If you're having issues with your gas fireplace staying lit, it's likely one of a couple issues pertaining to either: the pilot light assembly, pilot tubing, or the thermocouple and thermopile.
Your gas fireplace could be turning off for several reasons. The most like culprits are likely tied to some kind of problem with your setup. Anything from issues with your pilot light, clogged ports on burners, damage to heating components, and thermocouple/thermopile malfunctions can be to blame.
Thermocouple issues, pilot light problems, blocked venting systems, safety features, and gas supply issues are common reasons why gas fireplaces shut off.
Turn the gas off at the fireplace! Verify the pilot flame is out!!! You will have to clean the pilot orifice. How? You take a can of compressed air and blow out the area where the pilot flame comes out. 90% of the time this fixes the issue. (Don't be surprised if you find someting blocking the pilot.)
There are many possible reasons why the burner will not stay lit - the gas jet may be blocked, the valve may be set too low, the air flow may be restricted, there may be an issue with the pilot light, and so on.
Thermocouple and Thermopile Issues
They generate a small amount of electricity when heated by the pilot flame, signaling that the pilot light is lit and allowing the gas valve to open. Over time, these components can get dirty or fail, causing the gas fireplace to shut off abruptly or prevent it from staying lit.
A gas fireplace that won't stay lit is often caused by a faulty thermocouple, an insufficient gas supply, or a blocked pilot light. Regular cleaning and inspections can often help.
Common Signs of a Failing Thermocouple
Here are some common indicators: Difficulty Lighting the Fireplace: If you struggle to light your fireplace, or if it takes several tries to keep the pilot lit, it could suggest that the thermocouple is not sensing the flame correctly and is failing to keep the gas supply open.
Why Would a Gas Stove Stop Working? There are many reasons why a gas stove would stop working, such as the gas or power going out, food debris clogging the igniter, or a broken spark module. Schedule a service professional to assess your gas stove.
This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out. However, if your pilot is lit but the gas fireplace isn't, then there's probably a problem with your thermopile.
If you have either a gas fireplace insert or a direct vent fireplace, you should be able to leave your fireplace on continuously throughout the day. However, it's still very important to monitor your fireplace to make sure it is working properly.
There can be many reasons why your vehicle burns more fuel than usual. The issue can be as simple as your driving habits or changes in weather. Spark plug issues and dirty sensors may also negatively affect your vehicle's fuel economy.
Fireplace thermocouple replacement costs $150 to $350 total.
When a fire pit keeps going out, the cause is almost always the flame-sensing thermocouple. If the flame goes out immediately after you light your fire pit, this is an indication that the thermocouple isn't sensing the flame and it's turning off your gas supply.
If your oven is cutting out, even for normal heat functioning, there may well be a problem with the safety thermostat. As such, this is a great place to start – after all, replacing your thermostat is a lot cheaper than replacing your oven!
If your furnace shuts off after a few minutes and starts more than eight times an hour, it may require repair. Common causes of furnace short cycling include restricted airflow, a malfunctioning flame sensor, or a poorly placed thermostat.
Poor ventilation can affect the flame as the vents become dirty or blocked, preventing sufficient airflow. It can disrupt the balance of oxygen and pressure needed for stable combustion, activate safety mechanisms, and lead to incomplete combustion and overheating, all of which can cause a gas fire to go out.
The Pilot Lights But Won't Stay Lit
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.
Thermocouples are designed to detect a pilot light's loss of heat and close the gas valve to prevent a gas leak. Replacing a thermocouple is a relatively easy fix that can take less than two hours.
Gas Fireplace Igniter Isn't Sparking
If your pilot is lit and the fireplace isn't igniting when you push the button or flip the switch, the igniter may be dirty or defective.
Other reasons your gas fireplace may keep going out include a cracked gas line, a faulty thermopile, or a blocked chimney. A cracked gas line may be caused by corrosion of the pipe material to the line. A faulty thermocouple may need to be replaced if it is not sending the correct signals to your gas valve.
One of the most common problems faced by homeowners with gas fireplaces is the pilot light going out or not staying lit. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner, which produces the heat for your fireplace — if the pilot light goes out, your fireplace won't work.