In this video I discuss a DIY gas fireplace repair for a gas fireplace not turning on or just won't stay lit. This is Part 1 of a two video series discussing common reasons why a gas fireplace is not turning on or staying lit. In Part 2 I'll discuss 8 of the most common reasons why a gas fireplace is not turning on or turns on but doesn't stay lit;
You can read the complete article including photos and more details on Part 1 here: https://fireandairaz.com/gas-fireplac...
Part 2 can be found here: https://fireandairaz.com/gas-fireplac...
Highlight of the complete article found on the Magic Touch Mechanical website:
First, Is Your Pilot Light Lit?
Nothing irks me more than when I call my internet service provider to report an outage and they ask me if my modem is plugged in. That said, you know there’s a reason they have to ask that right? You know there is a percentage of people that probably say; “Oops never mind.” Again, I hate to say it but… is your gas even turned on? We see a few a year where the gas isn’t on or the propane tank is empty!
Step 1: Verify both your gas key valve and the ball valve on the gas flex line (if equipped) are both on. If you use propane, check to make sure you have propane in the tank.
Step 2: Have you checked to see if your pilot light control knob is in the off position? If it is, light the pilot by following the instructions on your hearth or in your user manual.
PRO TIP: If you do not know how to light a pilot light, check for gas flow, or verify you have propane, you need to call a pro rather than reading on. I’m not trying to be mean – I’m trying to advise you to stay safe!
Did That Work?
YES: If you lit your pilot light and everything appears to be functioning normally now, you are good to go! However, consider calling a pro to perform maintenance and cleaning of your fireplace. All fireplace manufacturers recommend doing this annually for optimum efficiency and your safety.
NO: If you’ve verified you have fuel flowing and your fireplace still doesn’t light, or comes on and shuts off soon thereafter keep reading.
My Fireplace Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
fireplace repair service nearbyIf the pilot light on your gas fireplace won’t stay lit, a very likely culprit is a component called a thermocouple. A thermocouple is a safety device and is a component of the ignition system. Its purpose is to prevent the gas valve from opening if the pilot light isn’t lit. Without this device, your gas valve could allow gas to leak into your home…enough said right?
The thermocouple is a metal rod that sticks out right in front of the pilot itself. It senses if flame is present or not. If the pilot light is lit, it heats up the thermocouple. This opens the gas valve and allows gas to enter the burner ports…and voila, fire!
Step 3: Is your pilot light staying on after you lit it and turned the knob to the ON position?
Did That Work?
YES: It appears you simply had to turn the knob from OFF or PILOT to ON and now your hearth will do the rest. Enjoy your fire, but remember, it’s still good to have a pro check everything out.
NO: You’re still reading so I guess there was no “voila” for you. Don’t worry, we’re just getting warmed up (no pun intended).
SORT OF: If you verified gas flow, lit the pilot and it stayed lit, and then got flames but they went out quickly, keep reading!
Try Cleaning Off Your Thermocouple if Your Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
It’s not unusual for the thermocouple to collect carbon deposit buildup after a season of use. After all, your thermocouple is sitting in a direct flame the majority of the time. Carbon buildup is a grayish – blackish powdery coating that makes the thermocouple metal look dull.
Step 4: If after inspection you determine there is a carbon buildup on your thermocouple, try cleaning it off. The best way to do this is with a strip of fine grit sandpaper. Lightly rub it back and forth until the metal appears to shine again. Often, you’ll find that’s enough to fix a fireplace that won’t stay lit.
Did That Work?
YES: If that worked and your fireplace stays lit, you’re problems are most likely no more! (Do me a favor in return and go give us and this blog a good review on Google for saving you some $$). Verify it worked by cycling your fireplace on and off several times. If it continues to light and stay lit, you’re good to go. If it doesn’t continue to stay lit you most likely have a weak thermocouple that needs to be replaced.
NO: If that didn’t work, the technician in me wants to recommend you call a pro at this point. It’s not a very expensive repair to have a fireplace service contractor repair this problem (in most cases). Plus, the contractor can test all the other components and even clean your whole hearth for you while he or she’s there. Chances are, if your thermocouple is worn out, it’s probably been much more than a year since you’ve had your hearth inspected – it’s time.
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