How to Light the Pilot on a Gas Log Insert

Open the gas fireplace doors and find the access to the controls on your gas logs. The main control knob and ignitor is usually behind a panel at the bottom of the fireplace. Open the panel to gain access to the controls. The gas control valve is either inside the control access or is a switch on the front wall.

Turn the gas control valve to the “off” position. Wait five minutes to allow excess gas to dissipate. Turn the gas control valve back to the “on” position.

Push the main control knob inward with your fingers. The main control knob has an “off”, “on”, and “pilot” stamp around the circumference. Rotate the knob clockwise to the “pilot” position. Each position has an indicator that lines up with an indicator on the body of the controls.

Press the red ignitor button, while holding the control knob inward with your free hand. It might be necessary to push the ignitor button several times to ignite the pilot tube. If you do not have an igniter on your gas logs, hold a lit fireplace match over the pilot tube until the pilot lights. The pilot tube is behind the controls.

Hold the main control knob inward in the “pilot” position for 30 seconds once the pilot light is lit. This allows time for the thermocouple to heat. Rotate the main control knob to the “on” position and release the knob. Place the access cover back into position.