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.

Why does a gas fireplace shut off after a few minutes running?

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.

What causes gas fireplace to go on and off?





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.

Why does my gas fire go out after 10 minutes?

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.

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.

Why wont my gas fireplace shut off?

Step 2: Turn off the power switch if your gas fireplace won’t turn off. Beginning at the fireplace, check the switch to make sure the unit is on. The controller may be on the side of the fireplace or behind a panel in its front. If there is no switch, it could be on the wall near your fireplace or elsewhere in the room …

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 would a gas fireplace stop working?

One of the most common reasons a gas fireplace won’t turn on is often an extinguished pilot light. A strong downdraft, an interruption in the fuel line, or a build-up of soot and dust can cause the pilot light to flame out.

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.

How do you clean the pilot light on a gas fireplace?



How to Clean A Pilot Light On Gas Fireplace:

  1. Turn off the gas and light switch.
  2. Remove the glass assembly.
  3. Take a photo of the logs’ position.
  4. Remove the logs.
  5. Clean the pilot assembly with a compressed air spray.
  6. Reassemble everything in reverse order.
  7. Test the pilot light.


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

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.

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.


Where is the thermocouple located on a gas fireplace?

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

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.