Turn off the pilot light by locating the gas control valve and switching it to the "Off" position
The fastest way to shut down your fireplace pilot light is to find the gas control valve—usually a knob or lever on the gas line beneath or behind the fireplace—and turn it to "Off". This stops gas flow to the pilot entirely. The valve typically has three positions: "Pilot", "On", and "Off". You do not need tools or special knowledge; it is a manual switch you can operate by hand.
Before you touch anything, locate your fireplace's gas shutoff valve. On most fireplaces, this valve sits on the gas line that enters the unit from below or from the wall behind it. Look for a knob (round) or lever (flat handle) with markings. If you cannot find it easily, check your fireplace manual—the diagram will show exactly where it is on your model.
Key Takeaways
- The gas control valve has three positions: "Pilot" (pilot light only), "On" (full operation), and "Off" (no gas flow)—turn it to "Off" to shut down the pilot light completely.
- Let the fireplace cool for at least 5 to 10 minutes before touching the valve, and make sure no one is using the fireplace when you turn it off.
- If the valve is stuck, corroded, or will not turn, do not force it—call a gas technician instead to avoid damaging the valve or creating a safety hazard.
- Turning the valve to "Off" stops all gas flow; if you only want to turn off the pilot light while keeping the fireplace ready to use, switch to "Pilot" mode instead.
Step-by-step: Locating and operating the valve
Start by making sure the fireplace is completely off and has cooled. If the pilot light is currently burning, wait 5 to 10 minutes after extinguishing it before you touch the valve. This prevents burns and gives any residual heat time to dissipate.
Next, locate the gas control valve. On built-in fireplaces, it is usually mounted on the gas line below the unit or behind the front panel. On freestanding stoves, it may be on the back or side. Once you find it, look at the valve handle or knob. You will see labels or markings for "Pilot", "On", and "Off"—sometimes these are printed on the valve itself, or on a small plate nearby.
Turn the valve slowly to the "Off" position. If it is a knob, rotate it clockwise until it stops. If it is a lever, flip it perpendicular to the gas line (the lever should point away from the line). You should feel slight resistance, but it should not require force. Once it reaches "Off", the pilot light will no longer receive gas and will go out if it has not already.
The difference between "Off" and "Pilot" mode
The gas control valve gives you two ways to stop the pilot light, and it matters which one you choose. Switching to "Off" shuts down all gas flow to the fireplace—the pilot light goes out and stays out, and you cannot use the fireplace until you turn the valve back to "On" or "Pilot".
Switching to "Pilot" instead keeps a small amount of gas flowing to the pilot light only. The pilot will continue to burn, but the main burner will not ignite. Use "Pilot" mode if you want to keep the pilot light lit for convenience (so you can start a fire quickly later) but do not want the fireplace running right now. Use "Off" if you want to shut everything down completely—for example, during warm months when you will not use the fireplace for weeks.
What to do if the valve is stuck or hard to turn
If the valve does not turn smoothly or feels stuck, stop when ready and do not force it. A stuck valve can break, which may trap gas in the line or cause a leak. Corrosion, mineral buildup, or age can make valves difficult to operate, and forcing them can cause damage that requires professional repair.
Instead, call a licensed gas technician or your fireplace manufacturer's service line. They have the right tools and training to free a stuck valve safely. If you smell gas while trying to operate the valve, leave the area and call your gas company's emergency line right away—do not try to fix it yourself.
Safety checks after turning off the pilot light
Once you have switched the valve to "Off", verify that the pilot light has actually gone out. Look into the fireplace or check the viewing window. The small blue flame should be gone within a minute or two. If it is still burning after 5 minutes, the valve may not have closed fully—turn it again, making sure it reaches the "Off" position completely.
If you smell gas after turning off the valve, do not light any matches or use electrical switches. Open windows and doors to ventilate, leave the house, and call your gas company's emergency number from outside. A lingering gas smell usually means the valve did not seal properly, and a technician needs to inspect it.
When to turn off the pilot light seasonally
Many homeowners turn off their fireplace pilot light during warm months to save gas and reduce heat in the home. If you plan to shut it down for the season, switching to "Off" is the right choice. You can turn it back on in the fall by switching the valve to "Pilot" (which lights the pilot) or "On" (which lights both the pilot and main burner, depending on your model).
Before you restart the fireplace after a long shutdown, check that the pilot light ignites properly. If it does not light within 30 seconds of switching to "Pilot", turn the valve back to "Off" and wait 5 minutes, then try again. If it still will not light after two attempts, contact a technician—the igniter or gas line may need inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off the pilot light damage my fireplace?
No. Turning off the pilot light is a normal, safe operation that does not harm the fireplace. Fireplaces are designed to have their pilot lights turned on and off regularly. The only risk is if you force a stuck valve, which can damage the valve itself.
Can I turn off the pilot light without turning off the whole fireplace?
Yes. Switch the gas control valve to "Off" to stop all gas flow, including the pilot. If you want to keep the fireplace ready to use but turn off the pilot temporarily, some models have a separate pilot control, but most do not—you will need to turn the main valve to "Off" and restart the pilot when you want to use the fireplace again.
How long does it take for the pilot light to go out after I turn off the valve?
The pilot light should go out within 1 to 2 minutes once you switch the valve to "Off". If it is still burning after 5 minutes, the valve may not have closed completely. Turn it again to make sure it is fully in the "Off" position.
What if I cannot find the gas control valve on my fireplace?
Check your fireplace manual—it will have a diagram showing the valve location for your specific model. If you do not have the manual, search online for your fireplace brand and model number plus "gas control valve location". If you still cannot locate it, contact the manufacturer or a gas technician for help.
Is it safe to turn off the pilot light myself, or do I need a technician?
Turning off the pilot light by switching the gas control valve is safe to do yourself—it is a straightforward manual operation. You only need a technician if the valve is stuck, broken, or if you smell gas after turning it off.