How to Turn Your Fireplace Pilot Light On

The basic steps to light your fireplace pilot light

To turn on your fireplace pilot light, you will need to locate the control knob (usually labeled "Pilot," "On," and "Off"), set it to the pilot position, press and hold it down, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the gas at the small opening near the knob. Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple—a safety device that detects heat—can warm up and keep the gas flowing. Once you release the knob and the flame stays lit, turn the knob to "On" to begin heating your fireplace normally.

The entire process usually takes less than five minutes. If the pilot light will not stay lit after you release the knob, or if you smell gas, stop and wait 5 minutes before trying again. If it fails a second time, turn the knob to "Off" and contact a technician—a persistent problem usually means the thermocouple needs replacement or the gas line has an issue.

Key Takeaways

The control knob must be set to "Pilot" before you attempt to light the flame, and you must press and hold it down while igniting the gas.
You need a long lighter, long match, or fireplace ignition tool to reach the pilot opening safely without burning your hand.
Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame lights so the thermocouple can warm up and hold the gas valve open.
If the pilot light goes out when ready when you release the knob, wait 5 minutes and try again; a second failure means the thermocouple or gas line may need service.
Never force the knob or turn it past "Off"—excessive force can damage the valve and create a gas leak.

Locate the control knob and gas line opening

Open your fireplace door or access panel and look for the control knob, which is usually mounted on the front or side of the firebox near the bottom. The knob will have positions labeled "Off," "Pilot," and "On"—some models also include a "Ignition" setting. Next to or below the knob, you will see a small metal tube or opening where gas flows to the pilot burner. This opening is usually about the size of a pencil tip and may have a small electrode or spark igniter nearby.

If you cannot locate the knob or opening, check the fireplace manual or look for a label on the fireplace itself. Some models have the controls on the exterior wall behind the fireplace rather than inside the firebox. If your fireplace has an electronic ignition button instead of a manual knob, the pilot light may light automatically when you press the button—refer to your manual for that model's specific steps.

Set the knob to pilot and prepare your lighter

Turn the control knob slowly to the "Pilot" position. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas begins to flow to the pilot opening. Do not turn the knob past the "Pilot" mark or force it—the knob should move smoothly. If it feels stuck or gritty, stop and do not force it; this usually means debris is in the valve and a technician should clean it.

While the knob is in the "Pilot" position, prepare your ignition tool. A long fireplace lighter (the kind with a thin metal wand and trigger) works best because it keeps your hand far from the flame. A long wooden match or a grill lighter also works. Do not use a short match or regular lighter—you risk burning your hand or eyebrows. Have your tool ready before you press the knob, so you can light the pilot quickly once you begin holding it down.

Press the knob, ignite the pilot, and hold steady

Press the control knob inward (toward the fireplace) and hold it down firmly. While holding it, bring your lighter to the pilot opening and ignite the gas. You should see a small blue flame appear within a second or two. If the flame does not appear after 3 to 5 seconds, release the knob, wait 30 seconds, and try again—gas may not have reached the opening yet.

Once the flame is lit, keep holding the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up. The thermocouple is a safety sensor that detects the pilot flame and signals the gas valve to stay open. If you release the knob too soon, the valve will close and the flame will go out. After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. The flame should remain lit. If it goes out as soon as you release, wait 5 minutes and repeat the process—sometimes the thermocouple needs a second attempt to reach full temperature.

Turn the knob to on and check the flame

Once the pilot light is burning steadily and stays lit after you release the knob, turn the control knob to the "On" position. This opens the main gas line to the fireplace burner. You should hear gas flowing and see the main burner flame ignite, either automatically (if your model has an electronic igniter) or after you manually light it with your lighter. The pilot flame should remain visible and steady—it is now doing its job of keeping the main burner ready to heat.

Check that the flame is a steady blue color. A yellow or orange flame, or one that flickers constantly, may indicate a dirty burner or air intake. A steady blue flame means the pilot light is working correctly. If the main burner does not ignite or the flame is weak, turn the knob back to "Off" and contact a technician—do not attempt to adjust the gas flow yourself.

What to do if the pilot light will not stay lit

If the pilot light goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is usually the problem. Wait at least 5 minutes before trying again—this allows any residual gas to clear and the thermocouple to cool. On your second attempt, hold the knob down for the full 60 seconds and release slowly. If the flame still goes out when ready, the thermocouple has likely failed and needs replacement by a technician.

If you smell gas but do not see a flame, or if gas continues to flow after you turn the knob to "Off," turn the knob fully to "Off" and do not attempt to light the pilot again. Open windows to ventilate the room and contact a technician or your gas company. A persistent gas smell with no flame usually means a valve is stuck open or the gas line has a leak—both require professional repair.

Common mistakes that prevent the pilot from lighting

The most common error is releasing the knob too soon. Many people hold it for only 5 to 10 seconds and assume the pilot is ready, but the thermocouple needs the full 30 to 60 seconds to warm up. If you release too early, the valve closes and the flame dies. Always count to at least 30 before releasing.

Another frequent mistake is not holding the lighter flame directly at the pilot opening. If you hold the lighter off to the side or too far away, the gas may not ignite. Bring the flame right to the opening and hold it there for a full second or two. Also, do not turn the knob past "Pilot"—turning it to "On" before the thermocouple is warm will cause the valve to close when ready and waste gas.

Finally, some people try to light the pilot without setting the knob to "Pilot" first. The knob must be in the "Pilot" position to allow gas to flow to the small pilot opening. If the knob is in "Off" or "On," no gas will reach the pilot burner and you will not see a flame.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Hold the knob down 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 too soon, the flame will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine—there is no harm in waiting a full minute.

What does it mean if the pilot light keeps going out?

A pilot light that goes out when ready after you release the knob usually means the thermocouple is not heating up properly or has failed. Try once more, holding the knob for the full 60 seconds. If it still goes out, the thermocouple needs replacement—this is a job for a technician and typically costs between $150 and $300 depending on your fireplace model.

Can I use a regular lighter or match instead of a fireplace lighter?

Yes, but a long fireplace lighter is safer because it keeps your hand and face farther from the flame. A long wooden match or grill lighter works, but avoid short matches or regular lighters—you risk burning yourself. Whatever tool you use, have it ready before you press the knob.

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

Turn the knob to "Off" when ready and do not try to light the pilot again. Open windows to ventilate the room and contact a technician or your gas company. A gas smell without a flame usually means the valve is stuck open or the gas line is leaking—both are safety hazards that require professional repair.

Is it normal for the pilot light to be small?

Yes, the pilot light is supposed to be small—usually about the size of a pencil flame or smaller. It is not meant to heat the room; it only keeps the thermocouple warm and ready to ignite the main burner. A small, steady blue flame is working correctly.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.