How do you relight a pilot light on gas logs?

Gas logs provide a great way to add ambiance and warmth to a fireplace. Over time, the pilot light on gas logs may go out, requiring you to relight it to get your fireplace working again. Relighting a pilot light is usually a simple process that you can often do yourself in just a few minutes with some basic safety precautions. This guide will walk through the step-by-step process for relighting a pilot light on gas logs.

What is a pilot light?

A pilot light is a small standalone gas flame that is constantly burning on gas appliances like water heaters, furnaces, and gas fireplaces. The pilot light ignites the main burner when you turn your appliance on. This allows gas to flow immediately, rather than having to use an electric ignition source.

The pilot light provides a ready ignition source for the main burner. It also serves as a safety device, as many pilot lights are paired with a thermocouple that will shut off all gas flow if the pilot light goes out unexpectedly.

Why did my pilot light go out?

There are a few common reasons a pilot light can go out:

• Strong drafts or high winds: An open window or gusts coming down the chimney can blow out the pilot
• Dust or debris buildup: Soot or dirt around the pilot assembly can cut off the gas supply
• Improperly assembled pilot: If reassembled incorrectly after cleaning, the pilot may not light
• Moisture buildup: Small amounts of moisture can extinguish the flame
• Gas supply issue: Problems with the gas line can cause insufficient fuel to reach the pilot
• Thermocouple failure: The thermocouple stops telling the gas valve to stay open
• Thermopile failure: The thermopile stops powering the ignition system

If the pilot light repeatedly goes out without explanation, it’s best to contact a professional gas technician to inspect the gas logs and ventilation.

How to Relight a Gas Log Pilot

Relighting a pilot light on gas logs usually takes 10-15 minutes. Follow these instructions to safely relight your gas fireplace pilot:

Step 1: Turn off the gas valve

Before doing any work around your gas fireplace, locate the gas valve and turn the knob to the “off” position. This shuts off all gas flow to the pilot and burners.

Step 2: Remove any parts surrounding the pilot

Take off any decorative logs, screens, or other ornamentation around the pilot assembly. You need full access to the pilot tube and ignition source.

Step 3: Clean the pilot assembly

Use compressed air or a vacuum to thoroughly clean around the pilot light tube and ignition electrode. Remove any dirt, spider webs, pet hair, or other debris that could obstruct the pilot.

Step 4: Check for gas leaks

Before lighting the pilot, use a gas leak detector spray or electronic sniffer tool to check for any leaks in the gas piping or fittings near the pilot. Fix any leaks before proceeding.

Step 5: Light the pilot

There are a few methods you can use to ignite the pilot light:

• Built-in ignition button: Many gas valves have a built-in ignition spark you activate by pressing a button. You’ll hear clicking as it sparks.
• Long-necked lighter: Use a long-necked butane lighter to manually ignite the pilot.
• Match: Light a match and hold the flame to the end of the pilot tube.

As you’re lighting the pilot, press down the gas control knob slightly to allow a small amount of gas to flow to the pilot. The pilot should light within 60-90 seconds.

Step 6: Hold the knob down

After the pilot lights, continue holding down the gas control knob for 30-60 seconds. This gives time for the thermocouple to heat up, which signals the valve to stay open once you release the knob.

Step 7: Release and check

Release the gas control knob. If the pilot stays lit, the thermocouple is working properly. If the pilot goes out, repeat steps 5-6, holding the knob down longer.

Step 8: Replace the pilot assembly

Once the pilot is lit, replace any ornamental logs/screens surrounding the pilot assembly. Make sure these decorations do not obstruct the pilot or alter the flame.

Step 9: Turn the gas back on

Turn the gas control knob to the “on” setting to restore gas flow to the main burners. Your pilot should stay lit and the fireplace is ready to use.

Safety Tips for Relighting a Pilot

For safe relighting, keep these safety guidelines in mind:

• Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid smoke inhalation
• Never light a pilot when smelling gas
• Always turn off the gas first at the main valve
• Keep your face away from the pilot while lighting
• Make sure all gas valves are turned off again after relighting
• Check for leaks after turning gas back on
• Always replace components properly after relighting
• Call a professional if you can’t get the pilot relit after several attempts

Pilot lights need oxygen to burn, so avoid smothering the pilot area. Leave the glass doors open for a minute when first lighting the pilot.

If you smell leaking gas at any point, immediately shut off the main gas line and call the gas company. Never light flames when a gas leak is present.

When to Call for Help

While relighting a pilot is usually straightforward, call a professional gas technician if:

• You can’t get the pilot to stay lit after several tries
• The pilot repeatedly goes out
• You smell gas but can’t find the source of a leak
• The gas logs produce carbon monoxide
• The gas flow seems very low
• You notice any new fuel odors or irregular flames/heat
• There are signs of thermocouple or valve damage
• The gas logs produce excessive soot or odd colors

Trouble relighting your pilot or irregular burner operation indicates an underlying issue that should be inspected by an expert. A technician has the proper tools and knowledge to diagnose and fix any problems in your gas fireplace.

Conclusion

Relighting a pilot light on gas logs is a task many homeowners can easily DIY with proper precautions. By carefully following ignition procedures and safety guidelines, your pilot should relight and enable normal fireplace operation. Pay attention to any irregularities in the pilot or burner flames and call for professional service if needed. With a properly burning pilot, you can enjoy the comfort and aesthetics of your gas fireplace.

Step	Action
1	Turn off the gas valve
2	Remove any parts around the pilot
3	Clean the pilot assembly
4	Check for gas leaks
5	Light the pilot flame
6	Hold the gas knob down
7	Release and check the pilot
8	Replace pilot assembly parts
9	Turn the gas back on