The basic steps to relight a fireplace pilot

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 pilot opening while holding the knob. Once the pilot flame appears, keep holding the knob for 30 to 60 seconds so the thermocouple—a heat-sensing device—registers the flame and keeps the gas flowing. Then release the knob and turn it to "On." If the pilot does not stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement, which usually requires a professional.

The exact location of the pilot opening and control knob varies by fireplace model. In most cases, you will find them inside the firebox, either at the base of the logs or behind a removable panel. Your fireplace manual will show you the exact spot; if you do not have the manual, the model number is usually printed on a metal plate inside the unit, and you can search for the manual online using that number.

Key Takeaways

  • The control knob must be held down while you light the pilot with a long lighter or match, then held for another 30 to 60 seconds after ignition.
  • If the pilot goes out when ready after you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely dirty or faulty and needs professional service.
  • The pilot opening location depends on your fireplace model, so check your manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact spot.
  • A working pilot light should produce a steady blue flame about the size of your pinky finger; a yellow or flickering flame means the pilot needs cleaning.

Finding the pilot light and control knob on your fireplace

The pilot light sits inside the firebox, but its exact location depends on whether you have a gas log set, a traditional gas fireplace, or an insert. In most cases, you will see the control knob mounted on the front of the fireplace or on a panel just inside the opening. The knob will have three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Some fireplaces also have a separate ignition button next to the knob.

If you cannot find the control knob or pilot opening, remove any removable panels or grates inside the firebox—many modern fireplaces hide these controls behind decorative covers. Once you locate the knob, look for the small opening or tube near it; that is where the pilot flame burns. If your fireplace has a glass front, you may be able to see the pilot opening through the glass, but do not attempt to light it from outside—you need access from inside the firebox.

Preparing to light the pilot: safety and setup

Before you attempt to light the pilot, turn off the main gas supply to the fireplace using the shut-off valve, then wait at least five minutes. This clears any gas that may have accumulated. Check that the fireplace is cool to the touch—if it has been running recently, wait 15 to 20 minutes before starting. Make sure the room is well-ventilated and that no one with respiratory sensitivity is nearby, since lighting a pilot can release a small amount of gas odor.

Gather a long-reach lighter or long fireplace matches before you begin. A regular lighter or short match will not reach safely into the firebox. If you do not have a long lighter, you can order one online or pick one up at a hardware store for a few dollars. Do not use paper matches or anything that could break apart inside the fireplace.

The step-by-step lighting process

Turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position. Press and hold the knob down firmly—you should feel resistance, which means you are opening the pilot gas valve. While holding the knob down, bring your long lighter or match to the pilot opening and ignite the gas. You should see a small flame appear within a few seconds. If no flame appears after 10 seconds, release the knob, wait two minutes, and try again; this prevents gas from building up.

Once the pilot flame is lit, keep holding the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal the gas control valve to stay open. After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is not working properly and you will need to call a professional to replace it.

If the pilot stays lit, turn the knob to the "On" position. The main burner should ignite automatically, or you may need to press an ignition button (check your manual). If the main burner does not light, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again. If it still does not light after two attempts, stop and contact a professional—there may be a blockage or a faulty ignition system.

What a healthy pilot flame looks like

A properly functioning pilot flame is small, steady, and blue. It should be about the size of your pinky finger and should not flicker or dance. The flame should be positioned so that it touches or nearly touches the thermocouple, which is the small metal rod near the pilot opening. If the flame is yellow or orange instead of blue, the pilot needs cleaning—a yellow flame means incomplete combustion and carbon buildup.

If the pilot flame is very small, very large, or keeps blowing out, the pilot may need adjustment or cleaning. Some fireplaces have a small adjustment screw near the pilot opening that controls the flame size, but you should not adjust this yourself unless your manual specifically instructs you to do so. A professional can clean the pilot opening and adjust the flame safely.

When to call a professional instead of relying on DIY

If the pilot light will not stay lit after you hold the knob for a full minute, do not keep trying. This almost always means the thermocouple is faulty or dirty, and repeated attempts will not fix it. A professional can clean or replace the thermocouple in 30 minutes to an hour. The cost varies, but thermocouple replacement typically runs between $150 and $300 depending on your fireplace model and your region.

You should also call a professional if you smell gas but do not see a flame, if the pilot lights but the main burner will not ignite after three attempts, or if the pilot flame is yellow and does not turn blue after you clean the opening with a dry cloth. Do not attempt to adjust the gas pressure or replace internal components yourself—these require specialized tools and knowledge, and mistakes can create a safety hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the pilot knob down?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the valve to stay open. If you release it too early, the pilot will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine—just do not hold it for more than two minutes, as this can overheat the thermocouple.

What if I smell gas but the pilot will not light?

Turn the knob to "Off" when ready and do not try again. Open windows to ventilate the room, then call a professional. A gas smell without ignition means gas is escaping into your home, which is a safety issue that requires professional diagnosis.

Can I light the pilot from outside the fireplace?

No. You need to reach inside the firebox to position the lighter at the pilot opening. If your fireplace has a glass front, you may need to remove it or open a panel to access the pilot. Never attempt to light the pilot through glass or from a distance.

How often do I need to relight the pilot?

A pilot light should stay lit continuously during the heating season. If it goes out regularly, the thermocouple is likely failing and needs replacement. A working thermocouple will keep the pilot lit indefinitely until you turn the fireplace off for the season.

Is it normal for the pilot to be hard to light?

If the pilot lights easily and stays lit, your system is working normally. If it takes many attempts or the flame is weak, the pilot opening may be clogged with dust or debris. You can try gently cleaning the opening with a dry cloth or soft brush, but if that does not help, a professional should inspect it.