The Fix: Pilot Light to Gas Fireplace Won't Stay Lit This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out.
You need to replace the thermocouple and thermopile . Basically the thermocouple senses the flame and keeps the pilot lit and the thermopile produces the voltage to open the gas valve . If the pilot doesn't stay lit it's your thermocouple . You need to replace the thermocouple as cleaning usually doesn't work .
IF the pilot goes out when you release the knob it is either a pilot flame issue, thermocouple issue or the holding coil in the gas valve has failed. First thing to do is to disconnect the thermocouple connection from the gas valve body and clean the contacts, then re-install the thermocouple connection.
There's really just one telltale sign of letting you know when the thermocouple isn't working, and that's when the pilot light won't stay lit. If you experience this problem, it's important to have your thermocouple assessed as soon as possible.
Replacing a thermocouple is a relatively easy fix that can take less than two hours. This guide reviews how to replace a thermocouple to ensure gas appliances stay in good working order, as well as how to relight a pilot light.
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.
Clean the thermocouple - using the emery cloth sandpaper, sand the ends of the thermocouple and then give it a finishing touch with the lint-free cloth. Hopefully, you can get to the ends of the thermocouple without having to detach it from the assembly, but you may have to do that.
The main reasons why a pilot light won't stay lit include: A dirty pilot light tube. Not enough gas or no gas at all. A faulty thermocouple.
The most common reason is that something is blocking the thermocouple, which stops the gas from getting to the pilot light. You can try cleaning or replacing it, but if that doesn't work, you may need to call a professional. If your pilot keeps going out, the first thing you should do is clean the thermocouple.
Failed Thermocouple Symptoms
The first is signs of contamination on the tube, which can include discoloration, cracks, or pinholes. Next, check the wiring for any signs of wear or corrosion like missing insulation or bare wire.
Having a thermocouple replaced usually costs $125-200, while the part itself is about $15-25. If a bad thermocouple isn't to blame for a nonfunctioning water heater, the gas control valve may be to blame.
If your gas fireplace pilot light keeps going out, you may have a problem with faulty pilot controls. The pilot control failing due to age or a mechanical issue can cause your pilot light to keep going out and prevent it from being relit.
Fireplace thermocouple replacement costs $150 to $350 total.
The flame is supposed to envelope the tip in the tail end on the cone on the pilot........But, if the system gets dirty due to lack of maintenance, that is a mute point. Mike T. They can last up to 10 years if properly maintained and installed. I am often asked about troubleshooting a thermocouple on gas systems.
Symptoms Pilot won't light. Pilot lights but burner won't. System lights, but goes out after a while.
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.
When you have a thermocouple that is going bad on your water heater, the most obvious sign will be a pilot light that always seems to be going out. If you light the pilot light but then find it extinguished less than a week later, you'll need to closely examine the thermocouple.
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.
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.
The Pilot Tube Is Clogged
Another common reason that a pilot light won't stay lit is because of a clogged pilot tube. Gas travels through the pilot tube to keep the pilot light burning. If the tube is completely clogged, no gas will flow, and you won't get the pilot to ignite at all.
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.
We understand if you are fitting it to your own appliance that you may not need to be Gas Safe registered But if this caused a problem you may be liable to prosecution. Therefore we would recommend that you contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out the work. Try Repaircare for a fixed price repair quote.