Q&A

Why would the pilot light go out on my gas fireplace?

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Why would the pilot light go out on my gas fireplace?

Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds. If you believe there is a serious problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.

How do you fix a gas fireplace that keeps going out?

Easy DIY Fix: Gas Fireplace Won’t Stay Lit

  1. Before You Begin: Is Your Pilot Light Lit Inside Fireplace?
  2. The Fix: Pilot Light to Gas Fireplace Won’t Stay Lit.
  3. Check Your Thermopile Output with the TH/TP Contacts.
  4. Don’t Replace Your Thermopile or Thermocouple Right Away.
  5. Cleaning the Thermopile.
  6. Re-test the Cleaned Thermopile.

How do you clean a thermocouple on a gas fireplace?

How to Clean the Thermocouple in a Gas Fireplace

  1. Turn off the fireplace gas valve and remove the front panel from the fireplace.
  2. Find the thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe.
  3. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple.
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How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my gas fireplace?

Light the pilot and observe the quality and size of the flame. It should be mostly blue, burn steadily and be large enough to engulf the thermocouple probe. If it’s yellow or orange, undersized and unsteady, the pilot tube is probably clogged, and it needs to be cleaned.

Will gas shut off if pilot light goes out?

This is because all modern gas appliances with pilot lights have a fail-safe device that closes off the gas to the appliance in the case when the pilot may go out. If the pilot light goes out for any reason, the current stops, the valve closes, thus preventing any gas from leaking.

What does it mean when your pilot light won’t stay lit?

thermocouple
If your pilot light won’t stay alight, it might be the thermocouple. Sometimes dust buildup collects on the thermocouple and blocks the sensor. Try cleaning the thermocouple and then relighting the pilot light. If it continues to go out, the thermocouple might need to be replaced.

Does the pilot light stay on in a gas fireplace?

Most gas fireplaces rely on a “continuous pilot light,” a type of pilot that remains lit so long as gas is flowing to the unit. Some newer, more energy-efficient models rely on an electronic ignition that only lights the pilot when the fireplace itself is turned on.

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How do you know if you have a bad thermocouple?

If you can’t get the flame to light at all, and you’re sure the gas is on, there’s probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that’s the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.

How long does a thermocouple last?

Thermocouples can last up to 10 years if properly installed and maintained, while furnaces can last 15-20 years, although either may wear out sooner in multifamily units.

What are the symptoms of a bad thermocouple?

Can a thermocouple be cleaned?

Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up.

How do you fix a pilot light that keeps going out?

If it’s filthy shut your gas off so that the unit can cool down, then gently clean it by carefully rubbing it with fine grain sandpaper. When you’re done, simply turn the gas back on and light the pilot again. If dirt or grime was the issue, your light shouldn’t go out again!

Why does a pilot light go out on a gas fireplace?

The pilot light may accidentally go out from a gush of chimney air when the fireplace is vented through a chimney or the pilot may be turned off to conserve gas during the warmer months of non-use.

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How do I light the pilot on my gas fireplace?

Light the pilot on a gas-log fireplace by turning the gas flow knob to the “pilot” setting, holding the knob in and using a match to ignite the pilot. After lighting the pilot, continue to hold the control knob in for about 30 seconds, or the pilot may go out. Once the pilot stays lit by itself, turn the gas flow knob to the “on” position.

How to light the pilot light on a gas fireplace?

Turn the knob from the “Off” to the “Pilot” position.

  • Push in the pilot knob,which manually sends gas into the system.
  • Push the igniter button once every second until it lights.
  • After the pilot lights,keep the pilot button held down about 15 to 30 seconds to warm up the thermocouple and ensure that the flame stays lit.
  • Release the pilot knob.

    • Why you should turn off your gas fireplace pilot light?

    Here are good reasons to turn off your gas fireplace pilot in the summer: When your pilot light remains on, a small amount of heat is generated. When your pilot light is off, you save money and help to conserve energy. If a pilot light on a gas fireplace is left on for long periods of time without also turning on the fireplace’s main burner, a white sulfur-based film tends to