The Basic Steps to Light Your Fireplace Pilot

To turn on the pilot light in a gas fireplace, you will locate the control knob (usually labeled "Pilot," "On," and "Off"), turn it to the Pilot position, press and hold it down, and use a long lighter or match to ignite the small flame at the pilot opening. Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches so the thermocouple—a safety device that detects heat—can warm up and keep the gas flowing. Once you release the knob and the flame stays lit, turn the knob to the On position to ignite the main burner.

The entire process takes about two minutes. If the pilot does not light on the first try, wait five minutes before attempting again; this allows any excess gas to clear from the firebox. If it still will not light after three attempts, stop and check for the issues covered in the troubleshooting section below.

Key Takeaways

  • The control knob must be turned to Pilot, pressed down, and held while you light the flame with a long lighter or match.
  • You must hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after ignition so the thermocouple can sense the heat and keep the gas valve open.
  • If the pilot does not light, wait five minutes and try again; repeated failed attempts may indicate a gas supply or ignition problem.
  • Once the pilot is lit and you release the knob, turn it to On to start the main burner.
  • If you smell gas at any point, turn the knob to Off, leave the area, and call your gas company's emergency line.

Locating the Control Knob and Pilot Opening

The control knob is usually mounted on the front or side of the fireplace's lower panel, often behind a decorative trim or access door. It will have three positions marked: Off, Pilot, and On. Some models also have a fourth position for a thermostat setting. The pilot opening itself is a small brass or steel tube, typically about the size of a pencil, located near the main burner inside the firebox.

Before you begin, make sure the fireplace is completely cool and that no other appliances are running in the room. Open a window or door slightly to allow fresh air into the space; this is a safety precaution in case gas does not ignite as expected. Gather a long lighter (a fireplace or grill lighter works best) or long wooden matches before you start, so you do not have to leave the knob unattended while searching for one.

Turning the Knob and Holding It Down

Turn the control knob clockwise to the Pilot position. You will hear a faint hissing sound as gas begins to flow to the pilot opening. Press the knob inward (most knobs require downward pressure as well as rotation) and hold it firmly in place. Do not release it yet.

While holding the knob down, bring your lighter or match to the pilot opening and ignite the small flame. You should see a blue flame appear at the opening within a few seconds. If you are using a match, light it first, then hold it near the opening. If you are using a lighter, aim the flame directly at the pilot tube opening.

Holding the Knob Until the Thermocouple Warms

Once the pilot flame is lit, continue holding the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds. During this time, the thermocouple—a metal rod that sits in the pilot flame—is heating up. The thermocouple generates a small electrical signal that tells the gas valve to stay open. If you release the knob too soon, the valve will close and the flame will go out.

After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. The pilot flame should remain lit. If it goes out when ready, the thermocouple did not heat up enough; wait five minutes and try again. If it stays lit, you are ready to move to the next step.

Turning the Knob to On and Starting the Main Burner

Once the pilot flame is stable and you have released the knob, turn the knob to the On position. You should hear a louder hissing sound as gas flows to the main burner, and the main burner should ignite from the pilot flame. The main flame will be much larger than the pilot flame and will fill the firebox.

If the main burner does not ignite within 10 seconds, turn the knob back to Off, wait five minutes, and try again. If it still does not light, the pilot flame may not be positioned correctly or may be too weak to ignite the main burner. Check the troubleshooting section below.

What to Do If the Pilot Will Not Light

If the pilot flame does not appear after you hold the lighter to the opening for several seconds, the problem is usually one of three things: no gas is reaching the pilot, the ignition source is not hot enough, or the pilot opening is blocked.

First, check that the main gas valve (usually a lever on the gas line leading into the fireplace) is in the open position. The lever should be parallel to the pipe, not perpendicular to it. If it is closed, turn it to open and try again. Second, make sure you are using a long lighter or long match; a short lighter or regular match may not reach the pilot opening safely. Third, look into the firebox with a flashlight to see if the pilot opening is clogged with dust or debris. If it is, use a thin wire or a straightened paperclip to gently clear the opening, then try again.

If none of these steps work, the problem may be a faulty thermocouple, a broken ignition electrode, or a gas supply issue. Do not attempt to repair these yourself; contact a may have access to fireplace technician or your gas company.

Safety Precautions and When to Stop

If you smell gas at any time during this process, stop when ready. Turn the knob to Off, leave the room, and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not use a lighter, match, or any electrical switch; a spark could ignite the gas. Open windows and doors to ventilate the space.

Do not attempt to light the pilot more than three times in a row. If it does not light after three tries, wait at least 30 minutes before trying again. Repeated attempts can allow gas to accumulate in the firebox, creating a hazard. If the pilot still will not light after waiting and trying again, contact a technician.

Never leave the fireplace unattended while the pilot is lit or the main burner is on. Always turn the knob to Off before leaving the room or going to bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down after lighting the pilot?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release it too soon, the flame will go out and you will have to start over.

What if the pilot light goes out right after I release the knob?

The thermocouple did not warm up enough. Wait five minutes for any excess gas to clear, then try again. If it happens repeatedly, the thermocouple may be faulty and needs to be replaced by a technician.

Can I use a regular match or lighter instead of a long lighter?

A long fireplace or grill lighter is safest because it keeps your hand away from the firebox. A regular match can work, but you must light it first and then hold it to the pilot opening. Never put your hand or face directly into the firebox.

Why is my main burner not lighting even though the pilot is on?

The pilot flame may be too small or positioned incorrectly to ignite the main burner. Check that the pilot opening is not clogged with dust. If the pilot looks weak or yellow instead of blue, the thermocouple or ignition system may need service from a technician.

Is it normal to smell a little gas when I turn on the pilot?

A faint gas smell for a few seconds is normal as gas flows to the pilot. If the smell is strong or does not go away after the pilot is lit, turn the knob to Off and call your gas company. Do not use the fireplace until a technician has checked it.