The basic steps to light a pilot light

To turn on a pilot light on a gas fireplace, locate the control knob on the front of the fireplace (usually near the bottom) and turn it to the "Pilot" position. Hold a long lighter or lit match near the pilot burner opening while pressing and holding the ignition button or knob. The pilot flame should catch within a few seconds. Once lit, keep holding the knob in the pilot position for 30 to 60 seconds to warm the thermocouple — a safety device that keeps gas flowing to the pilot. Then turn the knob to "On" or "Ignite" to run the main burner, or leave it on "Pilot" if you only want the small flame.

If your fireplace has an electronic ignition button instead of a manual lighter, press and hold that button while the knob is on "Pilot." The spark should ignite the gas automatically. Some newer models have a piezo igniter built into the knob itself — turn the knob and press it repeatedly until you see a spark at the pilot opening.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," then use a lighter or match to ignite the pilot burner while holding the ignition button.
  • Hold the knob in the pilot position for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame lights so the thermocouple heats up and stays on.
  • If the pilot won't stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple may be dirty or failing and will need cleaning or replacement.
  • Electronic ignition buttons and piezo igniters eliminate the need for a manual lighter but work on the same principle.
  • If you smell gas but see no flame after several attempts, turn the knob to "Off" and wait five minutes before trying again.

Why the pilot light goes out

A pilot light that won't stay lit usually fails because the thermocouple is too cold or too dirty. The thermocouple is a thin metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a small electrical signal that tells the gas valve to stay open. If you release the knob too soon — before the thermocouple warms up — the signal is too weak and the valve closes, shutting off the pilot.

Dust and debris can also coat the thermocouple and prevent it from heating properly. If the pilot lights but dies within seconds of releasing the knob, try cleaning the thermocouple with a soft brush or cloth. Turn the knob to "Off," wait a few minutes, then locate the thermocouple (a small rod near the pilot burner) and gently wipe it. Relight and hold the knob longer this time.

When to clean the pilot burner opening

If the pilot flame is weak, yellow, or won't light at all, the pilot burner opening may be clogged with dust or spider webs. Turn the knob to "Off" and wait five minutes. Look for the small opening where the pilot flame comes out — it is usually a tiny hole about the size of a pin.

Use a straightened paperclip or a thin needle to gently clear the opening. Do not force it or enlarge the hole. Blow gently into the opening to dislodge any loose debris, then try lighting the pilot again. A clean opening will produce a steady blue flame about the size of your pinky fingernail.

What to do if the pilot light won't ignite

If you have held the ignition button for 30 seconds and see no spark or flame, turn the knob to "Off" and wait five minutes. This allows any gas that may have accumulated to clear. Then try again. If you smell gas strongly, do not attempt to light the pilot again — turn the knob to "Off," open a window, and wait 15 minutes before trying once more.

If the pilot still will not light after three attempts, the ignition system may have failed. Electronic ignition buttons can wear out, and piezo igniters sometimes lose their spark. Manual lighters work every time, so if you have an electronic system, try using a long lighter instead. If that works, the ignition button or piezo is the problem and will need replacement by a technician.

Safety steps before you start

Before lighting the pilot, make sure the fireplace has been off for at least five minutes. This prevents gas from building up inside the firebox. Check that the area around the fireplace is clear of flammable materials — blankets, curtains, and furniture should be at least three feet away.

Never force the control knob or ignition button. If the knob is stuck or very hard to turn, stop and contact a technician. A stuck knob can mean the valve is damaged or the gas line is blocked. Do not attempt to disassemble the control panel or valve yourself.

Electronic ignition versus manual lighting

Older gas fireplaces require a manual lighter or match to ignite the pilot. Newer models have electronic ignition buttons that create a spark automatically. Both methods work equally well, but electronic ignition is more convenient and does not require you to hold a flame near the fireplace.

If your fireplace has electronic ignition and the button stops working, you can usually light the pilot manually with a long lighter while the knob is on "Pilot." This is a temporary workaround while you arrange for the ignition button to be serviced. Some fireplaces also have a piezo igniter — a button you press repeatedly to create sparks. These are very reliable but can fail after many years of use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold the knob after the pilot lights?

Hold the knob in the pilot position for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and generate the signal that keeps the gas valve open. If you release too soon, the pilot will go out. If you hold it longer, that is fine — there is no harm in waiting a full minute.

What does a healthy pilot flame look like?

A healthy pilot flame is steady, blue, and about the size of your pinky fingernail. The flame should not flicker or dance. If the flame is yellow or orange, the burner opening may be dirty or the gas mixture may be off. A weak or flickering flame often means the thermocouple is not getting hot enough.

Can I light the pilot if I smell gas?

If you smell gas strongly, do not light the pilot. Turn the knob to "Off," open windows, and wait 15 minutes. A strong gas smell can mean the valve is leaking or gas has built up inside the firebox. After waiting, try lighting the pilot again. If the smell returns, contact a technician.

What if the pilot lights but the main burner won't turn on?

Once the pilot is lit and holding steady, turn the knob from "Pilot" to "On" or "Ignite." The main burner should light from the pilot flame. If it does not, turn the knob back to "Pilot" and wait 30 seconds, then try again. If the main burner still will not light, the ignition system or gas valve may need service.

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

A pilot light should not go out from wind alone, but a strong draft near the fireplace opening can blow the flame out. If this happens, make sure the fireplace glass doors are fully closed and any vents around the fireplace are not blocked. If the pilot keeps going out only on windy days, the thermocouple may be weak and needs replacement.