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When the pilot won’t light, you can often trace the problem to a lack of propane, either because the tank is empty or a valve is closed. If the pilot won’t stay lit, the problem is usually related to the thermocouple, a heat-sensitive electrode that signals the gas valve to stay open when the pilot is on.
Why does my gas fire pit keep shutting off?
If you get dust in the pilot assembly and the pilot needs to be cleaned out, it produces a “lazy” flame, which will be disturbed by the draught of the main burners. The flame lifts away from the thermocouple and causes the temperature on the tip of the thermocouple to drop. This, in turn, makes the gas valve shut off.
Why will my gas logs not stay lit?
The thermocouple and thermopile are the two most common reasons why a gas fireplace won’t stay lit. However, there are other possibilities out there. Another common culprit is incorrect gas pressure. As the seasons pass, you may find that your gas pressure drops below where it needs to be.
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. 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.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace?
If you need your pilot light fixed, most professionals will complete the repair for about $150, on average. When replacing a thermocouple or thermopile with the help of a professional, you can expect to pay between $150 and $250.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my gas fireplace?
The Fix: Pilot Light to Gas Fireplace Won’t Stay Lit So you’ve checked your pilot light and even reset it, but still, it wont stay lit. This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out.
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.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?
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.
What does a bad thermocouple look like?
Before jumping to the conclusion that the thermocouple is at fault, look at the pilot flame. If it appears small and has an orange-yellow tinge, it may be too weak to heat the thermocouple. The likely problem, again, is an obstruction in the pilot tube.
What is a thermocouple on a fire pit?
Thermocouple. Some fire pits have a thermocouple which senses the heat from the pilot light flame. That signals the gas valve to stay open when the pilot is on. Tighten all connections at the thermocouple and gas valve.
How do you bypass a thermocouple?
To bypass the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. Remove the valve using your pliers. Put your thermocouple back into position.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can a thermocouple be bad if the pilot stays lit?
The function of a thermocouple in a gas valve is to assure that an active pilot light is functioning properly to ignite any supply gas. If the thermocouple fails, for any reason, the gas flow must be shut down even if the pilot is properly lit. The function is termed a “Fail Safe” mode.
