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How to Clean the Thermocouple in a Gas Fireplace Turn off the fireplace gas valve and remove the front panel from the fireplace. Find the thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple.
Can you clean a thermocouple?
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.
Why won’t my pilot light stay lit on my gas fireplace?
If 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. The thermocouple is a metal rod that sticks out right in front of the pilot itself. It senses if flame is present or not.
How do you clean a dirty thermocouple?
The best way to clean your thermocouple is to use either a piece of steel wool or the coarse side of a sponge to gently clean off any soot or other remnants. You can use a pencil eraser to clean between the threads of the screw that connects the thermocouple to the control valve of your system.
How long does a fireplace 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.
How do you clean a clogged pilot light?
Use your pliers or wrench to remove the pilot light and thermocouple from the bracket. Using the wire brush, brush away the carbon buildup and soot from both components. For hard to reach areas and stubborn buildup, use the metal file. Wipe away dust with a soft cloth or burst of compressed air.
Can a pilot light get clogged?
Like any appliances that use combustion, your pilot light can one day become clogged up with carbon residue and/or soot. This is why it is recommended to clean it periodically to keep it in a proper working state.
Why does my pilot light keep going out on my gas logs?
The Fix: Pilot Light to Gas Fireplace Won’t Stay Lit This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out. However, if your pilot is lit but the gas fireplace isn’t, then there’s probably a problem with your thermopile.
Should I turn off the pilot light on my gas fireplace in the summer?
Your Utility Bill Perhaps the most important reason to turn off gas fireplace pilot light in summer is because of the money and energy you will be saving. If you leave the pilot light on during the summer it is simply sitting there burning gas, which is wasting gas and contributing to an exorbitant energy bill.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace?
When replacing a thermocouple or thermopile with the help of a professional, you can expect to pay between $150 and $250.
How can you tell if a thermocouple is bad?
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.
What can go wrong with a thermocouple?
Six Common Causes for Thermocouple Temperature Measurement Errors Selecting the Wrong Type of Thermocouple on the Transmitter. Problems Related to the Thermocouple Extension Wire. Inherent Variations in Alloys. Temperature Variations Around the Reference Junction Connection. Thermocouple Grounded at More Than One Location.
Can you bypass thermocouple?
Realistically, you have just disabled the thermocouple, but you can also reach in and unclip it from its holding bracket where it meets the pilot light. In most cases it will be held on with a gravity clip, but some are held on with a screw that must be removed with a small screwdriver.
How do you maintain a thermocouple?
A temperature indicator or recorder should be checked, either with a potential divider or a standard thermocouple at least once a month, whether it is used much or little. Terminals must be kept clean, insulation must be checked, and thermocouples themselves must be recalibrated.
Can you sand a thermocouple?
Water Heater Thermocouple Cleaning in 5 Steps This is always the first step when working on a water heater. Clean the thermocouple – using the emery cloth sandpaper, sand the ends of the thermocouple and then give it a finishing touch with the lint-free cloth.
How much does it cost to have a thermocouple replaced?
It costs $150 to $250 to replace a thermocouple. It checks to make sure the pilot light is on. It will shut the gas off if it’s not.
Can a thermocouple work intermittently?
In electrical circuits, the most unreliable points are electrical connections. So, if in a thermocouple circuit any of the connections suffer from corrosion or lack of intimate metal-to-metal contact, intermittent operation will result.
Are thermocouples universal?
Honeywell, White Rodgers, and other manufacturers make universal replacement thermocouples, usually with a 30-millivolts (mV) rating for standing-pilot furnaces. Electronic flame sensors are much less universal, and you must find the exact part specified for your furnace model.
