If the tube is completely clogged, no gas will flow, and you won't get the pilot to ignite at all. A partially clogged tube can cause the flame to be weak and yellow. This issue can be fixed by cleaning the tube out with a needle or paperclip and then trying to see if the pilot will stay lit.
In many cases, the reason that you can't get your pilot light to ignite is that the pilot tube is clogged. This is a small metal tube that supplies the gas needed to ignite the pilot and keep it lit. The pilot tube often becomes clogged with debris, and this will prevent gas from flowing to the pilot light.
Dirty Pilot Tube
If dust, soot, or debris is clogging the pilot tube (the small pipe that delivers gas to the pilot light), the flame either won't ignite or it will be weak and unstable. Cleaning the pilot tube is usually necessary to restore proper gas flow to the flame.
Here are some reasons why your pilot light may go out: Airflow issues Your gas has been shut off Your furnace needs a clean Your thermocouple is loose or faulty A temporary gas shortage Don't attempt to light the pilot light if you detect a strong smell of natural gas. Call emergency services and leave the house.
You can reset the ignition on your furnace simply. To do this you must cut the power to the furnace first by turning off the circuit that powers it. Once the power is off you can remove the burner door to reveal the ignitor. Turn this to “off” and leave it off for at least 5 minutes.
A common cause of pilot light going out is a blocked jet. Pilot light's jet is small and can easily get blocked with even the slightest bit of debris. The good news is that the jet can be cleaned or easily replaced by a Gas Safe Engineer.
Using a long match or long-barreled lighter, press and hold down the gas control knob with the lit match or lighter until the pilot lights. The pilot should start immediately once the flame is close enough.
Gas fireplace igniter replacement cost
A gas fireplace igniter costs $90 to $150 to replace, including labor. This component uses electricity to ignite the gas and start the fire. Over time, the igniter may stop working from age or damage.
Look for gas line issues: Gas lights will only work properly if the gas line supplying the fuel is at least 3/8 inch in diameter. If for some reason a smaller gas line must be used, its length can be no more than eight feet. A licensed plumber can check and fix incorrect gas line measurements.
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.
Several factors can stop a furnace from igniting: Thermostat Malfunctions: Incorrect thermostat settings or a faulty thermostat. Fuel Supply Problems: Insufficient propane supply, closed valves, or leaks. Ignition System Failure: Issues with the pilot light, electronic igniter, or other ignition components.
The Short Answer Is: It is generally safe for a homeowner to relight a furnace pilot light, as long as they follow proper precautions and guidelines. To do it yourself, first, turn off the furnace's gas supply and wait for a few minutes to allow any lingering gas to dissipate.
Call Your Local Mr. Rooter Plumber! If you are having trouble getting your water heater pilot light on, or you can't get it to stay lit for long, rely on a plumbing professional for water heater repair, maintenance, and replacement services.
If no gas is flowing to the pilot light, you obviously won't be able to get it to light. This can happen because the furnace's main gas valve isn't fully open or if your gas supply is shut off or interrupted. There is also a chance that the pilot tube that supplies gas to the flame is clogged.
All furnaces made within the last 20 years or so are typically equipped with a failsafe electrical shut-off valve. This valve operates automatically and shuts off gas flow as soon as the pilot goes out, preventing any risks of excessive gas buildup.
Common reasons include a nearby draft, dirt buildup, or a malfunctioning thermocouple. Another pilot light drawback is energy waste. Since the pilot light needs to remain active, your furnace is always consuming some gas. It's not a lot—usually just a few therms of gas a month–but that obviously adds up over time.
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. Clear away any dirt or debris that may be in the way between the igniter and thermocouple or thermopile.
The issue could be: A dirty tube: If the pilot light tube is dirty, it can put out the light over time. You'll need to clean it with something abrasive to get it working again. Not enough gas: Sometimes, the gas valve will leak, or something else prevents gas from getting through the line.
If it doesn't have the button, or the button fails, press the regulator valve and hold a grill lighter or long match to the pilot light valve until the pilot ignites. Hold the button down for up to a minute to ensure that the light stays lit. Turn the gas regulator valve to the “on” position.
Take a soft brush such as an old toothbrush and gently remove any visible debris from the pilot orifice, flash tubes and ignitors. Next, insert a sewing needle or thin wire into the pilot orifice, the flash tubes and the holes in the ignitors, as well as in the burners, wiggling it gently to dislodge any debris.