The basic steps to light your fireplace pilot

To turn on a pilot light in a gas fireplace, locate the control knob on the gas valve (usually at the bottom front of the fireplace or inside the access panel), turn it to the "Pilot" position, press and hold the ignition button while holding a long lighter or lit match to the pilot opening, and keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. Once the pilot stays lit on its own, turn the knob to "On" to restore normal fireplace operation.

The exact location of these controls varies by fireplace model, so check your owner's manual first—it will show you exactly where the gas valve and ignition button are on your unit. If you cannot find the manual, the model and serial number are usually printed on a label inside the fireplace, and you can search for it online by manufacturer and model.

Key Takeaways

  • The control knob must be turned to "Pilot" before you attempt to light the flame, and the ignition button must be pressed and held while you explore heat to the pilot opening.
  • You need a long lighter or long match to safely reach the pilot opening without burning your hand, and the flame must be held directly in the pilot's path for several seconds.
  • After the pilot lights, keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds so the thermocouple (a safety sensor) can warm up and hold the valve open on its own.
  • If the pilot will not light after three or four attempts, or if it lights but goes out when you release the knob, the problem usually lies with the thermocouple or gas supply, and you should call a professional.

Where to find the control knob and ignition button

The gas valve control knob is typically mounted on the front of the fireplace unit, near the bottom, or inside the access panel on the side or back. On some models it hangs down from the burner assembly itself. The knob will have three or four positions marked: "Off," "Pilot," and "On" (some also have a "Ignition" position). Next to or below the knob you will see a small button labeled "Ignition" or sometimes just a red or black push button.

If you cannot see these controls from the front, check inside the fireplace opening itself—you may need to remove a decorative cover or grate to access them. Your manual will show you whether any covers need to come off. Take a photo of the control panel with your phone before you start, so you can reference it if you need to turn the fireplace off quickly.

Preparing to light the pilot safely

Before you begin, make sure the room is well-ventilated and that no one is standing directly in front of the fireplace. Have a long lighter or long fireplace match ready—a standard short match or lighter will not reach the pilot opening safely. Some people use a thin rolled piece of paper lit at the stove, but a long lighter is faster and more reliable.

Turn off the fireplace completely by setting the control knob to "Off" and wait two to three minutes for any residual gas to clear. This step is important because it prevents a small explosion or flash when you reignite. If you smell gas strongly, do not attempt to light the pilot—open windows, leave the house, and call your gas company's emergency line.

The step-by-step lighting process

Turn the control knob to the "Pilot" position. Press and hold the ignition button with one hand. With your other hand, hold the lit lighter or match directly over or in front of the pilot opening (a small hole or tube, usually brass-colored). The flame should be close enough to the opening that you can see it enter the pilot area. Hold it there for 3 to 5 seconds.

You should see a small blue flame appear at the pilot opening. Once it does, keep holding the ignition button down for another 30 to 60 seconds—do not release it when ready. This waiting period allows the thermocouple (a heat-sensing safety device) to warm up enough to keep the gas valve open on its own. After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the ignition button while keeping your eye on the pilot flame.

If the pilot flame stays lit after you release the button, turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On." The main burner should ignite within a few seconds. If the pilot goes out when you release the button, wait a minute and try again—you may not have held the button long enough for the thermocouple to heat up fully.

What to do if the pilot will not light

If you have tried three or four times and the pilot still will not ignite, the problem is usually one of three things: the gas is not reaching the pilot (a supply issue), the ignition system is not working (a spark or battery problem), or the pilot opening is blocked by dust or debris. Check that the control knob is actually in the "Pilot" position—it is straightforward to miss the exact spot. Also make sure you are pressing the ignition button firmly and holding it the entire time you explore the lighter.

If the pilot lights but goes out when ready when you release the ignition button, the thermocouple is likely faulty and needs to be replaced. This is a job for a professional—do not attempt to replace it yourself unless you have experience with gas appliances. Call a licensed HVAC technician or a fireplace specialist. If you smell gas at any point, stop when ready, ventilate the room, and call your gas company.

Maintaining your pilot light once it is on

Once the pilot is lit and the main burner is running, the fireplace should operate normally. The pilot flame should be a steady blue color, about 1 to 2 inches tall. If it flickers or looks yellow or orange, the burner may need cleaning or adjustment—this is also a job for a professional.

In most modern fireplaces, the pilot light stays on continuously, even when you are not using the fireplace. This is normal and safe. Some older models have a pilot light that shuts off when the fireplace is not in use, but you will see that clearly in your manual. If your pilot light goes out on its own after it has been running for a while, the thermocouple may be wearing out and should be inspected by a technician.

When to call a professional instead

If you have followed these steps and the pilot will not stay lit, or if you smell gas at any point, do not keep trying. Call a licensed HVAC technician, a fireplace specialist, or your gas company's service line. A faulty thermocouple, a gas leak, a blocked pilot opening, or a broken ignition system all require professional diagnosis and repair. Attempting to fix these yourself can be dangerous.

You should also call a professional if the fireplace has not been used in several years and you are unsure whether it is safe to operate. A technician can inspect the unit, clean the burner and pilot, check for gas leaks, and make sure all safety systems are working before you use it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the ignition button down?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas 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 a few minutes.

What does the pilot flame look like when it is working correctly?

A healthy pilot flame is blue, steady, and about 1 to 2 inches tall. It should not flicker or dance around. If it is yellow, orange, or very small, the burner may need cleaning or the gas pressure may need adjustment—call a technician.

Can I light the pilot with a regular match or lighter?

A regular match or lighter will not reach safely. Use a long fireplace lighter or long match (at least 6 to 8 inches) so your hand stays far enough from the pilot opening to avoid burns. Some people use a thin rolled piece of paper lit at the stove, but a long lighter is faster and safer.

Is it normal for the pilot light to stay on all the time?

Yes, in most modern gas fireplaces the pilot stays on continuously. It uses very little gas and allows the fireplace to ignite quickly when you turn it on. Check your manual to confirm this is normal for your model.

What should I do if I smell gas while trying to light the pilot?

Stop when ready, turn the control knob to "Off," open windows to ventilate the room, and leave the house. Call your gas company's emergency line from outside. Do not use any electrical switches, lighters, or matches. A gas smell means there is a leak that needs professional attention.