How do I light the pilot on my gas fireplace?

Quick Answer

Lighting the pilot on a gas fireplace is usually a simple process that involves pressing the igniter button while also turning the gas control knob to the pilot position. Here are the basic steps:

Make sure the gas supply to the fireplace is turned on.
Remove any debris or dust from the pilot assembly and burner.

Turn the gas control knob to the pilot position.
Press and hold the igniter button until you see the pilot light.
Continue holding the igniter button for 30-60 seconds after the pilot lights.

Release the igniter button and verify the pilot stays lit.
Turn the gas control knob to the on position.

If the pilot does not stay lit after releasing the igniter button, repeat the process. If it continues to go out, there may be an issue with the thermocouple or gas supply that requires professional service.

Gas fireplaces provide a convenient and efficient way to add warmth and ambiance to a living space. Models with standing pilots offer reliable performance and consistent flames. While most pilot lights remain lit year-round, they can occasionally go out unexpectedly. Relighting a standing pilot that has gone out is usually a quick and straightforward process for most homeowners.

Understanding how to safely ignite your gas fireplace pilot can help you quickly get your fireplace running again during the cold winter months. With some basic information about pilot assemblies and the proper lighting techniques, you can have your cozy fire glowing again in no time.

How Gas Fireplace Pilots Work

Gas fireplaces utilize a pilot, a small flame that is kept constantly lit in order to ignite the main gas burner. The pilot assembly consists of a small tube and nozzle that supplies a tiny amount of natural gas or propane to the pilot light. When you go to use your fireplace, the pilot provides the ignition source to light the main burner. This allows for convenient control with a switch or thermostat.

The pilot remains lit by using a thermocouple or thermopile to power a safety valve. The thermocouple gets heated by the pilot flame, generating a small electrical current. This current powers an electromagnet in the safety valve, which allows gas to continue flowing to the pilot. If the pilot light happens to blow out, the drop in electrical current will cause the valve to shut off the gas supply, preventing unburned gas from accumulating.

This important safety feature shuts off the gas supply automatically if the pilot flame goes out. While the pilot provides convenient control of the main burner, this safety precaution helps prevent raw fuel accumulating and potential explosions.

When to Relight the Pilot

Most gas fireplace pilots are designed to remain lit year-round. However, they can sometimes go out unexpectedly. There are a few scenarios when you may need to relight the pilot:

Power or fuel interruption – A temporary disruption of the gas or electrical supply can cause the pilot to go out.
Manual shutoff – Some fireplaces have a valve that allows manually shutting off the pilot.
Strong drafts – High winds or opened doors/windows can potentially blow out the pilot flame.

Improper ventilation – Lack of fresh air circulation can cause pilot outages.
Faulty components – Things like bad thermocouples, weak electrodes, or blocked fuel lines can lead to a pilot outage.
Vacation homes – Pilots may need to be relit after long absences or seasonal shutdowns.

If your gas fireplace pilot light has gone out unexpectedly, the first step is trying to relight it. Doing so is usually a quick and simple process.

How to Relight a Gas Fireplace Pilot

Relighting a gas fireplace pilot is a straightforward job most homeowners can do without professional help. Here are step-by-step instructions for getting your standing pilot lit again:

1. Make sure the gas supply is on

Start by verifying that the main gas supply shutoff valve is in the on position. This valve is typically installed on the gas supply line running to the fireplace. Make sure the handle is parallel with the pipe to indicate the valve is open. If it is perpendicular, turn it so it is in line with the pipe.

2. Remove any debris near the pilot

Inspect the firebox and surrounding area to make sure there is no dirt, dust, cobwebs, or other debris in the vicinity of the pilot assembly. Any buildup around the small pilot tubing, burner, or thermocouple can prevent proper ignition. Use compressed air, a small brush, or a vacuum to gently clear the area of any visible debris.

3. Turn knob to pilot position

The gas valve that controls the fireplace will have a control knob with various positions, usually marked things like OFF, PILOT, ON. Turn this knob to the PILOT position. This will allow gas to start flowing only to the pilot burner, not the main fireplace burner.

4. Press igniter button

While holding the control knob in the pilot position, press the igniter button. You should hear it clicking as the spark electrode generates an ignition spark. This button is sometimes built into the control knob itself, or it can be a separate button nearby on the gas valve.

5. Verify pilot lights

Keep holding the igniter button down for 30-60 seconds after you see the pilot flame appear. Allow extra time for the thermocouple to get fully heated so the safety valve keeps the pilot gas flow on. The pilot should create a soft blue flame about 1-2 inches high emanating from the pilot hood.

6. Release igniter button

After holding down the igniter for the recommended time after ignition, release the button. The pilot should remain lit. If it goes out, you will hear the valve click closed and need to repeat the lighting steps. This can require a few tries until the thermocouple gets hot enough.

7. Turn knob to on position

Now that the pilot flame is steadily lit, turn the gas valve control knob to the ON position. This will allow gas flow to the main burner. Flip the switch or set the thermostat to call for heat and the main fireplace burner should ignite within a few seconds off the standing pilot flame.

Tips for Relighting the Pilot

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when relighting a gas fireplace pilot:

Make sure all shutoff valves are fully open before relighting.
Try relighting 2-3 times to allow the thermocouple time to heat up.

If using a match, light it first before turning gas valve to pilot position.
Ensure clicking sound indicating igniter is sparking.
Read the manufacturer instructions for exact lighting steps.

Keep flame hair dryer on low setting to prevent blowing out pilot.
Call a professional if pilot won’t stay lit after several tries.

Taking the necessary precautions and following the proper relighting technique will ensure you safely reignite the pilot. Patience is key, as it may take a few ignition attempts before the thermocouple generates enough electric current to hold the safety valve open.

Troubleshooting Pilot Light Issues

In most cases, the standing pilot will ignite and remain lit using the steps above. However, some issues can prevent the pilot from staying on:

Thermocouple Problems

A faulty thermocouple is the most common cause of a pilot that won’t stay lit after releasing the igniter button. The thermocouple needs to heat up sufficiently to generate the electric current that will hold the safety valve open. Here are a few solutions:

Clean thermocouple connection to valve using steel wool.

Tighten thermocouple to valve if loose.
Replace thermocouple if visibly cracked or corroded.
Hold igniter longer to allow it to fully heat up.

Match light pilot and hold to heat thermocouple before turning to pilot position.

Weak Pilot Flame

The pilot may stay lit but be too small or weak to properly heat the thermocouple. This can result from limited gas flow:

Adjust pilot light adjustment screw to increase gas to pilot.

Clear out any blocked tubing or orifices in pilot assembly.
Replace pilot tubing if crimped.

Gas Supply Issues

Problems with the gas line or shutoff valves can also prevent proper pilot ignition:

Verify main gas line valve is fully open.
Check that pilot gas tubing is attached and not loose.
Confirm gas tank or house liquefied petroleum (LP) supply is not empty.

Clear out obstruction in flex connector or pilot tubing.
Replace pilot assembly gas filter if dirty.

Igniter Malfunction

You can manually light the pilot with a match or long-reach lighter if the igniter fails to spark:

Listen for clicking sound when pressing igniter.
Check igniter wiring for damage or loose connections.
Clean igniter electrode tip of carbon/dirt.

Replace igniter battery if weak or dead.
Replace igniter unit if damaged or faulty.

When to Call for Service

If you smell gas or the pilot won’t stay lit after several relight attempts, call an HVAC technician. Other reasons to call in a professional include:

Pilot keeps going out after lighting.
Burners not igniting after pilot is lit.
Weak, erratic pilot flame.

Problem is not resolved using troubleshooting tips above.
Unsure about how to safely relight pilot.
Gas odor present around fireplace.

While you may be eager to get your fireplace going again, it’s important to call an expert rather than taking risks relighting the pilot if you have doubts. A qualified technician has the skills to get your pilot going again while also performing any needed repairs or maintenance.

Maintaining Your Gas Fireplace Pilot

Regular home maintenance can help minimize nuisance pilot light outages. Here are some gas fireplace pilot maintenance tips:

Keep it clean

– Use compressed air to keep pilot assembly, thermocouple, and burner tubes free of dust.
– Vacuum firebox and log set to prevent debris accumulation.
– Clean thermocouple and igniter connections to valve.

Inspect components

– Check tubing and valves for leaks/damage.
– Verify thermocouple/valve connection is secure.
– Ensure adequate ventilation for pilot assembly.
– Replace damaged parts (thermocouple, igniter, tubing, etc).

Hire an inspector

– Have fireplace inspected by a certified chimney sweep annually.
– Technician can check all components and clear any obstructions.
– Scheduling maintenance helps prevent bigger issues down the road.

Consider upgrading

– Have fireplace converted to an electronic ignition system.
– Newer electronic pilot assemblies can eliminate routine relied lighting.
– A qualified technician can assess upgrade options.

Taking steps to properly maintain your pilot can reduce nuisance shutdowns and ensure seamless fireplace operation. But even the most meticulously maintained pilot will need re-lighting from time to time. Having the proper knowledge to get it going again quickly helps you maximize enjoyment of your gas fireplace.

Conclusion

Relighting the pilot light on a gas fireplace is a task many homeowners will encounter periodically. The standing pilot can blow out unexpectedly due to things like drafts, supply interruptions, or component failures. Thankfully, relighting the pilot is usually a fast and straightforward process.

The key steps include turning on the gas supply, cleaning any debris near the pilot assembly, turning the gas control valve to pilot position, depressing the igniter, verifying the pilot is lit, then turning the valve to the on position once the pilot remains steadily burning. Taking care to allow the thermocouple to fully heat up before releasing the igniter button is crucial to keep the pilot from shutting off.

Troubleshooting tricks like cleaning connections, adjusting the pilot flame, or replacing faulty parts can help address common issues that prevent the pilot from staying lit. Calling a professional for service is recommended if you have doubts or smell gas at any point. Proper maintenance and cleaning can help minimize nuisance pilot outages.

Following the guidelines above provides a helpful reference for safely relighting your gas fireplace pilot when needed. Paying attention to the pilot assembly and taking the effort to keep it clean and in good working order will allow for quick restoration of your fireplace’s cozy ambiance.