The basic steps to light your fireplace pilot

To turn on the pilot light in a gas fireplace, locate the control knob on the fireplace's gas valve (usually on the front or side of the unit), turn it to the "Pilot" position, press and hold the knob inward, 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 appears 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 control knob to "On" to operate the fireplace normally.

The whole process usually takes less than two minutes. If the pilot won't stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement, which is a job for a service technician.

Key Takeaways

  • The control knob must be turned to "Pilot" before you can light the pilot flame with a lighter or match.
  • You must hold the knob inward for 30 to 60 seconds after ignition so the thermocouple can sense the heat and keep gas flowing.
  • If the pilot light goes out when ready when you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely faulty and needs professional inspection.
  • Some fireplaces have an ignition button instead of a lighter—check your manual to see which method your unit uses.
  • If you smell gas at any point, stop, 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 face of the fireplace, near the bottom, or on the side of the unit where the gas valve sits. It typically has three positions marked: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Some models also have a fourth position for continuous operation. The pilot opening—where the small flame burns—is a tiny hole or nozzle, usually located near the main burner inside the fireplace box. You may need to look through the glass or open the fireplace door to see it clearly.

Before you begin, make sure the fireplace is completely off and has cooled for at least five minutes. Check your fireplace manual for the exact location of both the knob and the pilot opening, because placement varies by manufacturer. If you cannot find the manual, search online using your fireplace model number, which is usually printed on a label inside the unit or on the back panel.

Using a lighter or match to ignite the pilot

A long-reach lighter (the kind used for candles or grills) works best because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. A long wooden match also works. Do not use a short match or a regular lighter—you risk burning your hand or not reaching the pilot opening.

Once the control knob is in the "Pilot" position and you are holding it inward, bring the flame close to the pilot opening. You should see a small blue flame ignite. If it does not light on the first try, release the knob, wait 10 seconds, and try again. Do not hold the knob in for more than a few seconds between attempts, or gas will accumulate and create a larger flame when it finally ignites.

Holding the knob to let the thermocouple warm up

The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame. When heated, it generates a tiny electrical signal that tells the gas valve to stay open. If you release the knob too quickly, the thermocouple will not warm up enough, and the gas valve will close, shutting off the pilot flame.

After the pilot ignites, keep the knob pressed inward for 30 to 60 seconds. You will see the small blue flame burning steadily. Some fireplaces have a button labeled "Ignition" or "Spark" that you hold instead of the main knob—check your manual to confirm which applies to your unit. Once the thermocouple is warm, slowly release the knob. The flame should remain lit. If it goes out, the thermocouple is not working properly and needs service.

Switching from pilot to full operation

After the pilot light is burning steadily and you have released the knob, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On." This opens the main gas line to the burner, and the pilot flame will ignite the larger burner flame. You should see a larger, brighter flame appear within a few seconds. If the main burner does not light, turn the knob back to "Off," wait a minute, and try again.

Some fireplaces have a separate ignition button on the front panel or remote control. If your unit has one, press it after turning the knob to "On" to trigger the spark that lights the main burner. Your manual will specify whether your fireplace requires this extra step.

What to do if the pilot light will not stay lit

If the pilot flame goes out the moment you release the knob, the thermocouple is almost certainly the problem. A faulty thermocouple cannot generate the signal needed to keep the gas valve open. This is not something you can fix yourself—you will need to call a fireplace service technician to inspect and replace it.

If the pilot lights but the main burner will not ignite, check that the control knob is fully in the "On" position. If it is and the burner still does not light, the ignition system (either a spark igniter or a standing pilot flame) may be faulty. Again, this requires professional service. Do not attempt to adjust the gas valve or ignition system yourself, as improper adjustment can create a safety hazard.

Safety steps and when to call a professional

Before you light the pilot, make sure the room is well ventilated. Gas fireplaces produce carbon monoxide, and proper ventilation is essential. If you smell gas at any point during the lighting process, stop when ready, turn the control knob to "Off," leave the room, and call your gas company's emergency line. Do not try to light the pilot again until a technician has inspected the unit.

If the pilot light goes out frequently (more than once a week), or if you have to hold the knob in longer than 60 seconds for the flame to stay lit, the fireplace needs professional inspection. A technician can clean the thermocouple, check the gas pressure, and make sure all safety systems are working. Regular maintenance—typically once a year before the heating season—can prevent many pilot light problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I light the pilot with the fireplace door closed?

Most fireplaces require the door to be open so you can reach the pilot opening and see the flame. Check your manual, but assume you need to open the door unless it specifically says otherwise. Some models have a pilot access port on the outside, but this is uncommon.

How long should the pilot flame be?

The pilot flame should be a small, steady blue flame about half an inch to one inch tall. If it is much larger or yellow instead of blue, the pilot may be set too high or the burner may be dirty. A technician can adjust or clean it if needed.

What if the ignition button does not work?

If your fireplace has an electronic ignition button and it does not spark, the battery may be dead (if it is battery-powered) or the ignition module may have failed. Try replacing the battery first. If that does not work, you will need professional service to replace the ignition system.

Is it normal for the pilot to go out in windy weather?

A strong draft can blow out the pilot flame, especially if the fireplace is near a door or window. If this happens regularly, have a technician check that the chimney is drafting properly and that the pilot opening is not blocked by debris.

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

No. Once the pilot is lit, it should stay on continuously (unless it goes out due to a draft, a faulty thermocouple, or low gas pressure). You straightforward turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On" to ignite the main burner. You only need to relight the pilot if it has gone out.