Relight Your Fireplace Pilot in 5 Easy Steps

Posted Thursday, December 20th, 2018

It’s that time of year again. Northwest homeowners are relying on their gas fireplaces and fireplace inserts to warm their homes. Since we’ve been receiving loads of emails and calls about pilot problems, we’ve put together a step-by-set guide to help you out.

Relight Your Fireplace Pilot in 5 Easy Steps

Engaging the Igniter Button

Igniter buttons are little red buttons that can be found by the main control knob. These little guys are often identified by “Off” and “On” markings.

Step 1 If your fireplace is in the “On” position, simply turn the valve to the “OFF” position and wait 2 minutes.

Step 2 Line up the mark on the knob with the word, “Pilot.”

Step 3 Hold down the control knob and hit the igniter several 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.

Step 4 When the pilot lights, let go of the knob slowly. The pilot should be burning at this point.

Step 5 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. This allows the gas to reach the pilot assembly. Keep trying periodically to light the pilot light. This process may take several minutes and several attempts.

Keep this in mind. 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 call a company certified in fireplace service, installation, and maintenance right away.

If your pilot still won’t light, don’t fret. Give Cressy Door and Fireplace a call. One of our experienced technicians will be glad to assist you. Call Cressy Door and Fireplace now! 

Download your own copy of our guide: Relight Your Pilot – Gas Fireplace Tips