What if I smell gas while trying to light the pilot?
Stop when ready and turn off the gas at the control knob. Open windows and doors to ventilate the space. If the smell is strong or does not go away after a few minutes, leave the house and call your gas company from outside. Do not use electrical switches, lighters, or anything that could create a spark.
Can I light the pilot if the fireplace has been off for a long time?
Yes, but wait a minute after turning the gas on before you attempt to light it. This lets gas reach the pilot chamber. If the fireplace has been off for months, the pilot opening may be dusty — gently clear it with a thin wire before lighting. If the pilot does not light on the first try, wait five minutes and try again.
Do I need to turn off the pilot light in summer?
You do not have to, but many people do to save gas. Turning the knob to "Off" shuts off the pilot and the main burner. There is no harm in leaving the pilot on year-round, but it uses a small amount of gas continuously. Check your manual to see if the manufacturer recommends shutting it off seasonally.
What does it mean if the pilot flame is yellow or orange instead of blue?
A yellow or orange flame usually means the pilot opening is clogged with dust or soot, or the air-to-gas ratio is off. Clean the pilot opening with a thin wire and try again. If the flame is still discolored after cleaning, the burner may need professional adjustment. A blue flame is normal and indicates proper combustion.