The basic steps to relight your pilot

To turn the pilot light on, locate the control knob on your fireplace (usually on the front or side of the unit), turn it to the "Pilot" setting, and hold a long lighter or lit match to the pilot burner opening while pressing and holding the knob inward. The pilot should ignite within a few seconds. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame appears, then release it slowly. If the pilot stays lit, turn the knob to "On" to resume normal operation.

The exact location of the pilot burner opening varies by model. Check your fireplace manual or look for a small metal tube or opening near the main burner — it is usually marked with a label or arrow. Some fireplaces have a window you can see through; others require you to look from the side or front.

If the pilot does not light on the first try, wait five minutes before attempting again. Holding the knob too briefly is the most common reason the pilot goes out when ready after you release it — the longer you hold it, the more the thermocouple (a safety device) heats up and signals the gas valve to stay open.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the control knob to "Pilot," hold a lighter to the pilot opening, and press the knob inward while the flame ignites.
  • Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds after you see the flame to let the thermocouple heat up fully.
  • If the pilot goes out when you release the knob, wait five minutes and try again — you may need to hold the knob longer.
  • If the pilot will not light after three attempts, check that the gas supply valve is open and the burner opening is not blocked by debris.

Why the pilot light goes out

A pilot light that will not stay lit usually fails because the thermocouple is too cold when you release the knob. The thermocouple is a small metal rod that sits in the pilot flame and generates a tiny electrical signal that tells the gas valve to remain open. If you release the knob before the thermocouple is warm enough, the valve closes and the pilot extinguishes.

Drafts, wind, or a blocked burner opening can also blow out the pilot or prevent it from lighting. If you have a fireplace insert or if your fireplace is in a room with strong air movement, this is a common culprit. Check that the fireplace opening is not blocked by a damper, screen, or debris.

A third reason is a closed gas supply valve. Locate the gas shut-off valve (usually a small lever on the gas line leading to the fireplace) and make sure it is parallel to the gas line, not perpendicular. If it is perpendicular, the gas is off.

What to do if the pilot will not light at all

If you turn the knob to "Pilot" and no gas flows to the burner, the gas supply valve may be closed. Check the shut-off valve on the gas line and turn it to the open position (parallel to the line). Wait a minute, then try lighting the pilot again.

If gas is flowing but the lighter or match does not ignite it, the pilot opening may be clogged with dust or debris. Use a straightened paperclip or a thin needle to gently clear the opening. Do not force it — you can damage the burner. If you are not comfortable doing this, contact a fireplace technician.

If the pilot lights but goes out when ready every time you release the knob, the thermocouple may be faulty. A faulty thermocouple will not generate enough signal to keep the gas valve open. This part can be replaced, but it usually requires a technician.

Safety checks before you light

Before you attempt to light the pilot, make sure the fireplace has been off for at least five minutes. This allows any residual gas to clear. Do not light the pilot if you smell gas — turn off the gas supply valve when ready and open windows to ventilate the room. If the smell does not clear within a few minutes, leave the house and call your gas company.

Check that the fireplace glass or screen is not cracked or missing. A damaged fireplace can allow carbon monoxide or other combustion gases to enter the room instead of venting up the chimney.

Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of flammable materials — curtains, furniture, and decorations should be at least three feet away from the opening.

How to know if the pilot is burning correctly

A healthy pilot flame is blue with a small yellow tip and is about one to two inches tall. The flame should be steady and not flicker or dance. If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, the burner opening may be dirty or the air-to-gas ratio may be off — this usually requires a technician to adjust.

The pilot flame should wrap slightly around the thermocouple rod. If the flame is not touching the thermocouple at all, the thermocouple will not heat up and the pilot will go out when you release the knob.

Relighting after a power outage or long shutdown

If your fireplace has an electronic ignition system (rather than a manual pilot light), a power outage may prevent the system from working. Check that the fireplace is plugged in and that the outlet has power. Some fireplaces have a battery backup for the ignition system — if the batteries are dead, the pilot will not light. Replace the batteries and try again.

If your fireplace has been off for several months, the gas line may have air in it. Turn the knob to "Pilot" and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds without trying to light it — this purges air from the line. Then attempt to light the pilot normally.

When to call a technician

If the pilot lights but the main burner will not turn on after you move the knob to "On," the problem is likely in the main burner valve or the thermostat, not the pilot. A technician can diagnose and repair this.

If you smell gas but cannot find a leak, or if the pilot will not stay lit after multiple attempts and you have checked the gas supply and thermocouple position, contact a licensed fireplace technician or your gas company. Do not attempt to repair internal components yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Hold the knob for 30 to 60 seconds. The longer you hold it, the more the thermocouple heats up. If 30 seconds is not enough and the pilot goes out when you release, try 60 seconds on your next attempt. Some older models may require up to 90 seconds.

What if I smell gas when I try to light the pilot?

Turn the control knob to "Off" when ready and turn the gas shut-off valve to the closed position. Open windows and doors to ventilate the room. If the smell does not clear within a few minutes, leave the house and call your gas company from outside. Do not use electrical switches or create sparks.

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

Yes, but a long lighter is easier and safer because it keeps your hand farther from the flame. If you use a match, light it first, then turn the knob to "Pilot" and hold it down while you bring the match to the burner opening. Work quickly — matches burn down fast.

Why does the pilot light go out right after I release the knob?

The thermocouple is not warm enough yet. Hold the knob down longer — aim for 60 seconds instead of 30. If it still goes out, the thermocouple may be faulty or not positioned correctly in the flame. Check that the flame is touching the thermocouple rod.

Is it normal for the pilot flame to be yellow instead of blue?

A small yellow tip is normal, but if the flame is mostly yellow or orange, the burner opening is likely dirty or the air-to-gas ratio needs adjustment. Try gently clearing the opening with a straightened paperclip. If that does not help, contact a technician.