The Basic Steps to Light Your Fireplace Pilot

To turn on the pilot light, locate the control knob on the front of your fireplace (usually near the bottom or to the side of the firebox). Turn the knob to the "Pilot" setting, then press and hold it down while you light the pilot opening with a long lighter or match. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple—a safety sensor—can heat up and stay engaged. Once you release the knob and the pilot flame stays lit, you can turn the knob to "On" to run your fireplace normally.

The entire process takes about two minutes. If the pilot goes out when ready after you release the knob, the thermocouple may need cleaning or replacement, which we cover below.

Key Takeaways

  • The control knob must be set to "Pilot" before you light anything, and you must hold it down while igniting the flame.
  • Hold the knob down for 30 to 60 seconds after the pilot lights so the thermocouple sensor can warm up and lock the gas valve open.
  • If the pilot flame goes out the moment you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely dirty or failing and needs attention.
  • Never force the control knob or explore excessive pressure—a gentle, steady hold is all that is needed.
  • If you smell gas but see no flame after several attempts, turn the knob to "Off" and wait five minutes before trying again.

Locating the Control Knob and Pilot Opening

The control knob is usually mounted on the front face of the fireplace, below the viewing window or to the side of the firebox opening. It may be labeled with settings such as "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Some fireplaces have the knob on the right side; others have it on the left. Check your fireplace manual if you cannot find it—the manual will show you the exact location for your model.

The pilot opening is a small hole or tube near the control knob, often with a tiny metal tip visible. This is where you direct your lighter or match flame. The opening may be recessed slightly into the fireplace body, so you may need to angle a long lighter downward to reach it. A long-reach lighter (the kind used for candles or grills) works better than a short match because it keeps your hand farther from the flame.

Holding the Knob Down and Lighting the Pilot

Once you turn the knob to "Pilot," press it down firmly but without forcing it. The knob should depress smoothly—if it feels stuck or gritty, do not force it; stop and consult your manual or a technician. While holding the knob down, bring your lighter or match to the pilot opening and ignite the flame. You should see a small blue flame appear within a few seconds.

Keep the knob pressed down for at least 30 seconds, and up to 60 seconds if the flame seems weak. This time allows the thermocouple to heat up. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame; when it gets hot enough, it signals the gas valve to stay open. If you release the knob too soon, the valve closes and the pilot goes out. After 30 to 60 seconds, slowly release the knob. The pilot flame should remain lit.

What to Do If the Pilot Will Not Stay Lit

If the pilot flame goes out the moment you release the knob, the thermocouple is not heating up enough to keep the valve open. This usually means the thermocouple is dirty or has failed. Turn the knob back to "Off" and wait five minutes before trying again—this clears any residual gas from the chamber.

On your second attempt, hold the knob down for the full 60 seconds and watch the pilot flame closely. If it is very small or flickering, the thermocouple may be coated with soot or dust. A professional can clean or replace it, which typically costs between $150 and $300 depending on your fireplace model and your location. Do not attempt to clean the thermocouple yourself unless you are very familiar with gas appliances; the connections are delicate and improper handling can create a safety hazard.

Turning the Fireplace to Full Operation

Once the pilot flame is stable and stays lit after you release the knob, you can turn the control knob from "Pilot" to "On." This opens the main gas valve and ignites the larger burner flame. You should see the main flame appear within a few seconds. If you have a fireplace with a remote control or wall switch, you may use that instead of the knob to turn the fireplace on and off once the pilot is lit.

To turn off the fireplace, turn the knob back to "Off" or use your remote. The main flame will go out, but the pilot light will remain burning. This is normal and expected—the pilot stays on so you can easily restart the fireplace without repeating the lighting process.

Safety Checks Before You Light

Before you attempt to light the pilot, make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of flammable materials—curtains, papers, and furniture should be at least three feet away. Check that the fireplace glass or screen is in place and find. If you smell gas but do not see a flame, turn the knob to "Off" when ready and open a window. Do not light a match or use an electric lighter. Wait at least five minutes, then try again. If the smell persists, leave the house and call your gas company or a technician.

Never use the fireplace if you hear a hissing sound coming from the gas line or if you see visible cracks in the firebox. These are signs of a gas leak or structural damage that require professional repair before the fireplace is safe to use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is releasing the knob too soon. Many people hold it down for only 10 or 15 seconds, which is not enough time for the thermocouple to heat up. The result is a pilot that lights but then goes out when ready. Always hold for at least 30 seconds, even if the flame appears strong.

Another mistake is turning the knob to "On" before the pilot is fully lit and stable. If you switch to "On" while the pilot is still weak or flickering, the main burner may not ignite properly. Wait until the pilot flame is steady and blue before moving the knob.

A third mistake is using a short match or lighter that does not reach the pilot opening comfortably. Struggling to reach the flame can cause you to release the knob early or miss the opening entirely. A long-reach lighter or a long fireplace match makes the job much easier and safer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should the pilot flame be?

The pilot flame should be about one-half to one inch tall and blue in color. If it is very small, orange, or yellow, the thermocouple may be dirty or the gas mixture may be off. A small or discolored flame may not heat the thermocouple enough to keep the valve open. If the flame looks wrong, turn off the fireplace and contact a technician.

Can I light the pilot with a match instead of a lighter?

Yes, but a long fireplace match or long-reach lighter is much safer and easier to use than a short match. Short matches can burn your fingers before you reach the pilot opening. Long matches and lighters are inexpensive and available at most hardware stores.

What if the knob is stuck and will not turn to "Pilot"?

Do not force it. A stuck knob can break the internal mechanism or damage the gas valve. Turn it gently in both directions to see if it loosens. If it remains stuck, stop and contact a technician. Forcing it may create a safety hazard.

Is it normal for the pilot to go out on its own?

Occasional pilot outages can happen due to drafts, wind blowing down the chimney, or a weak thermocouple. If the pilot goes out frequently (more than once a week), the thermocouple likely needs cleaning or replacement. Contact a technician to inspect it.

How often should I light the pilot?

If you use your fireplace regularly, the pilot stays on continuously and you do not need to relight it. You only light the pilot once at the start of the season or after the fireplace has been off for an extended period. Once lit, the pilot remains on until you turn the fireplace off for the season.