In most cases, yes — relighting the pilot light on your gas fireplace is something you can safely do yourself, and it does not require a licensed gasfitter. However, there are important safety steps to follow, and there are situations where you should stop and call a professional instead.
What Is a Pilot Light and Why Does It Go Out?
A pilot light is a small, continuously burning flame inside your gas fireplace that ignites the main burner when you turn the fire on. It can go out for several reasons:
- A strong draught or gust of wind through the flue
- A temporary interruption to your gas supply
- A dirty or faulty thermocouple (the safety sensor that detects the pilot flame)
- The fireplace being unused for an extended period
If the pilot light goes out repeatedly, that's a sign something else is wrong and you should call a licensed gasfitter rather than keep relighting it.
Is Relighting a Pilot Light Restricted Work in NZ?
Under New Zealand law, gasfitting work — such as installing, altering, or repairing gas appliances and pipework — must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter registered with the Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board (PGDB). However, simply relighting a pilot light using the appliance's built-in ignition system is not considered gasfitting work and is something a homeowner can do themselves.
What you must NOT attempt yourself:
- Adjusting or replacing the thermocouple or thermopile
- Replacing gas valves or burner components
- Any work on the gas pipework or connections
- Adjusting the pilot flame size or gas pressure
These tasks are restricted work and must only be done by a licensed gasfitter.
Safety First — Before You Start
Never ignore the smell of gas. If you can smell gas strongly in the room, do not attempt to relight the pilot. Leave the house, leave doors open as you go, and call your gas retailer's emergency line or 111. Do not operate any electrical switches.
For a normal relight situation:
- Make sure the room is reasonably ventilated
- Check that your gas supply is turned on at the meter or cylinder
- Wait at least 5 minutes after the pilot goes out before attempting to relight, to allow any residual gas to disperse
- Keep children and pets clear of the fireplace
- Have the manufacturer's manual on hand — instructions vary between models
WorkSafe NZ has general guidance on working safely around gas appliances.
How to Relight a Gas Fireplace Pilot Light
While exact steps vary by brand and model, most modern gas fireplaces follow a similar process. Always refer to your appliance's manual first — if you don't have it, search the manufacturer's website using your model number.
General Steps
- Locate the gas control valve — usually behind the lower grille or access panel of the fireplace.
- Turn the control knob to the "OFF" position and wait at least 5 minutes.
- Turn the knob to the "PILOT" position — this allows a small amount of gas to flow to the pilot only.
- Press and hold the knob in (or press a separate red ignition button) while pressing the piezo igniter button repeatedly until the pilot lights. Some older models require a long lighter or match.
- Continue holding the knob in for 20–30 seconds after the pilot lights — this heats the thermocouple so it holds the valve open.
- Slowly release the knob. If the pilot stays lit, turn the knob to the "ON" position. If it goes out, wait 5 minutes and try again.
- Replace the access panel and test the main burner.
| Step | What You're Doing | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Wait 5 min | Letting gas disperse | Prevents ignition of accumulated gas |
| Hold knob in | Bypassing the safety valve | Allows gas to reach pilot |
| Hold after lighting | Heating the thermocouple | Tells the valve the pilot is lit |
| Release slowly | Testing the thermocouple | Confirms the safety system is working |
What If the Pilot Won't Stay Lit?
If the pilot lights but goes out as soon as you release the knob, the thermocouple is likely dirty, worn out, or faulty. This is a common issue with older fireplaces. Replacing a thermocouple is restricted gasfitting work — you'll need to call a licensed gasfitter.
Other reasons to call a professional:
- You can smell gas even after the pilot is lit
- The pilot flame looks weak, yellow, or irregular (it should be a steady blue flame)
- The fireplace hasn't been serviced in more than two years
- You're unsure of any step in the process
Regular servicing by a licensed gasfitter is recommended every one to two years to keep your appliance safe and efficient. This aligns with good practice and general safety requirements for gas appliances.
When to Call a Professional
Call a licensed gasfitter if:
- The pilot won't stay lit after two or three attempts
- You smell gas at any point
- Any component appears damaged or corroded
- You need the thermocouple, valve, or any part replaced
- Your fireplace hasn't been serviced recently
You can find qualified, local gasfitters on tradedirectory.co.nz — look for someone with current PGDB registration.
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