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One of the main reasons why your gas fireplace keeps shutting down is likely due to the pilot light. When you turn on the fire, the pilot light button needs to be held in so that it can light the fire. Understandably, if your fire is not catching, or if the fire keeps going out, it could be due to the pilot light.
How do you fix a gas fireplace that keeps going out?
Easy DIY Fix: Gas Fireplace Won’t Stay Lit Before You Begin: Is Your Pilot Light Lit Inside Fireplace? The Fix: Pilot Light to Gas Fireplace Won’t Stay Lit. Check Your Thermopile Output with the TH/TP Contacts. Don’t Replace Your Thermopile or Thermocouple Right Away. Cleaning the Thermopile. Re-test the Cleaned Thermopile.
Why does the fire in my gas fireplace keep going out?
A common problem with gas fireplaces lies in the components called the ignition assembly. When a fireplace refuses to remain lit, there’s probably an issue in one of the several pieces that make up the ignition assembly, which are: the pilot light assembly, pilot tubing, thermocouple, and thermopile.
How do I clean the thermocouple on my gas fireplace?
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.
How long do gas fireplaces last?
How Long Can a Gas Fireplace Last? Generally speaking, you can get a good ten to fifteen years of use before you need to replace your gas fireplace.
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.
Do gas fireplaces have an automatic shut off?
Nearly every new gas fireplace comes equipped with safety features such as a 100% fail-safe shut-off valve. If the pilot flame goes out, the gas flow will automatically turn off. This device automatically shuts the gas off if the temperature in the fireplace gets too cold or if too much carbon monoxide builds up.
How long does a thermocouple last on a gas fireplace?
How to Tell if You Have a Bad Thermocouple? 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.
Can you clean a thermal coupler?
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. Cleaning a thermocouple is not a fix for an issue, such as inaccurate readings.
Do gas fireplaces need to be cleaned?
While gas fireplaces don’t produce creosote, they do still need annual cleaning. A chimney sweeping in your gas fireplace will help remove items like bird’s nests, animals, and any debris that may have gotten trapped in there as well any potential soot. Furthermore, a chimney sweeping is often also an inspection.
Does my gas fire need servicing?
Your gas fire needs to be safety checked and serviced at least once a year for the safety and well-being of you, your family, and anyone else entering your home. The main concern is the danger of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
How do you maintain a gas fireplace?
5 Tips on How to Care for a Gas Fireplace Clean glass as needed. Most gas fireplace doors are removable for easy cleaning. Clean interior as needed. Using the wand attachment, gently vacuum dust and debris from the fireplace interior. Clean logs. Replace batteries. Inspections.
How do you check if a thermocouple is working?
Place one test lead on the side of the thermocouple and the other to the end that screws into the gas valve. If the thermocouple has proper continuity, a small resistance reading should be visible on the multimeter. Many multimeters also indicate continuity with an audio alert.
Is it okay to run a gas fireplace all night?
The short answer is this: gas fireplaces that are fully vented and have safely and properly sealed glass fronts are fine to be left alone to run continuously.
Can you run a gas fireplace all day?
You can run a vented gas fireplace all day with little concern for anything other than gas usage.
Why does my pilot light keep going out?
A faulty, misaligned, dirty, or damaged thermocouple is often the culprit behind your pilot light going out. The thermocouple is an automatic safety shutoff device that prevents the gas valve from opening if the pilot light is out.
What does it mean when your pilot light won’t stay lit?
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.
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.
How much does a thermocouple cost?
It costs $150 to $250 to replace a thermocouple. It checks to make sure the pilot light is on.
Can I replace a thermocouple myself?
1 cause of pilot lights that won’t stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. It’s easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Then detach the thermocouple from the burner and take it with you to the home center or hardware store to ensure you buy the right replacement.
What happens if a thermocouple fails?
Normally when the thermocouple malfunctions or isn’t working, it simply shuts off the gas to your heater. This is important, particularly if the pilot light is out, because it prevents harmful gas from leaking into your home.
Why is my thermocouple not working?
If the appliance has a thermocouple, the problem may be a faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple, which operates as a safety device, turns the gas supply off when the pilot light goes out. When a thermocouple fails, the pilot light won’t stay lighted. A burned out or broken thermocouple should be replaced.
