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If Your Gas Fireplace Won’t Light, Follow These 5 Steps to Fix It
Let’s shed some light on the issue
Photo: constantgardener / E+ / Getty Images
Photo: constantgardener / E+ / Getty Images
Highlights
Before you troubleshoot the fireplace, ensure the main gas valve is on.
Clean the fireplace about once a month or so to reduce debris buildup.
The thermocouple controls the gas valve, but it can sometimes malfunction.
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Failing fireplaces can ignite your frustration, especially on chilly days when you just want to curl up in front of a warm fire. If your gas fireplace won’t turn on, don’t lose your cool. Here’s how you can troubleshoot the issue and when to call a professional for assistance.
Why Your Gas Fireplace Won’t Light
If your fireplace is one of many appliances on a circuit, you might have an overloaded circuit that’s stopping your fireplace from lighting. Try flipping the breaker on and off to reset it, but you may need to rewire your unit onto its own circuit to keep it functioning properly. If your fireplace operates on batteries or a remote start, double-check the batteries are still in good condition.
If your fireplace doesn't light but you still have a spark, check the pilot light. Downdrafts or a worn-out pilot light will prevent your gas fireplace from turning on. You’ll need a repair pro to install a new pilot light.
How to Troubleshoot a Gas Fireplace
If you suspect your gas fireplace is on the fritz and not lighting, here are some ways to troubleshoot the issue.
1. Make Sure the Gas Is On
The first thing you should do if your gas fireplace won’t turn on is check that the gas is actually on. Yes, this does happen, and more than you might think. Without any gas, your fireplace won’t be able to light. Check the main gas valve to see if the gas is fully operational. If your gas fireplace runs on propane, double-check that the propane tank is still full.
2. Give Your Gas Logs a Thorough Cleaning
While gas fireplaces don’t make as much of a mess as wood-burning fireplaces, you still need to adhere to gas fireplace maintenance and clean them on a semi-annual basis. Gas fireplaces still generate debris from the flames that can cause issues with maintaining a warm fire. Before you start cleaning your gas fireplace, make sure the pilot light is off. Then with a cloth and fireplace cleaner, work through cleaning the interior and exterior walls and logs. End with a quick vacuum inside the firebox.
Cleaning your gas fireplace can help ensure your fireplace works properly and is free of debris. If you want an even deeper cleaning or there is significant buildup, you can get in touch with a fireplace cleaning company near you for a personalized quote.
3. Purge the Air Out of the Pilot Tubing
If the gas is on and the pilot hasn’t been lit in a couple of months, you might need to purge the air out of the pilot tubing. To do this, hold the pilot button down for about one to three minutes while the air bleeds out. If the pilot is lighting but not staying lit, it could indicate a worn-out thermocouple.
4. Test the Thermocouple
A thermocouple is a safety device that controls the gas valve to your fireplace. It senses the temperature of the fireplace and turns on or off depending on what it finds. If it does not sense any heat, it will automatically turn off.
This is typically a good thing, but when it malfunctions, a thermocouple won’t pick up on any flame and your gas fireplace will have trouble staying lit. If you’re able to locate your fireplace’s thermocouple, you can check for any of the following damage:
Restricted or blocked off airflow
No contact with the fireplace flame when turned on
Any damaged tubing or wires
If you see any of the above, call in a professional to upgrade or replace it. While kits are available online, you don’t want to risk incorrect installation of this important safety feature.
5. 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. Blow compressed air into the pilot area, wait a couple of minutes, and then try again to see if this fixes the problem.
When to Call a Professional
Photo: ryasick / E+ / Getty Images
If your own troubleshooting fails to solve the problem, you should call a fireplace service company near you for help. Most service calls for gas fireplaces cost about $100, and repairs for pilot lights cost $150 on average. Other gas fireplace repairs include loose connections, defective valves, or bad modules in electric ignition units. A pro will be able to pinpoint your problem and get it fixed, stat.
Frequently Asked Questions
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