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.
If gas is coming out of the pilot but it still won't light, the spark igniter could be the problem. You should clear out any debris between the igniter and thermocouple. Blow compressed air into the pilot area, wait a couple of minutes, and then try again to see if this fixes the problem.
SeattlePioneer The most common reason why a pilot light system in a gas fireplace quits working is that the pilot light is dirty and needs to be disassembled and cleaned. The next most likely cause is a poor electrical connection someplace, commonly a wall switch.
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.
Dirt, dust, and debris can block the flow of gas from the pilot tube. This means that the pilot light isn't receiving enough fuel to fully ignite. Thankfully, fixing this issue is easy -- all you need is a long needle and a bit of patience. Gently poke the needle into the pilot hole and remove any debris.
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.
Short cycling is a common sign of a bad flame sensor. The sensor thinks that there isn't a flame, so it shuts off the gas as a safety mechanism. Except, there is a flame and without the gas to supply it, it dies. This is a frustrating problem, but an HVAC technician can fix it.
Cause: The igniter may be damaged, worn out, misaligned, or covered in debris. How to Troubleshoot and Fix: Inspect the igniter for visible damage or misalignment. Ensure the igniter is clean.
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.
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.
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.
Worn Out Igniter
If your fireplace uses an electronic igniter, it may fail over time. The igniter creates the spark that lights the pilot flame. If it's worn out or faulty, the spark may not be strong enough to ignite the gas.
Can you install a gas fireplace yourself? We don't recommend it for three primary reasons: legalities, safety, and time. For those three reasons, let's dive deeper into why this is a job better left to a qualified pro.
A fireplace pilot light might consume about 24,000 BTU per day, adding up to about 720,000 BTU a month, or 7.2 therms. If you're paying $1 per therm, then leaving the pilot light on all the time throughout a month might cost you around $7 per month and $84 per year.
Can you DIY a furnace ignitor replacement? In short, yes, you can DIY a hot-surface ignitor replacement. It shouldn't be too difficult if you have experience fixing things around the house. However, if you typically feel clueless about troubleshooting household appliances, this may not be the right job for you.
Cause: Igniter is Clogged with Debris
The most common reason a gas stove won't light is that the igniter is clogged with debris. Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate on the igniter and prevent it from sparking. If this is the case, you'll need to clean it off in order for the stove to work properly.
Defective Igniter or Pilot Light
If your furnace has been working without any problems up to now and suddenly will not ignite, there's a good chance that either the electronic ignition system has failed or that the standing pilot lights that comes before the ignition process has gone out.