Question: Gas Fireplace Pilot Goes Out When Turned On

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Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds. If you believe there is a serious problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.

Why does the flame go out on my gas fireplace?

A common problem with gas fireplaces lies in the components called the ignition assembly. When a fireplace refuses to remain lit, there’s probably an issue in one of the several pieces that make up the ignition assembly, which are: the pilot light assembly, pilot tubing, thermocouple, and thermopile.

How do you clean a thermocouple on a gas fireplace?

How to Clean the Thermocouple in a Gas Fireplace Turn off the fireplace gas valve and remove the front panel from the fireplace. Find the thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple.

What does it mean when your pilot light won’t stay lit?

If your pilot light won’t stay alight, it might be the thermocouple. Sometimes dust buildup collects on the thermocouple and blocks the sensor. Try cleaning the thermocouple and then relighting the pilot light. If it continues to go out, the thermocouple might need to be replaced.

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

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.

How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace?

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?

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.

Can a thermocouple be cleaned?

Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. 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.

What would cause a pilot light to go out?

How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?

It costs $150 to $250 to replace a thermocouple. It checks to make sure the pilot light is on. It will shut the gas off if it’s not.

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.

How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my gas fireplace?

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. This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out.

Can you light gas fireplace without pilot?

Natural gas appliances and fireplaces have traditionally used a standing pilot light to ignite the flame/heat source. Because these systems do not rely on external electricity, they work seamlessly even if the power goes out for an extended period of time. This does require electricity to start up.

What do thermocouples do?

Thermocouples are sensors used to measure temperature. A thermocouple consists of two wires, or wire legs, made from different metals. The legs are welded together at one end, into a junction, where the temperature is measured. A voltage is created when the junction senses a change in temperature.

How do you fix a pilot light that keeps going out?

Once The Flame Is Lit, Turn Gas Control Valve to “On” Once the pilot light is ignited, you can release the reset button after 30 seconds and turn the gas knob to the “On” position. At this time you should hear the main burner come on. Now your pilot light should hold a flame and hot water should be restored!.

What causes a thermocouple to fail?

METAL FATIGUE Like everything, thermocouples can’t stay new forever. Changes in temperature can cause regular expansion and contraction in metal, which will cause thermocouples to weaken over time. After enough time, metal fatigue can cause a thermocouple to break.

Should thermocouple be in pilot flame?

The pilot flame should touch the thermocouple at a specific level. If the flame is blue and weak, and barely reaches the thermocouple, it needs to be stronger. If it extends well above the thermocouple, it’s too strong. Install a new thermocouple by screwing it in, heating it up a bit, and then lighting the pilot.

Can you clean a pilot assembly?

If your pilot will not stay lit, try cleaning it. Use a can of compressed air, such as is used to clean a computer, to blow dust out of the pilot assembly. Sometimes just blowing air back through the pilot will get rid of the dirt. If that fails, turn off the gas supply to the heater.

How do you clean a thermocouple pilot light?

How to Clean a Pilot Light Cut off the gas to your furnace. Remove the pilot light and thermocouple assembly. Use your pliers or wrench to remove the pilot light and thermocouple from the bracket. Using the wire brush, brush away the carbon buildup and soot from both components.

Will gas leak if pilot light goes out?

If the pilot light goes out on a storage or instantaneous hot water heater, space heater or a ducted heater, you will not have a gas leak. This is because all modern gas appliances with pilot lights have a fail-safe device that closes off the gas to the appliance in the case when the pilot may go out.