What to do if gas fireplace pilot light goes out?

Author: Alexane Jacobs  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 17, 2026

If you don't see a tiny, blue flame, your pilot light is out and needs to be relit manually. Once you find the gas control knob, you should see a red or black button immediately above which is a spark mechanism. Press the button a couple of times and you should see a spark at the end of the pilot tube.

What happens if the pilot light goes out on a gas fireplace?

Is It Dangerous if The Pilot Light Goes Out? The worry here is that when a pilot goes out, the gas valve that supplies the fuel for the pilot flame could still be pumping gas. This can mean a buildup of gas, and when the pilot is relit or relights itself, it could result in a very serious explosion.

Is it safe to relight a pilot light on a gas fireplace?

If you are constantly relighting it you will kill your thermocouple/thermopile very quickly. Best to just leave it on.

Is it safe in the house if the pilot light goes out on the fireplace?

Gas fireplaces with a pilot light have a safety control that shut the gas off to the pilot and main burner if the pilot light goes out. This is very reliable and safe.

Will gas leak if pilot light goes out?

If the pilot should go out, gas is immediately shut off to the main burner, however, there is still a small amount of gas that will continue to flow to the oven pilot. All free standing pilots are approved by the American Gas Association. There is not enough leakage to create a hazard.

GAS FIREPLACE PILOT LIGHT WON'T STAY LIT - EASY FIX

Who to call to relight a pilot light?

Call Your Local Mr. Rooter Plumber! If you are having trouble getting your water heater pilot light on, or you can't get it to stay lit for long, rely on a plumbing professional for water heater repair, maintenance, and replacement services.

Why has my gas fire pilot light gone out?

If your gas fire's pilot light doesn't remain lit, it could be an issue with the thermocouple. This safety device detects the heat from the pilot light and controls the gas valve. If it's malfunctioning, you should replace it.

What is the most common problem with a gas fireplace?

One of the most common problems faced by homeowners with gas fireplaces is the pilot light going out or not staying lit. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner, which produces the heat for your fireplace — if the pilot light goes out, your fireplace won't work.

How to start a gas fireplace with no pilot light?

Lighting a Gas Fireplace With a Key Valve
  1. Place a long lighter next to the burner and pull the fuel trigger. (You can also use a lit match.) ...
  2. Turn the key in the slot to open the gas valve. You may hear the hiss of gas entering the burner. ...
  3. Replace the key cover.
  4. Use the key to control the height of the flames.

Is it expensive to leave pilot light on gas fireplace?

LP gas is measured in terms of gallons. There are 92,000 BTU's per gallon. The price of one gallon of LP is $1.10, which means that you will have to pay roughly $5.20 every month to keep your pilot light on.

Why won't my pilot light relight on my gas fireplace?

Dirty Pilot Tube

If dust, soot, or debris is clogging the pilot tube (the small pipe that delivers gas to the pilot light), the flame either won't ignite or it will be weak and unstable. Cleaning the pilot tube is usually necessary to restore proper gas flow to the flame.

Can pilot light cause carbon monoxide?

Pilot lights can be a source of carbon monoxide because the by-products of combustion are released inside the home rather than vented to the outside. Gas ovens and ranges should be monitored closely and kept in good working order.

Is it an emergency if the pilot light goes out?

Having the pilot light turn off is not automatically cause for panic. If it goes out, follow your manufacturer's instructions and determine whether relighting it is safe. If relighting is not safe, or if your pilot light keeps going out, call for help from a trained technician.

Does a gas fireplace pilot light stay on all the time?

The little flame you see in your gas fireplace after you have turned it off is called a pilot light. A Standing Pilot Light runs constantly, whether your fireplace is on or off.

Can I light my gas fireplace pilot light with a lighter?

Light the Pilot light

Once you have the button pressed in, use a match, lighter, or electronic starter, to ignite the pilot light.

What is the lifespan of a gas fireplace?

But in general, an efficiently running modern gas fire kept clear of dust and debris should hit or exceed that 10 to 15-year mark before showing signs of wear. Older or cheaper models may start to struggle after 7–8 years. Regular servicing and maintenance will be essential to maximising lifespan potential.

Why is my gas fireplace not igniting?

Check the pilot light

One of the most common reasons a gas fireplace won't turn on is often an extinguished pilot light. A strong downdraft, an interruption in the fuel line, or a build-up of soot and dust can cause the pilot light to flame out.

Who fixes the pilot light on a fireplace?

You can hire a dedicated gas fireplace repair service.

Whether it be the pilot light, a buildup of soot or a broken thermopile, an expert will be best equipped to troubleshoot the issue.

Who to call if the pilot light goes out?

If after following the proper steps you still can't get your pilot light to stay lit, call an HVAC pro for a furnace repair.

Is a fireplace safe if the pilot light goes out?

Even if the pilot light goes out and the gas is left running, it is usually not enough to cause danger. In this situation, the gas should be shut off and the area, whether it is an open room or a gas fireplace insert, should be allowed to air out.

Do I need to turn gas off if the pilot light goes out?

The pilot light on a gas furnace can go out because of drafts. Follow these directions to relight your pilot light. The pilot light on a gas furnace can go out because of drafts. Most natural gas appliances with pilot lights are designed to shut off automatically if the pilot goes out.

Can I relight the pilot light by myself?

The Short Answer Is: It is generally safe for a homeowner to relight a furnace pilot light, as long as they follow proper precautions and guidelines. To do it yourself, first, turn off the furnace's gas supply and wait for a few minutes to allow any lingering gas to dissipate.

How much does it cost to relight a pilot light?

The Cost of Relighting the Pilot Light

A plumber can help reignite the pilot light. They will charge you an hourly fee of $40 to $150. This is usually a fairly brief project, and may just take an hour.

What to do if pilot light won t relight?

How to Fix Your Pilot Light
  1. Find your gas valve. ...
  2. You need to turn the valve to the off position for at least three minutes.
  3. Once you have had the valve at off for a few minutes, switch it over to pilot setting.
  4. You will need a match that is lit. ...
  5. Set the pilot valve to the on position.

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