How to Light the Pilot on Your Fireplace

Posted Thursday, November 12th, 2015

If you are like most families and homeowners, relighting the pilot on your gas fireplace after a long summer can be confusing. Thankfully, the team at Cressy Door and Fireplace has put together a step-by-step process to assist.

How do you assure the gas is present?

Option 1: Liquid Propane

With a liquid propane tank, there is typically a round valve that must be turned counterclockwise to open the flow of gas.

Option 2: Natural Gas

With natural gas the valve is located on the outside meter. In order to assure the flow of gas, the valve must be aligned with the pipe. Simply turn the “Flat Quarter-Turn Valve” so that it is inline with the pipe.

How do I engage the igniter button?

Igniter buttons are little red buttons that can be found by the main control knob. They are identified by “Off” and “On” markings. If the fireplace is in the “On” position, simply turn the valve to the “OFF” position and wait 2 minutes.

The next step requires that you line up the mark on the knob with the word, “Pilot.” From here, simply hold down the control knob and hit the igniter a couple of times. (You must hold the knob down long enough to heat the “Thermocouple.” The Thermocouple is a safety device that prevents gas from flowing if the pilot light goes out.)

When the pilot lights, let go of the knob slowly. The pilot should be burning at this point. Assure the pilot is still burning and turn the knob to the “On” position.

If the pilot light does not engage on the first try, you may have to hold down the knob long enough to purge the air out of the gas line allowing the gas to reach the pilot assembly. Keep trying periodically to light the pilot light. This process may take several minutes and several attempts.

Please keep in mind that most gas fireplace models will have a manual switch present. That switch must be engaged for the gas fireplace to light.

Gas fireplaces are very safe when used properly. Please make sure you always look for obstructions or debris in the gas lines. If you ever smell gas or suspect a gas leak, please immediately call a company that is certified in fireplace service, installation and maintenance.