Why wont my gas logs light

Gas fire thermocouple issues If your gas fire doesn’t turn on, it may be because the thermocouple isn’t quite in the right place and therefore, can’t interact with the other components as it should. If the pilot flame sparks but doesn’t stay lit, the thermocouple has likely worn out.

Why does my gas fire not ignite?

Gas fire thermocouple issues If your gas fire doesn’t turn on, it may be because the thermocouple isn’t quite in the right place and therefore, can’t interact with the other components as it should. If the pilot flame sparks but doesn’t stay lit, the thermocouple has likely worn out.

How do you clean a thermocouple on a gas fireplace?

1. Turn off the fireplace gas valve and remove the front panel from the fireplace. …
2. Find the thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe.
3. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple.

Why do gas logs not stay lit?

If the pilot light on your gas fireplace won’t stay lit, a very likely culprit is a component called a thermocouple. A thermocouple is a safety device and is a component of the ignition system. Its purpose is to not allow the gas valve to open if the pilot light isn’t lit.

How do you know if you have a bad thermocouple?

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.

How do you reset the pilot light on a gas fireplace?

Turn the knob from the “Off” to the “Pilot” position. Push in the pilot knob, which manually sends gas into the system. Push the igniter button once every second until it lights. Depending on how long it’s been since the gas fireplace was last used, ignition may take multiple attempts.

What's a thermocouple look like?

The thermocouple looks like a piece of metal tubing smaller than a soda straw. To find it, first locate the gas control box. This is the box that the main gas line enters, where you turn the gas on in the furnace. (On most furnaces, it also houses the button that you hold open or push to relight the pilot.)

What happens when a fireplace pilot light goes out?

If your pilot light repeatedly goes out, this is a likely culprit. If this flame sensor should fail, gas will continue to flow even after the pilot light has been extinguished, causing a safety hazard, and requiring immediate repair.

Does cleaning a thermocouple help?

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.

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How do you clean gas fireplace logs?

Cleaning Gas Logs Use a damp rag or lint-free cloth to wipe off the soot, carbon, and dust from the logs, at least once per year. Be careful to avoid scratching the logs, or they will no longer be useable. Liquid gas log cleaners are also available at your local fireplace dealer and may make it easier to clean.

How do you manually turn on a gas fireplace?

1. Look over the user manual included with your fireplace. …
2. Remove your fireplace’s outer cover. …
3. Put a fireplace key into the device’s gas valve knob. …
4. Hold a long lighter up to the burner and ignite it. …
5. Turn the gas key. …
6. Replace the fireplace’s outer cover immediately.

Do gas logs work without electricity?

Gas & wood fireplaces will continue to work safely during a power outage. These fireplaces do not require electricity for venting and can be used safely during a power outage.

Should pilot light always be on fireplace?

Should the pilot light always be on in a gas fireplace? Most gas fireplaces rely on a “continuous pilot light,” a type of pilot that remains lit so long as gas is flowing to the unit. … If you have a continuous pilot light system, you should always see a pilot flame unless you have manually turned the system off.

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.

What causes thermocouple failure?

METAL FATIGUE 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. … If thermocouples start to give out unusual readings, it may be suffering from metal fatigue.

Does gas turn off when pilot goes out?

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. … If the pilot light goes out for any reason, the current stops, the valve closes, thus preventing any gas from leaking.

How do you bypass a thermocouple?

1. Move the tilts switch wire aside.
2. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench.
3. Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. …
4. Remove the valve using your pliers. …
5. Put your thermocouple back into position.

How do you clean a clogged pilot light?

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. For hard to reach areas and stubborn buildup, use the metal file. Wipe away dust with a soft cloth or burst of compressed air.

How do you clean a dirty thermocouple?

The best way to clean your thermocouple is to use either a piece of steel wool or the coarse side of a sponge to gently clean off any soot or other remnants. You can use a pencil eraser to clean between the threads of the screw that connects the thermocouple to the control valve of your system.

What can cause a pilot light to go out?

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.

How much does it cost to run a pilot light on a gas fireplace?

A pilot light is a small flame that is kept lit to provide a catalyst for the main burner to be turned on when needed. The average fuel consumption of your standing Pilot light is: Natural gas is $0.60 a day = $219 a year.

Is it OK to leave the pilot light on in a gas fireplace?

We recommend that you turn off your gas fireplace pilot light seasonally. Turning off your gas fireplace’s pilot light can save a substantial amount of energy and money. It is important to remember that not all gas fireplaces have “standing” pilot light, or, a pilot light that is “always on”.

Can I replace a thermocouple myself?

The No. 1 cause of pilot lights that won’t stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. It’s easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Rather than trying to unfasten the thermocouple inside the water heater’s burning chamber, it’s easier to remove the whole burner and thermocouple assembly.

How much does it cost to replace a furnace thermocouple?

Cost to Replace a Thermocouple on a Furnace Replacing a thermocouple costs $150 to $250, mostly due to labor time. On older models without an ignitor, it checks to make sure your pilot light is lit. If it’s not, it’ll shut the gas off.

Will a pilot light on a thermocouple go bad?

A thermocouple senses the heat of the pilot and allows gas to flow to the burner. A bad thermocouple will shut off gas to both the pilot and the burner so the pilot light won’t stay lit.

Do gas fireplace logs need to be cleaned?

While gas fireplaces don’t produce creosote, they do still need annual cleaning. … A chimney sweeping in your gas fireplace will help remove items like bird’s nests, animals, and any debris that may have gotten trapped in there as well any potential soot.

How long should gas fireplace logs last?

Type of gas logs: A well maintained vented log set with ceramic logs will last a very long time, in some cases 10 or more years. A well maintained ventless log set with ceramic logs can also last a long time, but, if heavily used, will begin to wear in 3-5 years.

Should you clean gas logs?

It is important to clean a gas fireplace monthly even when it is not being used heavily. This will prevent dust and dirt from harming the system and allows you to inspect for damage – potentially catching something that could, later down the road, become an issue.

Can you turn on a gas fireplace without power?

Many gas fireplaces will work without electricity. You can run both intermittent pilot ignition fireplaces and standing pilot light systems during a power outage. IPI valve systems will normally have a backup battery system in place to ignite the flames.

How do gas logs work?

A gas log is composed of piping and a set of ceramic logs. These logs can be placed in many different types of fireplace spaces. The pipes pump invisible gas through holes in the logs. When the gas logs are ignited, the ceramic logs will produce a steady flame.