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.
When I turn on my gas fireplace the pilot light goes out?
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. Its purpose is to not allow the gas valve to open if the pilot light isn’t lit.
Why does the flame go out on my gas fireplace?
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.
How do you fix a gas fireplace that won’t 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.
How do I clean the thermocouple on my gas fireplace?
How to Clean a Thermocouple on a Gas Fireplace [3 Steps]
- Step 1: Leave the gas to cool first if it has been burning.
- Step 2: Polish the thermocouple.
- Step 3: Blow it out.
- Step 4: Light the gas.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my gas fireplace?
Quote from Youtube video: Up next with your voltmeter probes in place light the pilot light and keep the knob depressed. Since your thermocouple is disconnected from the valve the pilot will not stay on unless you keep holding
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace?
between $150 and $250
When replacing a thermocouple or thermopile with the help of a professional, you can expect to pay between $150 and $250.
What do you do when the pilot light goes out on your fireplace?
If you notice your pilot light has gone out, the first thing you should do is shut off the gas feed and wait a few minutes. This will assure no excess gas has built up in the system or in the room.
Does a gas fireplace pilot light stay on?
Should The Pilot Light Always Be On In A Gas Fireplace? For standing pilot gas fireplaces, the pilot light should typically always remain on when the gas fireplace will be used for a period of time.
Why does pilot go out?
Improper Venting & Airflow
Sometimes a pilot light can go out as a result of some source of wind or air simply blowing it out. If this happens, there could be an issue with how your flue pipe is set up or how your system is venting.
How long does a thermocouple last on a gas fireplace?
ten years
The thermocouple usually lasts for ten years. However, if it malfunctions, the pilot will not light, and the fireplace will not operate. As a result, a thermocouple is a crucial component in the operation of a fireplace.
Does cleaning a thermocouple help?
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.
How long should 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.
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. It will shut the gas off if it’s not.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad?
After about a minute, when you’re sure the probe has gotten hot, place one lead on the shaft of the thermocouple and the other lead on the connector. If the reading is less than 25 millivolts, the thermocouple is bad and needs to be replaced.
Should thermocouple be in pilot flame?
The pilot flame should touch the thermocouple at a specific level. If the flame is blue and weak, and barely reaches the thermocouple, it needs to be stronger. If it extends well above the thermocouple, it’s too strong.
Why is my pilot light flame too high?
So, if your pilot light flame also tends to be too high, ensure that your fireplace doesn’t have a button to bring the flame up or downward. If there’s no such button, adjust a screw on the fireplace. Turning it clockwise will reduce the fire whilst moving the opposite direction will raise it.
Can you adjust pilot light flame?
Adjusting the Pilot Flame
If the pilot flame is too small, you may be able to make it larger by turning the pilot adjustment screw on the valve control counterclockwise with a screwdriver to open it.
What color should pilot flame be?
bright blue color
Inspecting a Gas Furnace Pilot Light Flame
A natural gas flame should be a bright blue color with a small amount of yellow at the very tip. A propane flame will have more of a bluish-green flame with a tinge of yellow at the tip. The flame should strong enough to cover about 1/2 inch at the end of the thermocouple tip.
Can a pilot light cause carbon monoxide?
A yellow or orange pilot light will produce carbon monoxide – an odourless, colourless gas that can fill your home and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of this condition include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, unconsciousness, brain damage and death.
Why is my fireplace pilot light orange?
If your pilot light’s flame is orange or yellow, it is burning inefficiently due to a lack of oxygen. The thermocouple should sense when this happens because the heat from the flame will not be as hot as it should be.
