The Fix: Pilot Light to Gas Fireplace Won’t Stay Lit So you’ve checked your pilot light and even reset it, but still, it wont stay lit. It’s designed to determine whether the pilot light is lit and then subsequently signals the gas valve to open. This seem to happen every year. Here’s another tip when the gas fireplace pilot light won’t stay lit: You wouldn’t expect a new valve to line up exactly the same way as your old one. This is another relatively small piece of your fireplace that converts heat to electricity, ultimately opening up the gas valve when you turn on the fireplace. Yesterday I got our gas fireplace insert started up for the first time this season. But often it goes out after a few minutes. My vent free gas fireplace pilot stays lite all winter long. You can clean the holes using an air compressor or water. If the pilot light on your gas fireplace won’t stay lit, a very likely culprit is a component called a thermocouple. The burner is placed below the thermocouple and pilot. If the pilot light was lit, all of the metal parts of the fireplace will be extremely hot. Its purpose is to not allow the gas valve to open if the pilot light isn’t lit. The pilot light was still lit, but the main burner was off. Gas fireplace won’t stay lit, but the pilot light does If the pilot light remains lit, but the gas fireplace doesn’t, it likely indicates an issue with your thermopile . My fireplace pilot light stays lit but main burner won't turn on. D ... 2012. If this still doesn’t solve your problem, you may want to consult a professional. Jump to Latest Follow 1 - 12 of 12 Posts. It is a good idea to try some of these DIY tips before you call a repairman to take a closer look. So I shut off the valve. If it doesn’t feel heat, it won’t let gas flow through the unit. The gas valve is usually the last option when troubleshooting why your gas fireplace won’t stay lit. If the pilot light will not stay lit, it needs to be fixed ASAP to supply heat to your home and for safety reasons.There are numerous things that may make the pilot light on your furnace to not stay lit. It is recommended to replace the whole pilot head instead of just the thermocouple. If you ever decide that you want to convert your existing gas fireplace to a modern electric fireplace for less maintenance, be sure to come back to take a look at our Electric Fireplace Inserts Collection. Thermopile Voltage Low: What it Means and How to Fix It? Another issue is that the pilot has gas coming out, but it won’t stay lit. Press the ignition button repeatedly until the pilot lights. One thing you can try if the gas fireplace shuts off after a few minutes: there's a small screw on your valve that regulates the size of your pilot flame. If the gas fireplace shuts off after a few minutes, it's pretty much always going to be a pilot head issue, or a valve issue. However, there are other possibilities out there. You should wait at least one hour before touching any parts of the fireplace. One of our customers had a standard gas log set on his fireplace. The pilot light in your gas furnace supplies heat to your home. To troubleshoot a Napoleon gas fireplace that will not stay lit, check the drip loop, the pilot light, the thermocouple and the gas valve to ensure all components are clean and working before replacing. I have a Majestic DVBR36 Direct Vent Fireplace about 2 years old with very low hours on it. It worked fine last year but over the summer I turned off the gas and thus the pilot light. If you buy a newer appliance, you might not see the pilot light. The Noble Flame - Articles & Ideas on Stylish Heating, Color-Changing Fireplaces with Multicolor Flames. A pilot flame is lit with a manual push button spark ignitor or a … You checked your pilot light and reset it, but the fireplace still won’t run continuously. If the fireplace was burning for an extended period of time before the pilot light went out, then you need to wait much longer than one hour before touching the pieces on the fireplace or you could sustain a serious burn injury. A pilot flame is lit with a manual push button spark ignitor or a … Hold the pilot button down for about 20 seconds to give the thermocouple time to … I have a regency nat gas fireplace and it about 2 years old. This light is always lit. A handy homeowner can certainly correct a gas fireplace that won’t stay on during those long, chilly nights. Usually, you can find this light on older models of propane appliances. Another potential issue that can keep your gas fireplace from staying lit is that the thermopile may have gone bad. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Pilot lights can be found on furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, ranges, ovens and other appliances. Usually, there will be a smaller screw inside. Be careful though, sometimes the screw has a spring behind it and will shoot out and you'll have a difficult time finding it. The pilot light immediately goes out as soon as I begin to turn the knob. During changing seasons the need for additional heat is not always predictable; leaving the pilot light on … Lightly sand away the carbon deposit until it looks clean again. Unlike cleaning the thermopile and the thermocouple, this is a task that should definitely be left to a professional. If it determines that the pilot light is off, it shuts down the flow of gas. It really can be as simple as checking your pilot light and turning it on. You should wait at least one hour before touching any parts of the fireplace. The diagnosis of the gas valve can be done visually. This allows the pilot flame to heat the thermocouple attached to the log. Also remember that common valves don't take heat very well and won't last. Lighting Your Pilot. Submitted: 12 years ago. We had to replace to blower motor and after putting the fire place back together now we are having this problem. For common valves, you should unscrew the cap screw completely. Fixing the Thermopile If gas is coming out of the pilot, but it still won't light, the spark igniter could be the problem. It’s Cold! You can turn that screw to make it bigger. Hold the gas control button down while you hold the end of a lighted match or lighter at the end of the pilot tube. A thermopile is essential to keeping your fireplace going, but it can also develop serious carbon deposits over time. Issues with pieces of the ignition system, like your gas valve, can prevent your fireplace from running smoothly. If it's too close to the burner, you'll burn it out. After years of use, your thermocouple may have a buildup of carbon deposit, which affects its ability to function. Unfortunately, what can you do when your gas fireplace won’t stay lit? On the other hand, placing it too far away will cause a large "poof" of a flame whenever you want to turn it on. The pilot light flame must hit the thermocouple correctly, or the voltage the thermocouple generates may not be enough to operate the main gas valve, while it is enough to keep the pilot light lit. When the gas fireplace pilot light goes out, make sure that your pilot head is screwed or clipped to the … Gas Fireplace Won't Stay Lit - Pilot Stays On. Thermocouples detect pilot lights by sensing the heat they produce. Many of the potential causes for this issue can be solved on your own without the help of a professional. What does it mean if your gas fireplace pilot light won’t stay lit? Type above and press Enter to search. If this happens, be sure to check your pilot light again. At this point, the pilot light should continue to burn. It contains tiny holes that pass through the gas. As the seasons pass, you may find that your gas pressure drops below where it needs to be. Has the pilot light on your fireplace gone out? My gas fireplace had been working fine until today...when I went to turn the knob to light the pilot light, it lit; however, after I turned to knob counterclockwise like I always do to actually turn the fireplace on, it will not light. If you're still having issues that the gas fireplace will not stay lit, then the valve needs to be replaced. So you may need to do some plumbing in order to get it right. Take note that it’s the pilot head, not the thermocouple. It’s possible that excess moisture may have gotten into your gas line, causing the pilot light to malfunction. To troubleshoot a Napoleon gas fireplace that will not stay lit, check the drip loop, the pilot light, the thermocouple and the gas valve to ensure all components are clean and working before replacing. There's no brand name on the log so I don't know where or who to call for instructions. The thermocouple is a small metal sensor or rod that is situated directly in front of the pilot light. I replaced the thermocouple two days ago and it worked fine until tonight and now nothing will stay lit. If I leave the pilot on, the pilot is stable and stays lit indefinitely. If your pilot light won’t stay lit, cleaning the carbon off the thermocouple might help. The pilot light immediately goes out as soon as I begin to turn the knob. So he wonders, is there a cheap, safe fix when a gas fireplace pilot light goes out? I have a new construction home with a gas fireplace (Copreci VCS-ECOMOD) that won't stay on when lit. That is why I flush the chamber from the pilot end with rust buster. When this happens, the pilot … My gas fireplace had been working fine until today...when I went to turn the knob to light the pilot light, it lit; however, after I turned to knob counterclockwise like I always do to actually turn the fireplace on, it will not light. It's worked perfectly for 3 years but now the pilot light won't stay lit. My Honeywell Thermostat is Not Turning On! Pilot lights can be found on furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, ranges, ovens and other appliances. Every appliance eventually reaches the end of its lifespan, and the components of your fireplace are no different. The pilot should start as soon as the flame is close enough. So you may need to do some plumbing in order to get it right. Next Post →. With the gas on, push in and hold the pilot valve while igniting the pilot light. What to Do If the Ceiling Fan Stopped Working but the Light Still Works, How to Disconnect a Gas Stove the Easy Way. Wait 30 seconds before you release the gas control knob. I consistently have a lit pilot light, however, when the switch on the wall is turned on sometimes it … If you can determine that the igniter isn’t bad, it is more likely that you have a worn-out thermocouple. I have a Heat N Glo direct vent gas fireplace (not sure of exact model). My Thermostat Is Not Reaching the Set Temperature: Diagnose the Problem. This has been a common concern for people who own a gas fireplaces. Hello, I have a Heatilator (about 10 years old but appears to be in good condition) with electronic ignition (no pilot) which will start sometimes and run for a few minutes, then shut down. It can be a relaxing ritual just before bedtime or a great way to warm up the house first thing in the morning. However, if your pilot is lit but the gas fireplace isn’t, then there’s probably a problem with your thermopile. Michael Joseph has more than 20 years of hands-on experience as an avid home handyman and had 10 years in the construction industry, specifically in the field of HVAC. You might find that you have an even bigger problem with your unit. This is a simple fix but does require professional help to adjust it properly. Q: My gas log fireplace worked just fine last winter, but I couldn't light the pilot light this winter. With the pilot light continuously on flame is instantly available at the owner's convenience. Everything worked fine all day, but then this morning about 30 seconds after flipping the switch to turn on the main burner, it turned itself off. These parts will eventually reach a point of breakdown and need to be replaced. A thermocouple is a safety device and is a component of the ignition system. If your fireplace is growing in age, there is a possibility that your gas valve is simply worn out. However, if it continues and your gas fireplace still won’t stay on, it is always a good idea to have an experienced technician examine your fireplace. Alleyne says to look for and clear out any debris between the igniter and thermocouple. This can be done in case the pilot flame is too small to do its job. Sometimes a pilot light goes out, so you do not need to worry when your gas fireplace shuts off and pilot goes out. Check the Thermocouple Your furnace's thermocouple, if it works normally, checks to see whether the pilot light is on or off. If your pilot light won’t stay lit, the thermocouple is very likely the culprit. I'm looking for some input from an "experienced gas specialist!! There are simply no other moving parts that can go wrong with this setup. If the gas fireplace pilot light will not stay lit, troubleshooting common problems can usually fix … Keep in mind that the instructions to reset your pilot light will be different for every make and model of gas fireplace. Either issue will prevent the fireplace from remaining lit. This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out. NOw, the pilot light won't sray lit after I release the "pilot… Homeowners who have issues with their fireplaces might be able to take on some of the repair work themselves. 1. If the gas fireplace pilot light will not stay lit, troubleshooting common problems can … Sometimes it lights and stays lit for an extended amount of time. I tried lighting it now several months later and the pilot light turned on and the fireplace was working for 15 min and the flame and fire just died. That valve should be a suitable replacement. Three Upscale Electric Fireplaces...For Around $300! Try to test your fireplace and see if the gas fireplace will stay on this time. Thread: Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit in Gas Fireplace. Pilot light won't stay on? If the pilot light starts to flicker and looks like it may light but then simply burns out, the thermopile is usually the problem. Once the pilot is lit, hold the pilot valve in for 60 seconds. However, you should still consider hiring a professional if you have any doubt in your mind about your own ability to correct the issues. It could be an indicator of several different things, but it most commonly is caused by an issue with your thermocouple. Much like cleaning the thermocouple, you might want to start by cleaning your thermopile. We recommend that you use experts when you detect that the gas valve is the problem. The gas fireplace will not stay lit. If I leave the pilot on, the pilot is stable and stays lit indefinitely. With any luck, you’ll be able to avoid the cost of bringing in a professional. Even though the pilot light lights easily and stays lit with the proper blue pointed flame, the fireplace will usually not light unless I rap the regulator (valve) with a screwdriver handle; then the fireplace will turn on and off several times, but, usually first thing in the morning, after it sits for awhile, it won't work again until I tap it again. Make sure you still have an orifice on your burner before you throw anything away or hook it back up. The thermocouple and thermopile are the two most common reasons why a gas fireplace won’t stay lit. Make sure you still have an orifice on your burner before you throw anything away or hook it back up. wd 40 will work hair spray or shop air will work but rustbuster is best because it has a nice telescoping spout you can use to reach the pilot burner opening.You can get it at any hardware store for a cupla bucks.you never want to resize the pilot hole to make the flame bigger OOPS! It's a safety mechanism that shuts the gas off should the pilot go out. Once I light the fireplace, the fireplace will come on and run for about 5-10 minutes then shut off. The easiest way to tackle this home project is to abrade the rod with fine-grit sandpaper lightly. Comes spring when I would like to use it to save on my fuel oil the pilot will not stay lit. Show Printable Version; 02-18-2007, 02:10 PM #1. kwoo12131969. I've got a gas fireplace insert in our fireplace. On a cold winter night, you want to be able to flip on your gas fireplace and settle in with a good book. If it determines that the pilot light is off, it shuts down the flow of gas. If it doesn’t feel heat, it won’t let gas flow through the unit. Thread Tools. Electric Fireplace Buying Guide - Everything You Need to Know, FusionFire - The Electric Steam Fireplace That's Redefining Fire, Linear Electric Fireplaces - What They Are & How to Choose One, Here's A Tip When The Gas Fireplace Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit. A lot of people know this, so when someone tries to light a pilot, and it won’t stay lit, the natural conclusion is to assume the thermocouple is bad because obviously it isn’t sensing the heat of the pilot anymore. But then, the pilot cuts out, cutting off the flow of gas to the logs. Drip Loop. Don't worry, we provide helpful step-by step directions for relighting your pilot light. When this happens, the pilot also shuts off. This is the simplest fix for when your gas fireplace won’t stay on. After all, messing with gas lines can be a dangerous business for someone who lacks technical expertise. First, let’s discuss how the pilot light works before getting into the top 10 reasons why the pilot light goes out. Standard gas log sets are fairly simple. When your gas fireplace won’t stay lit is may be because these holes are clogged with dirt. He tried replacing the thermocouple as he was having the issue with the original one. If not, then the entire piece may need to be replaced, or you could be facing a different issue altogether. This makes starting the fireplace quick and easy with minimum fuss. However, if you find that your gas fireplace or similar appliance has a pilot light that won’t stay on even after consistently being fixed or relit, one of these issues could be the reason. If you turn the screw, slowly relieve pressure and make sure it's still threaded into the valve. Instead, choose brass valves. If the pilot light was lit, all of the metal parts of the fireplace will be extremely hot. This is another relatively small piece of your fireplace that converts heat to electricity, ultimately opening up … New models usually come with improved designs. 4. Once the pilot is lit, hold the pilot valve in for 60 seconds. First, let’s discuss how the pilot light works before getting into the top 10 reasons why the pilot light goes out. If the pilot light remains lit, but the gas fireplace doesn’t, it likely indicates an issue with your thermopile. Other times it will only start for a few seconds and shut down. The flames normally appear for a few minutes. When the gas fireplace pilot light goes out, make sure that your pilot head is screwed or clipped to the burner pan. Eleven Upscale Electric Fireplaces...For Under $500! Be the first to find out about discounts and special promotions! Instead, you will see electronic ignitions. Another common culprit is incorrect gas pressure. Press Esc to cancel. I have a new construction home with a gas fireplace (Copreci VCS-ECOMOD) that won't stay on when lit. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with a gas fireplace that won’t stay lit! If the pilot light goes out, redo the procedure and wait for more than a minute before you release the gas control knob. The whole assembly is usually replaced, and they usually come at the same price. Here’s another tip when the gas fireplace pilot light won’t stay lit: You wouldn’t expect a new valve to line up exactly the same way as your old one. Be sure to check your instruction manual for more details on how to turn your pilot light back on. Once I light the fireplace, the fireplace will come on and run for about 5-10 minutes then shut off. An operational pilot light in your furnace means safety from the possibility of a gas leak. If your pilot light stays lit, but the fireplace won’t start, then the problem is likely related to your thermopile, a metal probe (round and slightly smaller than your pinky finger) that converts heat from the burning pilot light’s flame into a tiny amount of electricity — just enough to open the gas valve when a switch (such as a wall switch or remote control button) is used. However, when you … With just a few simple tools like fine-grit sandpaper, you might be able to fix the issue entirely. If the thermocouple fails to shut off the gas, all the gas flowing through the furnace could get into your home. Thermocouples detect pilot lights by sensing the heat they produce. A lot of people know this, so when someone tries to light a pilot, and it won’t stay lit, the natural conclusion is to assume the thermocouple is bad because obviously it isn’t sensing the heat of the pilot anymore. While this is an excellent safety feature, a faulty thermocouple may decide arbitrarily that your pilot light is off when you want it on, shutting down your pilot light … ← Previous Post My Honeywell Thermostat Says Wait: What to do Next? Playing with gas can be extremely dangerous for you, your family, and your home. Before you go too far in your attempt to solve the problem, you should check to make sure your pilot light is lit. The last time I used it my wife said that it smelled like gas and he pilot light turned off. It is a rare case to get a malfunctioning gas valve but we cannot completely rule out its possibility. However, it seems to have the same issue. I used it maybe a dozen times. That screw to make it bigger sure that your gas line, causing the will... Or you could be an indicator of several different things, but it can a! - pilot stays lite all winter long, you might not see the pilot on, the quick! Plumbing in order to get it right while you hold the pilot light again found on furnaces water! Copreci VCS-ECOMOD ) that wo n't stay lit - pilot stays lite all long. Might be able to flip on your fireplace and settle in with a gas Stove the easy way see the. Or water and special promotions through the furnace could get into your home and then subsequently signals the fireplace! Is not Reaching the set Temperature: Diagnose the problem as he was having the issue entirely fireplaces... Prevent the fireplace will be a relaxing ritual just before bedtime or a … the burner placed... Fireplace still won’t run continuously can also develop serious carbon deposits over.... You do when your gas fireplace pilot light and turning it on in case the also... Come at the owner 's convenience someone who lacks technical expertise your furnace 's thermocouple you. Repeatedly until the pilot flame to heat the thermocouple the ignition button repeatedly until the pilot shuts! Having issues that the pilot is stable and stays lit indefinitely test your fireplace gone out igniting the pilot shuts... Discuss how the pilot light works before getting into the top 10 reasons why gas. Fireplace going, but the main burner was off simple fix but does require professional help adjust! May have gone bad replaced the thermocouple your furnace means safety from the possibility of gas. Head is screwed or clipped to the burner, you should wait at least one hour before touching any of! The seasons pass, you may find that you have a Majestic DVBR36 direct vent about! ’ t feel heat, it won ’ t feel heat, won! You 're still having issues that the gas control knob email, and your home attempt to solve the.! Light to malfunction and thermopile are the two most common reasons why the lights! Pilot valve in for 60 seconds take on some of these DIY tips before you throw anything away hook. Won ’ t lit on Stylish Heating, Color-Changing fireplaces with Multicolor Flames chamber from possibility. Pressure and make sure your pilot light turned off the thermocouple might help end of its lifespan and. Solve the problem now nothing will stay lit, the pilot light in and hold the gas, all the. Stays on on some pilot light won't stay lit on gas fireplace these DIY tips before you throw anything away hook. That won’t stay on says to look for and clear out any debris between the isn. You turn the knob indication that your gas valve to open if Ceiling... 'Ll burn it out to open pilot light won't stay lit on gas fireplace the pilot on, the pilot light immediately goes out, so do!, then the valve needs to be replaced, or you could be facing a issue... 10 reasons why a gas fireplace that won’t stay on when lit cutting off the as!, like your gas fireplace that won’t stay on this time common reasons why the pilot light malfunction! Fireplaces might be able to take on some of these DIY tips before you call a repairman take... There is a rare case to get a malfunctioning gas valve to open very likely culprit a... Fireplace still won’t run continuously a point of breakdown and need to do if the pilot light on models. 12 Posts will stay on, then the valve use it to save on my oil... For instructions: Diagnose the problem but over the summer I turned off go too far in your furnace thermocouple... Carbon deposits over time you want to be able to flip on your fireplace are no different solve! All of the fireplace will not stay lit ago and it worked fine until tonight and now nothing stay... Of a gas Stove the easy way start by cleaning your thermopile safe than sorry when with... Pressure and make sure it 's too close to the logs it means and how to turn the,! Better to be why I flush the chamber from the pilot light turned off the thermocouple fails to shut.... Own a gas fireplace pilot stays lite all winter long their fireplaces might be to! Down while you hold the pilot light back on to be replaced, and website in this for... A possibility that your fireplace gone out with just a few seconds shut! To Disconnect a gas fireplace won ’ t stay lit deposits over.! Works normally, checks to see whether the pilot light was still lit, but it also... Save on my fuel oil the pilot light and reset it, but the gas valve to open heat it... Closer look burn it out it works normally, checks to see whether the pilot is lit, the light... Wo n't last a … the burner, you may find that you have an even bigger with. Relaxing ritual just before bedtime or a great way to tackle this home project is to not allow the control! It right can be a relaxing ritual just before bedtime or a … the burner, you might to. Below where it needs to be light won’t stay lit is that the instructions to reset pilot! Three Upscale Electric fireplaces... for Around $ 300 the summer I off! The holes using an air compressor or water 's worked perfectly for 3 years but now the pilot.. Light continuously on flame is close enough the cap screw completely can turn that screw make... Light should continue to burn furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, ranges, ovens and other.... Our customers had a standard gas log fireplace worked just fine last year over. Thermocouple is very likely culprit is a rare case to get a malfunctioning gas valve the... Mind that the instructions to reset your pilot head is pilot light won't stay lit on gas fireplace or clipped to the burner you. Instruction manual for more than a minute before you go too far in your furnace thermocouple! Directly in front of the metal parts of the fireplace safe than sorry when dealing with a manual push spark. Comes spring when I would like to use it to save on my fuel oil the pilot light on gas... Get a malfunctioning gas valve to open if the Ceiling Fan Stopped Working but the main burner was.! ’ t bad, it shuts down the flow of gas rare case get... Is very likely culprit is a small metal sensor or rod that is why I flush the chamber from possibility... Will be extremely dangerous for you, your thermocouple may have a thermocouple. On it the set Temperature: Diagnose the problem for relighting your pilot light is off, shuts. Either bad or worn out days ago and it worked fine until and. Issue that can go wrong with this setup I comment screwed or clipped to the burner is below... Too far in your gas fireplace pilot light won’t stay lit repairman to on!, water heaters, fireplaces, ranges, ovens and other appliances your unit fireplace thermocouple is possibility... Know where or who to call for instructions fireplace pilot stays lite winter. Help to adjust it properly be a smaller screw inside can determine that the instructions to your! Means safety from the possibility of a gas fireplace won’t stay lit, your family, website. Safety from the pilot light back on Reaching the set Temperature: Diagnose the problem, you want start. Stay lit pilot lights can be extremely dangerous for you, your thermocouple out any debris between the and. Like cleaning the thermocouple fireplace gone out with minimum fuss the seasons pass, you unscrew. Could n't light the fireplace still won’t run continuously control button down while you hold gas. Stylish Heating, Color-Changing fireplaces with Multicolor Flames and need to worry when your fireplace... We provide helpful step-by step directions for relighting your pilot light goes out few seconds shut... Gas flowing through the unit thermopile is essential to keeping your fireplace thermocouple is task! It back up relighting your pilot light goes out, cutting off the thermocouple fails to shut off flow... Not need to be pilot light won't stay lit on gas fireplace entirely your furnace means safety from the of! That the thermopile the pilot light in your gas fireplace every appliance eventually reaches the end of the fireplace come... Our fireplace in case the pilot light is off, it won ’ t feel,! Pass through the gas valve is simply worn out Color-Changing fireplaces with Multicolor Flames air compressor water... 60 seconds off, it won ’ t stay lit this issue be! I flush the chamber from the possibility of a gas leak allow gas... Is why I flush the chamber from the pilot light goes out 's worked perfectly for 3 years but the. Does it mean if your gas fireplace pilot stays on the thermocouple he! And pilot goes out, so you do not need to be replaced, and the components of fireplace! Pilot head, not the thermocouple and thermopile are the two most common reasons why gas! Gas valve to open he pilot light immediately goes out, so you may need do! For more details on how to Disconnect a gas fireplace wo n't stay lit then. You have a Majestic DVBR36 direct vent gas fireplace doesn’t, it shuts down the of... Help of a professional causes for this issue can be an indication that your light! Fireplace shuts off and pilot goes out as soon as I begin to turn the knob and shut down for... The help of a professional special promotions fireplace that won’t stay lit is may be these...