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Most gas fireplaces have a standing pilot light, which is a small flame that burns even when you aren’t using the fireplace. This makes the fireplace easy to start when it’s cold outside. Some people like to turn this off when the weather warms to conserve gas. If you turn the gas off, you have to eventually have to turn it back on. The process may not be exactly the same for all models, for instance, older models may not have an electronic spark. Even if the procedure is slightly different, we think you can get by with these steps to light a gas fireplace pilot light.

Here We Go! Getting Started

Remove the cover to the fireplace to reveal the gas controls at the bottom of the unit, near the floor (these usually flip down). You should see a gas shut-off valve. The knob will have a directional indicator. Turn the knob to the direction of the gas pipes to turn on the gas. If you don’t see the valve, it is probably behind the fireplace or located to the left or right. Look for it there and turn it on.

Turning it On

Locate the gas control knob. Just above it, you should see a red or black push button, which means that the unit has a piezoelectric spark mechanism. Press the button once or twice to verify that there is a spark at the end of the pilot tube (If you see a spark you are in good shape). If you don’t see a button, you must light the flame manually.

Turn the gas control until the “Pilot” setting lines up with the hash mark on the outer rim of the control. Push the button in while you push the starter. If the pilot doesn’t light, wait 10-15 seconds and push again. Continue doing this until the pilot starts. At this point, if you need help give us a call!

Lighting Up

Now comes the part that makes the gas fireplace so convenient (We also install remote controls) lighting the flame that will hopefully stay on for as long as needed. Light the flame by pressing the spark button also known as the piezoelectric control. Hold the gas control button down while you push the spark button. The pilot should start as soon as the spark ignites.

Hold the pilot button down for about 20 seconds to give the thermocouple time to heat up, then release it. The pilot should stay lit. If it doesn’t, relight it and hold the button a little longer. Turn the knob to the “On” position, then replace the fixed glass assembly and the decorative cover. If you are having problems at this point just call us. Your fireplace unit might need an inspection or repair.

Troubleshooting and Service

***If the fireplace is new or the pilot hasn’t been lit for a long time, there might be air in the pilot tube. This makes it hard to light. In this case, the line has to be bled of air. If you find that you need to frequently light the pilot, the pilot tube may be blocked with debris so be sure to clean the end of the tube with a pin.

If the pilot is particularly hard to start, and you begin to smell gas, stop and wait for the gas to disperse before trying again. Lighting it while there’s a strong gas smell could be dangerous so try ventilating the area for a few minutes before attempting to light the pilot again.

Call GFS if you experience any of these problems with your Gas Fireplace Logs. Your unit may need to be serviced or mechanical parts replaced.

Watch our YouTube video about keeping the pilot light burning all year long!