Why Does My Gas Fireplace Keep Going Out? 3 Potential Causes and Solutions
Keep the gas flowing and the fire glowing
If your gas fireplace keeps going out, your pilot light could be to blame.
Alternatively, a dirty or defective thermocouple could prevent your fireplace from working.
Issues with your natural gas or propane supply can also interfere with your fireplace.
You can try some DIY fixes, such as relighting your pilot light or cleaning your thermocouple.
Hiring a pro to repair a gas fireplace usually costs between $200 and $1,000.
You’re dreaming of curling up in front of a toasty fire, but there’s just one problem: your fireplace can’t seem to stay lit. So, why does your gas fireplace keep going out? There are a few common causes, but often, it’s due to a failing pilot light or a faulty thermocouple. Here’s how to pinpoint—and fix—the problem.
1. Pilot Light Went Out
Some gas fireplaces have a pilot light—or a small flame that ignites the gas to keep your fire burning. It’s supposed to stay lit, but sometimes, pilot lights go out. This can happen for several reasons (more on that in a minute), but when it does, your fireplace will shut off.
How to Fix It
If your pilot light goes out, it could be a one-time issue or an ongoing problem. For instance, if there’s a major storm in your area, the winds could extinguish the flame. In that case, you can manually relight your pilot light.
However, if your pilot light keeps going out, there could be another issue at play. For example, if your fireplace isn’t getting enough gas, the flame will struggle to stay lit. In other cases, a dirty or damaged thermocouple could be the culprit. We’ll explain how to address each of those issues below—but if those fixes don’t work, you may need to bring in a professional.
2. Dirty or Broken Thermocouple
A thermocouple is the part of your fireplace that detects whether or not the pilot light is lit. If so, it allows gas to flow into the fireplace—but if not, it shuts off the gas to prevent a gas leak.
When a thermocouple gets dirty or breaks (which is fairly common), it won’t be able to determine when the pilot light is on—and for safety reasons, your gas fireplace will shut off.
How to Fix It
To clean your thermocouple, follow these steps:
Shut off the power to the fireplace.
Turn off the gas and switch the gas valve to the “off” position.
Wait for at least five minutes as the fireplace cools and any remaining gas clears.
Locate the thermocouple inside your fireplace.
Remove the thermocouple from the pilot assembly by gently twisting or unscrewing it.
Use an abrasive pad to scrub dirt and debris from the thermocouple.
Put the thermocouple back into place.
Turn on the power and gas.
To test the thermocouple, turn on the fireplace. If it goes out again, you may have a faulty thermocouple, and you should call a professional fireplace repair service near you to replace it.
3. Gas Supply Issues
It might sound obvious, but your fireplace won’t work without a steady supply of gas. If there’s an issue with your fireplace’s gas connection or an interruption to your home’s gas service, your fireplace may keep going out.
How to Fix It
First, make sure your fireplace’s gas valve and your home’s main gas valve are on. If your fireplace runs on propane, confirm that the tank is full.
No luck? Test other gas-powered appliances in your house (like your stove or furnace). If they won’t turn on, there could be a problem with your home’s gas supply. Reach out to your gas utility company for help.
When to Call a Pro
If you’re comfortable working with gas appliances, you may be able to fix your fireplace without calling a professional. However, if these solutions don’t work (or you’d rather not go the DIY route), you can have a fireplace pro take a look.
Your fireplace repair costs will vary depending on a few factors, including the type of issue and local labor rates. For example, fixing a pilot light costs anywhere from $100 to $350, while replacing a thermocouple runs between $75 and $350.
How to Prevent Gas Fireplace Problems
Unfortunately, you can’t prevent your fireplace from wearing out over time. However, by keeping up with regular gas fireplace maintenance, you can protect the different parts of your fireplace and potentially extend its lifespan. Plus, you'll be more likely to catch minor issues before they become big, expensive problems.
Here are some tips that can help you keep your gas fireplace in good condition:
Clean the interior and exterior regularly
Replace the glass logs or rocks as needed
Schedule annual gas fireplace inspections
Gas fireplaces use either natural gas or propane—both of which will increase your energy expenses. On average, running a gas fireplace costs $400 to $640 per year; however, these costs can vary significantly depending on the fuel price in your area and the frequency of fireplace use. If you’re looking for a more energy-efficient option, consider switching to an electric fireplace.
You can complete some maintenance tasks on your own, including cleaning your gas fireplace. However, it’s still best to have a professional inspect your fireplace every year. When you hire a pro, they’ll take a thorough look at each part of your fireplace, including the gas lines and venting system, to ensure that everything is safe and working as it should.
