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 do my gas logs keep cutting off?
This could be because there is dust or debris in the pilot light. This will affect how the fire catches, and the lazy flame created disrupts the main flame. This will then have a knock on effect on the fire itself, and can cause it to shut off.
How do you fix a gas fireplace that won’t stay lit?
Youtube quote:Okay spark some other time but you can see a little bit on this thermal pile here. This has got some build up and crap on it and i'm sure the thermocouple does too. So let's see if we can get this
Why does my gas fireplace keep going out and then back on?
Bad Thermo Couple or Thermo Pile
A thermo couple is a sensor device that detects heat and permits the pilot light to stay lit. One of these devices could have gone bad or may have shorted out, causing your fireplace to turn shut down or turn back on at random.
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 fire keep going out in my fireplace?
While the most common causes of log burners going out are insufficient oxygen, fuel or heat, stoves also rely on a properly functioning chimney. The purpose of this is to draw out exhaust fumes that could suffocate your fire.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my gas fireplace?
Youtube quote:You should replace the thermocouple. So to recap the readings to look for are 8 to 30 millivolts. And if the readings are less than 7million. You should replace the thermocouple.
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.
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.
Where is the thermocouple located on a gas fireplace?
The thermocouple is a thermally sensitive device that communicates with the gas valve via a modest electrical pulse. It’s installed on top of your gas furnace. Whenever the pilot is on, it transmits an electric signal that maintains the gas valve open. The thermocouple usually lasts for ten years.
How much does it cost to replace 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.
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.
Can you fix thermocouple?
If the pilot lights but the flame goes out as soon as you release the button after holding it for 60 seconds, then the thermocouple is bad. It’s possible to replace the thermocouple without removing the burner assembly, and many repair people do this.
How do you know if thermocouple is broken?
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.
How often should thermocouple be replaced?
The fireplace has thermocouples and switches. The thermocouples should last for a long time. According to experts, a four-year check cycle is all that is needed.
How do you bypass a thermocouple?
Youtube quote:Okay that's the thermocouple here's a main igniter wire. And here is the tube that gives you propane. So you follow this wire down.
Does a thermocouple need to be in the flame?
Typically the thermocouple sensor is mounted right in the flame of the pilot light on gas fired heating equipment. But not all of these systems use a thermocouple. Some gas fired heating equipment relies on an electronic ignition to ignite the flame. Those devices generally will not use a thermocouple.
Does gas go through a thermocouple?
Because the thermocouple shuts off the gas supply when it doesn’t sense a flame, it prevents your furnace from receiving any gas when the pilot light is out.
