The basic steps to light your fireplace pilot

To turn on a pilot light fireplace, you need to locate the control knob (usually on the front or side of the fireplace), set it to the pilot position, hold down the ignition button while holding a lighter or long match to the pilot opening, and keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. The pilot should stay lit once you release the button. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple — a safety device that detects heat — may need cleaning or replacement.

The exact location of the pilot opening and control knob varies by fireplace model. Some have the knob on a front panel you can reach easily; others require you to open a door or access panel inside the firebox. Check your fireplace manual or look for a diagram printed on the unit itself before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • The control knob must be turned to the pilot position before you can light the pilot, and you hold it down while igniting.
  • You need a lighter with a long stem or a long match to reach the pilot opening safely without burning your hand.
  • Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple heats up and holds the gas valve open.
  • If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely faulty and needs replacement by a technician.
  • Never force the knob or ignition button; if something feels stuck or broken, stop and contact a fireplace service professional.

Locate the control knob and pilot opening

Before you light anything, find where the control knob and pilot opening are on your specific fireplace. The control knob is usually labeled with positions like "Off," "Pilot," and "On." It may be mounted on the front face of the fireplace, on the side of the unit, or inside the firebox behind a removable panel or grate.

The pilot opening is a small hole or tube where the pilot flame burns. It is typically located near the main burner inside the firebox, sometimes marked with a small label or arrow. If you cannot find either one, look for a diagram on the back of the fireplace, inside the access panel, or in the owner's manual. Many fireplaces have a label printed directly on the unit showing the knob positions and pilot location.

Set the knob to pilot and prepare to ignite

Turn the control knob to the position marked "Pilot." Do not force it; it should turn smoothly. Once it is set to pilot, you are ready to ignite. Before you light the pilot, gather a long-stem lighter or a long fireplace match — a regular match or short lighter will not reach the pilot opening safely and risks burning your fingers.

If your fireplace has an electronic ignition button, press and hold it while you explore the flame to the pilot opening. If it has a manual ignition (no button), straightforward hold the lighter or match to the pilot opening while the knob is in the pilot position. The gas should flow and ignite when the flame reaches it.

Hold the knob down and keep the flame steady

Once the pilot lights, keep holding the control knob down in the pilot position. Do not release it when ready. The thermocouple — a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame — needs time to heat up. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. While you wait, keep the lighter or match flame on the pilot opening to may support it stays lit.

You will know the thermocouple is hot enough when you can release the knob and the pilot flame stays on. If you release too early and the flame goes out, wait a few seconds for the thermocouple to cool, then repeat the process. Some people need two or three attempts, especially if the fireplace has not been used in a while.

Turn the knob to "On" after the pilot is steady

Once the pilot is burning steadily and you have held the knob down for the full 30 to 60 seconds, slowly turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On." The main burner should ignite from the pilot flame. If it does not, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again. Do not leave the knob in the pilot position indefinitely; it is meant only for lighting the pilot, not for running the fireplace.

If the main burner lights and burns evenly, your fireplace is now on. Adjust the flame height using the control knob or a separate flame adjustment dial if your model has one. To turn off the fireplace, turn the knob all the way 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 not working correctly. A faulty thermocouple is the most common reason a pilot will not hold. The thermocouple is a safety device that tells the gas valve to stay open when it senses heat; if it is broken or too far from the flame, the valve closes and shuts off the gas.

You can try cleaning the thermocouple gently with a soft brush or cloth to remove dust or soot, but if that does not work, it will need to be replaced. This is a job for a fireplace technician or HVAC professional. Do not attempt to bend or adjust the thermocouple yourself, as it is a precision part and damage can make the problem worse.

Other reasons the pilot might not stay lit include a clogged pilot opening (which can be cleaned with a thin wire or needle), a gas supply problem, or a draft blowing out the flame. If you have ruled out the thermocouple and the opening is clear, contact a service professional to check the gas line and fireplace venting.

Safety reminders when lighting a pilot

Never leave the control knob in the pilot position for more than a few minutes. Pilot position is meant only for lighting the pilot, not for continuous operation. Leaving it there can waste gas and create a safety hazard.

Keep your face and hands away from the fireplace opening while lighting. Use a long-stem lighter or fireplace match to keep your fingers at a safe distance from the flame. If you smell gas but do not see a flame, turn the knob to "Off" when ready, open a window, and leave the area. Do not try to light it again; contact your gas company or a fireplace technician.

If the fireplace has not been used for a long time, you may hear a small pop or smell a brief odor when the pilot first lights. This is normal as the burner clears. However, if the smell persists or is very strong, turn off the fireplace and have it inspected before using it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Hold the knob in the pilot position for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up so the gas valve stays open. If you release too soon, the flame will go out and you will need to start over.

What if I cannot reach the pilot opening with my lighter?

Use a long-stem fireplace lighter or a long fireplace match instead of a regular lighter or short match. These are sold at hardware stores and online. If the pilot opening is very difficult to reach, your fireplace may have an electronic ignition system — check your manual to see if you should press an ignition button instead of using a flame.

Can I light the pilot with the main burner valve open?

No. Always make sure the control knob is set to "Pilot" before you light. If the main burner valve is open, too much gas will flow and the pilot may not light properly or safely. Set it to pilot first, light the pilot, hold it for 30 to 60 seconds, then turn the knob to "On."

Why does my pilot light go out every time I release the knob?

The thermocouple is not detecting the heat from the pilot flame. This usually means the thermocouple is dirty, positioned too far from the flame, or faulty. Try gently cleaning it with a soft brush, but if that does not work, it needs to be replaced by a professional.

Is it normal to smell gas when I light the pilot?

A brief smell when the pilot first lights is normal. However, if the smell is strong or does not go away after a few seconds, turn off the fireplace, open a window, and do not use it again until a technician has checked it for a gas leak.