The basic steps to shut down your fireplace's pilot light
To turn off the pilot light on a gas fireplace, locate the control knob on the gas valve (usually mounted on the firebox or behind the front panel) and turn it to the "Off" position. The knob typically has three settings: "On," "Pilot," and "Off." Turn it fully to "Off" and wait a few minutes to may support the pilot flame has extinguished. You should hear the gas supply cut off, and the small flame should disappear completely.
Most gas fireplaces have the control valve in an accessible spot, but some models require you to remove the front trim or decorative panel first. Check your owner's manual for the exact location on your unit—the manual will also show you which direction to turn the knob, since some valves turn clockwise and others counterclockwise.
Once the pilot is off, the fireplace will not ignite, and no gas will flow to the burner. This is the safest way to shut down the system when you are not using it for an extended period, such as during warm months.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the control knob on the gas valve to "Off" and wait a few minutes for the pilot flame to extinguish completely.
- The control valve is usually on the firebox itself or behind the front panel; check your manual if you cannot locate it.
- Turning the pilot off stops all gas flow to the fireplace and is safe for long-term shutdown.
- If the pilot does not go out after turning the knob, or if you smell gas, turn the main gas supply off and contact a technician.
- Restarting the pilot later is a straightforward process that involves turning the knob back to "Pilot" and holding the ignition button.
Where to find the control valve on your fireplace
The gas control valve is the metal box with the knob attached, and it sits either directly on the firebox or on a control panel mounted inside the fireplace enclosure. On many models, you can see it without removing anything—it is usually near the bottom or side of the interior. On others, the front trim or glass doors must come off first to reach it.
If you cannot find the valve after a quick look, open your owner's manual and search for "control valve" or "gas valve." The manual will have a diagram showing exactly where it is and how to access it. If you no longer have the manual, the model number is typically printed on a label inside the firebox or on the back of the unit; you can search for the manual online using that number.
Some fireplaces also have a secondary shut-off valve on the gas line itself, separate from the control knob. This is a backup safety feature and does not need to be touched for normal operation—the control knob alone is sufficient to turn off the pilot.
What happens when you turn the pilot light off
When you turn the knob to "Off," the gas supply to the pilot burner closes when ready. The small flame you see should go out within a minute or two. At that point, no gas is flowing to any part of the fireplace, and it cannot be ignited accidentally or remotely.
Turning off the pilot light is different from straightforward turning off the main burner. The pilot is a small, continuous flame that stays lit even when the fireplace is not actively heating. Shutting it off stops that continuous burn, which saves a small amount of gas over time and is the proper way to winterize or decommission the fireplace for a season.
You may notice a faint smell of gas for a moment after turning the knob—this is normal and does not mean there is a leak. It is residual gas in the line dispersing into the air. If the smell persists after five minutes, or if it is strong, turn the main gas supply off at the meter and call a technician.
Signs the pilot light is actually off
The clearest sign is that the small flame is no longer visible inside the firebox. Look into the fireplace after turning the knob and wait 30 seconds for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. The pilot flame is small but steady, so if you see nothing, it is off.
You should also hear a soft click or hiss when you turn the knob—this is the valve closing. Some people also notice a slight change in air pressure or hear a faint pop as the gas line depressurizes, though this is not always noticeable.
If the flame is still visible after you have turned the knob to "Off" and waited several minutes, do not force the knob further. Stop and call a technician. A pilot that will not shut off usually means the valve is stuck or faulty and needs professional service.
When you might want to turn the pilot off
The most common reason is seasonal shutdown. If you live in a warm climate or do not use your fireplace during spring and summer, turning off the pilot saves gas and reduces wear on the ignition system. Many homeowners shut theirs off around May and restart it in September.
You should also turn off the pilot if you are having the fireplace serviced, if you smell gas and suspect a leak, or if you are leaving your home empty for more than a few weeks. Turning off the pilot is a standard safety step before any maintenance work.
If you are moving or selling the home, turning off the pilot is also a good practice to prevent accidental ignition or gas buildup while the house is unoccupied.
How to restart the pilot light after it has been off
To turn the pilot back on, turn the control knob from "Off" to "Pilot." Hold the knob in the "Pilot" position and press the ignition button (a red or black button usually located near the knob) repeatedly until you see the small flame appear. This typically takes 10 to 30 seconds of button pressing. Once the flame is lit, continue holding the knob in "Pilot" for another 30 seconds to let the thermocouple (a safety sensor) warm up and sense the flame.
After 30 seconds, release the knob and turn it to "On." The pilot should stay lit, and the fireplace is now ready to use. If the pilot goes out after you release the knob, repeat the process—sometimes it takes two or three attempts, especially if the fireplace has been off for several months.
If the pilot will not light after several attempts, or if it lights but goes out when ready, the ignition system may need cleaning or the thermocouple may be faulty. This is when to call a technician rather than continue troubleshooting.
Safety considerations when turning off the pilot
Turning off the pilot light is a safe operation when done correctly. The control valve is designed to shut off completely, and there is no risk of gas buildup or explosion from straightforward turning the knob. However, if you smell a strong gas odor at any point, stop what you are doing, turn off the main gas supply at the meter, and call your gas company or a technician.
Never force the control knob if it feels stuck or resistant. Forcing it can damage the valve internally and create a leak. If the knob does not turn smoothly, stop and call a professional.
If you have young children or pets, turning off the pilot during off-season is actually safer because it removes the risk of them accidentally touching a hot surface or the open flame. The fireplace will be completely inert until you restart it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does turning off the pilot light save much money?
The savings are modest—a pilot light uses a small but continuous amount of gas, roughly equivalent to a few dollars per month depending on your gas rates and the fireplace model. Over a six-month off-season, you might save $20 to $40. The real benefit is seasonal maintenance: giving the ignition system a break and reducing unnecessary wear.
What if the control knob is stuck and won't turn?
Do not force it. A stuck knob usually means the valve has mineral buildup or internal corrosion. Call a technician to clean or replace the valve. Forcing it can crack the valve body and cause a gas leak.
Can I turn off the pilot light from a remote control?
No. Remote controls on gas fireplaces turn the main burner on and off, not the pilot light. The pilot light is controlled only by the manual knob on the gas valve itself. You must be at the fireplace to turn the pilot off.
Is it normal to smell gas when I turn the pilot off?
A faint smell for a moment or two is normal as residual gas in the line disperses. If the smell is strong or lasts more than five minutes, turn off the main gas supply and call a technician—this could indicate a leak.
How long can I leave the pilot light off?
You can leave it off indefinitely. Many homeowners shut theirs off for six months or longer during warm months with no problems. Just make sure to restart it carefully when you are ready to use the fireplace again.