No matter the reason, there will come a time you will need to ignite your fireplace pilot light. Most fireplaces and stoves have a card attached to them detailing the steps to light it. Often removed, or lost during installation, we will outline the proper steps in this article.

Before you attempt to light your pilot light, ensure the area is safe.  Follow these simple steps to ensure your safety while lighting the pilot.

  1. Do not turn on if children or other at-risk individuals are near the appliance.
  2. Most appliances are equipped with an ignition device which automatically lights the pilot. Do not try to light the pilot by hand.
  3. Before operating, smell all around the appliance for gas and next to the floor because some gas is heavier than air and will settle on the floor.
  4. Do not use this appliance if any part has been under water. Immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect the appliance and replace any part of the gas control system which has been underwater.

Following these steps should ensure safe and proper lighting of your pilot light.

  1. Remove Batteries from the remote transmitter and set thermostat to lowest setting, if equipped.
  2. Turn off all electrical power to the appliance.
  3. Open the glass door, if equipped.
  4. Turn the gas knob clockwise to the “OFF” position.
  5. Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any gas. If you smell gas including near the floor, STOP! Follow the instructions below in the “WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS” section. If you don’t smell gas; close the door and go the next step.
  6. If the appliance is equipped with a flame adjustment valve turn clockwise to “OFF”.
  7. Turn gas knob counterclockwise to the “PILOT” position. (If the appliance is equipped with an “ON/OFF” switch, ensure it is in the “ON” position)
  8. Depress and hold the gas knob while lighting the pilot with the push button igniter. Keep the knob fully depressed for one minute, then release. If pilot does not continue to burn, repeat steps 1 through 8.
  9. With pilot lit, turn gas knob counterclockwise to the “ON” position.
  10. If equipped with the flame adjustment valve, push and turn the knob to high.
  11. Turn on all electrical power to the appliance and re-install the batteries into the remote transmitter, if equipped. Set thermostat to desired setting, if equipped.

What to do if you smell gas:

  • Turn off all gas to the appliance
  • Open Windows
  • Do not try to light any appliance
  • Do not touch any electric switch; do not use any phones in your building
  • Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s instructions.
  • If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.

To Turn off gas

  • Set thermostat to lowest setting, if equipped
  • Turn off the remote wall switch to the appliance
  • Turn off all electrical power to the appliance if service is to be performed
  • Turn off manual shutoff valve clockwise to the “OFF” position. DO NOT force.

You may also refer to the troubleshooting section of your installation manual.