The basic steps to shut down your fireplace pilot light
To turn off your fireplace pilot light, locate the control knob on the gas valve (usually at the bottom front of the fireplace or inside the firebox) and turn it to the "Off" position. The knob typically has three settings: "Pilot," "On," and "Off." Turning it fully to "Off" stops the flow of gas to the pilot flame. The light will go out within seconds.
Before you turn the knob, make sure nobody is using the fireplace and let it cool for a few minutes if it has been running. You do not need any tools — this is a manual operation you can do with your hand. If the knob is stuck or will not turn, do not force it; call a technician instead.
Key Takeaways
- The control knob on your gas valve has an "Off" position that stops gas flow to the pilot light completely.
- Turning the knob to "Off" is safe and reversible — you can turn it back on whenever you want to relight the pilot.
- If you are turning off the pilot for the season, close the gas shut-off valve behind the fireplace as a second safety step.
- A stuck knob or a pilot light that will not go out after turning the knob means you need a technician to check the valve.
Why you might want to turn off the pilot light
The most common reason is seasonal: if you live in a warm climate or do not use your fireplace in summer, turning off the pilot saves a small amount of gas over months. A pilot light burns continuously, so even when the main flame is off, it is using fuel.
Another reason is maintenance or repair. If you are having work done on the fireplace or gas line, the technician will ask you to turn off the pilot first. Some people also turn it off if they smell gas or suspect a problem — shutting down the pilot is a safe first step while you wait for help.
Locating the control knob on your fireplace
The gas valve control knob is usually mounted on the front of the valve assembly, which sits at the base of the fireplace unit or inside the firebox itself. On many fireplaces, you can see it without removing anything — it looks like a round knob with three or four labeled positions printed around it.
If you cannot find it, check the owner's manual for your specific fireplace model; the manual will show you exactly where the valve is and what the knob looks like. If you have lost the manual, you can often find it online by searching the fireplace brand and model number (usually printed on a label inside the unit).
What happens when you turn the knob to "Off"
Turning the knob to "Off" closes an internal valve that blocks gas from reaching the pilot burner. The pilot flame will extinguish within a few seconds because it no longer has fuel. You may hear a small click or feel slight resistance as the knob reaches the "Off" position — this is normal.
Once the pilot is out, the fireplace is safe to leave unattended. The gas supply to the entire unit is cut off at that valve, so there is no risk of gas leaking into your home. If you want to use the fireplace again, you straightforward turn the knob back to "Pilot" and follow your fireplace's relighting procedure.
When to call a technician instead of doing it yourself
If the control knob will not turn, or if it turns but the pilot light stays on, do not keep trying. A stuck valve or a light that will not extinguish means the valve itself may be faulty and needs professional inspection. Forcing a stuck knob can damage it further.
You should also call a technician if you smell gas after turning off the pilot, or if you see gas pooling or dripping near the valve. These are signs of a leak in the gas line or valve, and a professional needs to locate and repair it before you use the fireplace again.
Shutting down the pilot for an extended period
If you are closing up your fireplace for several months, turning the control knob to "Off" is the first step. For extra safety during a long shutdown, you can also close the main gas shut-off valve that feeds the fireplace. This valve is usually located on the gas line behind or below the fireplace unit.
Closing the main shut-off valve prevents any gas from reaching the fireplace at all, even if the control knob develops a leak. When you are ready to use the fireplace again, turn the main valve back on first, then turn the control knob to "Pilot" and relight according to your fireplace manual.
Relighting the pilot after you have turned it off
To relight the pilot, turn the control knob back to the "Pilot" position. Most fireplaces have an ignition button (usually red or black) near the valve that you press repeatedly while holding the knob in the "Pilot" position. Hold it there for 30 seconds after the pilot lights to let the thermocouple warm up and sense the flame.
If the pilot does not light after several attempts, or if it lights but goes out when you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty. This is a job for a technician — do not keep trying to force it to light, as this wastes gas and can be frustrating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to turn off the pilot light myself?
Yes, turning the control knob to "Off" is a safe, straightforward operation that any homeowner can do. You are just closing a valve — there is no risk of injury or damage as long as the knob turns freely. If it does not turn, stop and call a technician.
Will turning off the pilot light save me money?
A pilot light uses a small amount of gas continuously, so turning it off during months you do not use the fireplace will reduce your gas bill slightly. The savings depend on your gas rate and how long the pilot is off, but most homeowners see a modest reduction rather than a dramatic one.
What if the pilot light will not stay lit after I turn it back on?
If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the knob, the thermocouple (a safety device that senses the flame) is likely dirty or worn. A technician can clean or replace it. Do not keep relighting it repeatedly, as this wastes gas.
Can I turn off the pilot light if I smell gas?
Yes, turning off the pilot is a safe first step if you smell gas. After you turn the knob to "Off," open windows to ventilate, leave the house, and call your gas company or a technician from outside. Do not use any electrical switches or create sparks.
Do I need to do anything else after turning off the pilot for the season?
Turning the control knob to "Off" is usually enough. If you want extra protection during a long shutdown, you can also close the main gas shut-off valve behind the fireplace. This prevents any gas from reaching the unit if the control valve develops a leak.