The basic steps to light your fireplace pilot

To turn on a gas fireplace pilot light, locate the control knob on the fireplace (usually on the front or side of the unit), set it to the "Pilot" position, then hold down the ignition button while holding a long lighter or lit match near the pilot opening until the flame catches. Once lit, keep the knob pressed for 30 seconds, then release it and turn the knob to "On" to keep the pilot burning.

The exact location of these controls varies by fireplace model—some have the knob on the front face, others on the side panel or inside the firebox. Check your owner's manual for the precise layout of your unit, since the steps may differ slightly depending on whether your fireplace has an electronic igniter, a manual spark igniter, or requires a match.

Key Takeaways

  • The control knob must be turned to "Pilot" before you attempt to light the flame, and you must hold it down while igniting.
  • You will need a long lighter or long-handled match to safely reach the pilot opening without burning your hand.
  • After the pilot lights, hold the knob down for 30 seconds to allow the thermocouple to warm up and sense the flame.
  • If the pilot will not stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty and will need professional inspection.
  • If you smell gas but see no flame after several attempts, turn off the gas and call a technician—do not keep trying to light it.

Locate the control knob and gas valve

The control knob is the main valve that regulates gas flow to your fireplace. On most units, it is mounted on the front of the fireplace frame or on a side panel near the base. Some fireplaces have the knob inside the firebox itself, behind the grate or logs. Open any doors or panels you need to access it, and make sure you can see the pilot opening—a small metal tube or burner where the flame should appear.

The knob will have three or four positions marked: "Off," "Pilot," "On," and sometimes "Ignite." Read the labels carefully. If the markings are worn or unclear, your owner's manual will show you the correct positions. Keep the manual nearby during the process so you can reference it if something does not work as expected.

Set the knob to Pilot and prepare to ignite

Turn the control knob clockwise or counterclockwise (depending on your model) until it points to "Pilot." Do not turn it all the way to "On" yet. At this point, gas is flowing to the pilot burner, but no flame is lit.

Gather your ignition source before you proceed. A long-handled lighter or long-handled match is safest because it keeps your hand away from the pilot opening. A regular match or short lighter will force your hand too close to the flame and the hot metal around it. If you do not have a long lighter, a wooden skewer or thin stick with a lit match taped to the end will work in a pinch.

Hold the knob down and light the pilot

Press and hold the control knob down firmly—this keeps gas flowing to the pilot even as you ignite it. While holding the knob, bring your lit lighter or match to the pilot opening. The flame should catch within a few seconds. You will see a small blue flame appear at the pilot burner.

If the flame does not light after 10 to 15 seconds, release the knob, wait a minute for any gas to clear, and try again. Do not hold the knob down for more than 30 seconds on your first attempt, as this can flood the pilot with unburned gas. If you smell gas strongly, stop and wait several minutes before trying again.

Keep the knob pressed for 30 seconds after ignition

Once the pilot flame is lit, continue holding the knob down for at least 30 seconds. This allows the thermocouple—a heat-sensing device near the pilot flame—to warm up and signal the gas valve that a flame is present. If you release the knob too soon, the thermocouple will not have warmed enough, and the gas will shut off automatically, extinguishing the pilot.

Count slowly to 30 or watch a clock. After 30 seconds, slowly release the knob. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple may be dirty or faulty, and you will need a technician to inspect it.

Turn the knob to On to keep the pilot burning

Once you have held the knob for 30 seconds and the pilot is still burning, turn the knob to the "On" position. This allows gas to flow to the main burner as well, so the fireplace can produce heat when you use it. The pilot flame will continue to burn as long as the knob is in the "On" position.

If your fireplace has a thermostat or remote control, you can now use those to adjust the heat. The pilot will stay lit and ready to ignite the main burner whenever the thermostat calls for heat. To turn off the fireplace completely, turn the knob back to "Off."

What to do if the pilot will not stay lit

If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely the problem. This sensor sits very close to the pilot flame and can become coated with dust or soot over time. A technician can clean or replace it—this is not a repair you should attempt yourself, as it requires disconnecting gas lines.

If the pilot will not light at all after several attempts, check that gas is actually reaching the fireplace. Make sure the main gas valve (usually located outside the house or in the basement) is turned on. If the valve is on and you still smell gas but see no flame, turn the control knob to "Off" and call a technician. Do not keep trying to light it, as unburned gas can accumulate and become a safety hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Hold the knob down for at least 30 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to warm up and sense the flame. If you release it sooner, the gas will shut off and the pilot will go out.

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

Stop when ready and turn the control knob to "Off." Wait a few minutes for any gas to clear, then open a window or door to ventilate the room. Do not attempt to light the pilot again. Call a technician to check for a gas leak or a faulty igniter.

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

You can, but it is not safe. A regular match will burn down quickly and force your hand very close to the hot pilot opening and surrounding metal. A long-handled lighter or long match keeps your hand at a safer distance and gives you better control.

Why does the pilot go out right after I release the knob?

The thermocouple is not warming up enough to signal the gas valve that a flame is present. This usually means the thermocouple is dirty or faulty. A technician can clean it or replace it, depending on its condition.

Do I need to relight the pilot every time I use the fireplace?

No. Once the pilot is lit and you turn the knob to "On," it stays lit continuously. You only need to relight it if it goes out on its own, which should not happen under normal conditions. If the pilot keeps going out, have a technician inspect the thermocouple and gas valve.