Why do my gas logs keep cutting off?

One of the main reasons why your gas fireplace keeps shutting down is likely due to the pilot light. This is an integral part of a gas fireplace, that kick starts the gas fire. When you turn on the fire, the pilot light button needs to be held in so that it can light the fire.

What causes a gas fireplace flame to go out?





Basically, if the oxygen percentage in a room drops, the flame shape is altered by its incomplete combustion. The heat is then removed from the thermocouple, shutting off the gas valve. If the oxypilot becomes blocked with dust or soot, the flame lifts away from the thermocouple or flame sensing electrode.

Why won’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.

Why won’t my gas logs ignite?

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 I know if my thermocouple is bad on my gas fireplace?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: 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 do you clean the burner port on a gas fireplace?





Scrub the burner ports with a soft brush or toothbrush. Use compressed air to clear debris from the burner ports. Vacuum a second time to remove newly loosened debris. Return rocks and logs to their previous position and relight your fireplace.

How do you clean a thermocouple on a gas fireplace?

How to Clean a Thermocouple on a Gas Fireplace [3 Steps]

  1. Step 1: Leave the gas to cool first if it has been burning.
  2. Step 2: Polish the thermocouple.
  3. Step 3: Blow it out.
  4. Step 4: Light the gas.


How do you clean a thermopile thermocouple?

To quickly clean your thermopile, turn off the gas supply. With the help of a stainless steel brush and fine-grit sandpaper, you can scrub off as much piled up soot as possible.

How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple on 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.

Where is thermocouple on gas fireplace?

Find the thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe.

How do I know if my 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 do you change a thermocouple on a propane fireplace?

Procedure for Replacing a Thermocouple



Turn off the gas supply to the gas valve. Use the wrench to unscrew the connector that holds the thermocouple to the gas valve, then unhook the probe from its clip and pull out the entire thermocouple assembly. Take the thermocouple to the hardware store to purchase a new one.

How long does a thermocouple last on a gas fireplace?

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 it cost to replace thermocouple?

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.

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.

What causes a thermocouple to burn out?

It’s Dirty. Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction.

What is the most common thermocouple failure mode?

The most common failure mode for thermocouples is for them to fail open, this is known as thermocouple burnout. Burnout can result from a variety of reasons including the thermocouple experiencing a temperature in excess of that for which it was designed, metal fatigue, and oxidation.

What happens when a thermocouple fails?

When a thermocouple fails, the pilot light won’t stay lighted. A burned out or broken thermocouple should be replaced.