The basic steps to relight a fireplace pilot

To turn on a fireplace gas pilot light, you need to locate the control knob (usually on the front or side of the fireplace), set it to the "Pilot" position, press and hold it down, and hold a lit match or lighter to the pilot burner opening at the same time. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame catches. If the pilot stays lit when you release the knob, move it to the "On" position. If it goes out, wait five minutes and try again—the thermocouple (a safety sensor) may need time to warm up and signal that the pilot is burning.

The whole process usually takes less than five minutes. Most pilot lights relight on the first or second attempt. If yours won't stay lit after three tries, or if you smell gas, stop and call a professional—there may be a problem with the thermocouple, the gas line, or the ignition system.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," press it down, and light the pilot burner opening with a match or lighter while holding the knob.
  • Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears so the thermocouple can warm up and hold the valve open.
  • If the pilot goes out when you release the knob, wait five minutes and try again—rushing the thermocouple warm-up is the most common reason for failure.
  • If you smell gas at any point, stop when ready, leave the area, and call your gas company or a fireplace technician.

Locate 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 panel. It has three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Some models add a fourth position for a thermostat setting. The knob may be labeled with words or symbols—a small flame icon often marks the "Pilot" position.

The pilot burner opening is a small hole or tube inside the fireplace, usually near the main burner. You may need to look through the glass doors or open them to see it clearly. It is typically a brass or steel fitting about the size of a pencil tip. If you cannot locate it, check your fireplace manual or take a photo and show it to a technician—the location varies by model.

Set the knob to pilot and prepare to light

Turn the control knob clockwise to the "Pilot" position. Do not turn it all the way to "On" yet. At this point, gas is flowing to the pilot burner, but the main burner is not active. You should hear a faint hissing sound as gas flows.

Gather a long-reach lighter or a long wooden match. A long-reach lighter is easier and safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. If you use a match, light it first and then hold it near the pilot opening. Do not try to light the match while holding the knob down—you need both hands free to manage the flame and the knob at the same time.

Press the knob and light the pilot burner

Press the control knob inward (toward the fireplace) and hold it down firmly. While holding it, bring the flame of your lighter or match to the pilot burner opening. You should see a small blue flame ignite at the opening. If nothing happens after 10 seconds, release the knob, wait 30 seconds, and try again. Repeated attempts without success may mean the gas is not flowing or the igniter is blocked.

Once the pilot flame appears, keep the knob pressed down. Do not release it yet. The flame should be steady and blue, about the size of a small pea. If the flame is yellow or orange, the burner may be dirty, but it will still work—you can clean it later if needed.

Hold the knob down to warm the thermocouple

Continue pressing the knob for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame ignites. This time allows the thermocouple—a heat-sensing device near the pilot flame—to warm up and signal the gas valve to stay open. If you release the knob too soon, the valve closes and the pilot goes out. Thirty seconds is usually enough, but 60 seconds is safer if you are unsure.

While you hold the knob, watch the flame. It should remain steady and blue. If it flickers or goes out while you are still holding the knob, release it, wait five minutes, and try again. A flickering flame often means the thermocouple needs more time to heat, or there is a draft blowing the flame around.

Release the knob and check if the pilot stays lit

Slowly release the control knob. The pilot flame should stay on. If it does, you have successfully relit the pilot. Now turn the knob to the "On" position to set up the main burner. The fireplace should ignite fully within a few seconds.

If the pilot goes out as soon as you release the knob, wait five minutes and try the whole process again. Do not try more than three times in a row—if it fails three times, something is preventing the thermocouple from holding the valve open, and you should call a technician. Repeated failed attempts can also waste gas and create a safety hazard.

Troubleshooting a pilot that won't stay lit

The most common reason a pilot goes out when ready is that you released the knob too soon. The thermocouple needs time to heat up and signal the valve. Try again, but this time hold the knob for a full 60 seconds. Count slowly or use a watch to be sure.

A second common cause is a dirty pilot burner opening. Dust or debris can block the flame or prevent it from reaching the thermocouple. If you see soot or buildup around the opening, turn the knob to "Off," wait 10 minutes, and then use a thin wire or a straightened paperclip to gently clear the opening. Do not force anything—you can damage the burner. After cleaning, try relighting.

If you smell gas during any step, stop when ready. Turn the knob to "Off," leave the room, and call your gas company's emergency line or a fireplace technician. Do not try to relight the pilot. A gas smell usually means the gas line has a leak or the valve is not closing properly, both of which require professional repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob down before releasing it?

Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. Thirty seconds is usually enough, but if you are unsure, 60 seconds is safer. The thermocouple needs time to warm up and signal the valve to stay open. Releasing too soon is the most common reason pilots go out.

What if the pilot flame is yellow or orange instead of blue?

A yellow or orange flame usually means the burner is dirty or there is dust in the gas line. The pilot will still work, but it is less efficient. You can clean the burner opening with a thin wire, or call a technician if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.

Can I use a regular match instead of a long-reach lighter?

Yes, but a long-reach lighter is safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. If you use a match, light it first, then hold it to the pilot opening while pressing the knob. Do not try to light the match while holding the knob—you need both hands.

How many times should I try before calling a professional?

Try up to three times, waiting five minutes between attempts. If the pilot still will not stay lit after three tries, stop and call a technician. Repeated failed attempts waste gas and may indicate a problem with the thermocouple, gas line, or valve that requires professional repair.

What should I do if I smell gas?

Stop when ready, turn the knob to "Off," leave the room, and call your gas company's emergency line or a fireplace technician. Do not try to relight the pilot. A gas smell usually means a leak or valve problem that needs professional attention right away.