Why does my gas fireplace light and then go out?
Drip Loop: moisture in the gas line can cause a failure in the drip loop. This could be the reason why your fireplace won’t stay lit. Moisture can dilute the natural gas, so you’ll want to have a professional see if this is the problem at hand.
Why doesn’t my gas fireplace turn on when I flip the switch?
What can happen over the years, is that the connections inside the switch can get dirty, corroded, or broken, causing a loss of this voltage at the switch. So by the time the small amount of voltage gets sent back to the fireplace, it is not enough to signal the fireplace to turn on.
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.
How do you clean a thermocouple on a 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. …
- Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple.
- Wipe away any remaining dirt or soot on the thermocouple with a clean, dry cloth.
Why does my gas fireplace shut off after 20 minutes?
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.
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. Another safety device is a safety pilot.
Why is my gas fireplace not turning on?
Check the Spark Igniter
If gas is coming out of the pilot but it still won’t light, the spark igniter could be the problem. You should clear out any debris between the igniter and thermocouple. Blowing compressed air into the pilot area, waiting a couple minutes, then trying again could help to fix the problem.
How do you manually turn 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. Depending on how long it’s been since the gas fireplace was last used, ignition may take multiple attempts.
Why does my gas fireplace not stay on?
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.
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 does a gas fireplace thermocouple look like?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: The thermocouple is thinner and it has a pointed.
Does cleaning a thermocouple help?
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.
Can I replace a thermocouple myself?
Thermocouples are designed to detect a pilot light’s loss of heat and close the gas valve to prevent a gas leak. Replacing a thermocouple is a relatively easy fix that can take less than two hours.
How do you check if a thermocouple is working?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Now just a triple check I will check the first lead that I first attached take it off the positive wire and then touch that across the sheets of the probe.
How do I know if my thermocouple is working?
Test the Thermocouple
If the thermocouple is working, you should be able to measure 30 to 40 millivolts of voltage at the connection end of the tube when the pilot flame is on. You can test this yourself using a multimeter, but you may need a helper to keep the pilot flame burning while you do it.
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.
How much does a thermocouple cost?
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. Rather than trying to unfasten the thermocouple inside the water heater’s burning chamber, it’s easier to remove the whole burner and thermocouple assembly.
What causes a thermocouple to fail?
A good thermocouple is going to be used, and that can lead to metal fatigue. Changes in temperature can cause regular expansion and contraction in metal, which will cause thermocouples to weaken over time. After enough time, metal fatigue can cause a thermocouple to break.
Can you bypass a 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.
Can a thermocouple be damaged?
There are any number of ways a thermocouple can fail. It can short out, the sheath can fail, it can be damaged during operation or installation, it can be improperly installed, etc. The key is to perform a thorough root-cause analysis and prevent the failure again in the future, if possible.
