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.

How do you fix a gas fireplace that keeps going out?





Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: If it's not been lit in a long time you're gonna have to let that that pilot in for a little to allow some gas.

Why does my fire keep going off?

Overheating. An electric fireplace will automatically shut off when it starts to overheat. This is to prevent to the unit from overheating causing damage to the fireplace itself, or becoming a fire hazard for your home.

Why does my gas fireplace 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.

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 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.

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 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.

What does thermocouple look like?



The thermocouple is made up of a tube, a bracket, and wires. The tube sits above the bracket, a nut holds the bracket and wires in place, and underneath the bracket, you will see the copper lead wires that connect to the gas valve on the furnace.

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 much is a thermocouple?

The No. 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.

Why do thermocouples fail?



After enough time, metal fatigue can cause a thermocouple to break. Thermocouples that are regularly exposed to extreme heat stress or extreme conditions are more likely to go through metal fatigue. If thermocouples start to give out unusual readings, it may be suffering from metal fatigue.

How do you replace a thermocouple?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Here putting in the new thermocouple is very easy all we do is take new thermocouple. We push it back into the bracket. And there's usually some type of compression fitting that holds.

How much does a thermocouple cost for a furnace?

$150 to $250

Cost to Replace a Thermocouple on a Furnace



Replacing a thermocouple costs $150 to $250, mostly due to labor time. On older models without an ignitor, it checks to make sure your pilot light is lit. If it’s not, it’ll shut the gas off.