How to Restart Pilot Light on Fireplace

by 

Scott Sample

  Sep 9, 2023 5:39 PM

The pilot light is a small but mighty flame that burns constantly in your fireplace, keeping it ready to be ignited whenever you need it. It's an essential part of most gas fireplaces, stoves, and other appliances that rely on gas combustion. The purpose of the pilot light is to ignite the gas supply when you turn on the fireplace, ensuring a safe and controlled fire. If the pilot light goes out, your fireplace won’t function, and you’ll be left without heat on a cold evening. So, understanding how to restart it is crucial.

In the event that your pilot light fails, it’s not always a sign of something wrong with your fireplace, it might simply need a reset. Knowing how to restart the pilot light is a skill that every fireplace owner should have in their toolkit. This article will guide you through the process, breaking down the steps to ensure you get your fireplace up and running again with ease.

The process is simpler than it may seem, but it requires patience and attention to detail. Understanding where your pilot light is located, how to safely relight it, and what to do if the issue persists can save you both time and money. A properly functioning pilot light ensures the safe operation of your fireplace, providing comfort and warmth without unnecessary hassle.

Before you attempt to restart the pilot light, it’s essential to know where it is located. Each model may have its own setup, but most pilot lights are located near the bottom of the fireplace, close to the burner. Some fireplaces may have a panel or door that needs to be removed to access the pilot light. Check the manufacturer’s manual for specific instructions on where to find the pilot light on your model.

Once you’ve located the pilot light, you may see a small flame burning constantly. If this is the case, but your fireplace is still not working, the flame could be too weak or the flame sensor might be faulty. On the other hand, if you don't see a flame at all, it's likely that the pilot light has gone out, and it’s time to relight it.

For safety purposes, make sure to turn off the gas valve and allow any gas to dissipate before proceeding. Never attempt to relight the pilot light immediately after it has gone out, as the area could be filled with gas, which poses a risk of explosion.

Once you've accessed the pilot light, the next step is to ensure that all gas supply to the fireplace is turned off. This is an important safety measure. Gas leaks can lead to dangerous situations, so it’s crucial to be cautious. Find the gas control valve on your fireplace, which is typically located near the bottom of the unit. It should have a clearly labeled “OFF” position. Turn it to the “OFF” setting and wait for about 5 minutes to allow any gas in the area to clear out.

This waiting period is essential as it helps prevent any potential gas buildup that could lead to an explosion or fire when you relight the pilot light. While waiting, it’s a good time to check the surrounding area of the fireplace to make sure it’s clean and clear of debris.

Once you've waited for a few minutes, you can safely proceed to relight the pilot light.

Now that your fireplace is prepared, it’s time to relight the pilot light. This process typically involves turning the gas valve to the "Pilot" setting, then using a lighter or match to ignite the pilot. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Turn the gas valve to "Pilot": This will allow gas to flow to the pilot light, but not to the main burner just yet.
    
2. Hold down the pilot light button: This button is usually located near the gas valve and must be pressed to allow gas to flow to the pilot light.
    
3. Light the pilot light: While holding the button down, light the pilot light with a match or long lighter. You should see a small blue flame appear.
    
4. Hold the button down for 30 seconds: After lighting the pilot, continue holding the button down for about 30 seconds to ensure the flame stays lit. If the flame goes out, repeat the process.
    

If your pilot light doesn’t stay lit, there could be an issue with the thermocouple or thermopile, which are components that help maintain the flame. These parts may need to be replaced, and it’s a good idea to contact a professional if you're unable to get the pilot light to stay on after several attempts.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the pilot light just won’t stay lit or refuses to ignite altogether. Here are some common reasons this might happen:

1. Faulty Thermocouple or Thermopile: If these components are broken or malfunctioning, they will fail to send the necessary signal to keep the gas flowing. A replacement may be needed.
    
2. Clogged Pilot Tube: Over time, dust, dirt, or debris can build up in the pilot tube, preventing the flow of gas to the pilot light. Cleaning the pilot tube can solve this issue.
    
3. Gas Supply Issues: If your home’s gas supply has been turned off or if the gas line is blocked, your fireplace won’t be able to ignite properly. Check with your gas provider if you suspect a problem with the supply.
    

In some cases, the pilot light may be very difficult to relight if the gas pressure is too low or the flame is insufficient. This is especially common in older fireplaces or models that have not been serviced in a while.

Before you attempt to restart your pilot light, it’s essential to be mindful of certain safety precautions:

• Turn off the gas supply: Always ensure the gas is turned off before trying to relight the pilot. This helps avoid dangerous gas leaks.
   
• Never use an open flame: When lighting the pilot light, use a long match or lighter, never an open flame. Keep your hands away from the burner area to avoid burns.
   
• Wait for gas to dissipate: After turning off the gas supply, wait several minutes before lighting the pilot light to allow any residual gas to clear out.
   

By following these precautions, you ensure a safe and efficient process when restarting the pilot light.

If you've followed the steps to restart the pilot light but it won't stay lit, don't panic. This issue is more common than you might think, and there are several possible explanations. One of the most common culprits is a faulty thermocouple. This small device detects the flame from the pilot light and sends a signal to the gas valve to keep the gas flowing. If the thermocouple is malfunctioning, it may not sense the flame, causing the gas to shut off prematurely.

Another potential issue could be a dirty or clogged pilot tube. Over time, dust and debris can build up inside the tube, restricting the flow of gas to the pilot light. A simple cleaning can often solve this problem. If neither of these solutions works, the issue may lie with the gas supply itself, such as low gas pressure or a blocked gas line. If you suspect a gas supply problem, it’s important to contact a professional to inspect the system.

In cases where you have an electronic ignition system, there could be a malfunction with the spark generator or ignition electrode. These components are responsible for igniting the gas when you try to light the pilot. If they are faulty, the pilot light may not be able to ignite or stay lit. Replacing these components often requires professional help.

If at any point during the process you smell gas, stop immediately. Safety is the number one priority, and a gas leak can lead to a dangerous situation. Here’s what to do if you detect gas:

1. Turn off the gas supply: Immediately turn the gas valve to the “OFF” position.
    
2. Ventilate the area: Open windows and doors to allow any gas in the room to dissipate. It’s important to clear the area of gas before attempting to relight the pilot.
    
3. Leave the area: If the smell persists, evacuate your home and call your gas provider or a professional plumber to inspect the system.
    
4. Do not use electrical switches: Avoid flipping light switches or using any appliances that could spark, as this may ignite the gas.
    

A gas leak can be extremely dangerous, and it’s better to err on the side of caution. If you are uncertain about the situation, it’s always safer to call in a professional who can diagnose and fix any issues.

In some cases, despite your best efforts, you may need to call in a professional to address pilot light issues. If the pilot light keeps going out or refuses to light, it may be due to a faulty component that requires replacement. Some common reasons to call a professional include:

• Persistent pilot light problems: If you’ve tried everything, and the pilot light still won’t stay lit, a professional can help troubleshoot deeper issues with the gas valve, thermocouple, or ignition system.
   
• Gas leaks: If you suspect a gas leak or smell gas, it’s important to contact a professional immediately to prevent any potential hazards.
   
• Old or outdated fireplace units: Older fireplace models may require more frequent maintenance and repairs, including replacing parts that no longer function properly.
   

A licensed gas technician will have the expertise to properly diagnose the problem and ensure the safety and functionality of your fireplace. While DIY fixes can solve many common problems, some issues are better left to the professionals for both safety and efficiency.

Once you’ve successfully relit your pilot light, it’s important to take steps to prevent future issues. Here are a few tips to keep your pilot light burning bright and your fireplace running smoothly:

1. Regular maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance checks for your fireplace, particularly if you have an older model. This will help identify and fix potential issues before they become major problems.
    
2. Keep the area clean: Make sure that the area around your fireplace and pilot light is clean and free of debris. Dust, dirt, and cobwebs can cause issues with the pilot light and lead to gas flow problems.
    
3. Use the fireplace regularly: Using your fireplace consistently will keep the pilot light from going out. If the fireplace sits unused for long periods, the pilot light may be more prone to going out when you need it most.
    
4. Check the gas supply: Ensure your gas supply is consistent and in good condition. Low gas pressure or other issues with the supply line can cause problems with the pilot light.
    

By taking these preventative steps, you can extend the life of your fireplace and avoid frequent issues with the pilot light. Regular care and attention are key to ensuring your fireplace works when you need it most.