Tap to Call NowWhy Does My Gas Fireplace Keep Turning Off?
If you have a gas fireplace, you likely enjoy its remarkable convenience and beauty of realistic looking gas logs, but technical glitches are possible. You may find yourself asking, why does my gas fireplace keep turning off or why won’t it light at all? These frustrating problems are not unusual, and qualified chimney sweeps like those at Guardian Chimney Sweep are the fireplace technicians to call for help. A do-it-yourself gas fireplace fix is not recommended unless you have experience working with gas. Information follows that may help if you’ve been asking, why won’t my gas fireplace light or why does the flame in my gas fireplace keep turning off?
Proceed with Caution!
It is safe to use a gas fireplace when it is professionally installed and maintained. Risks of improper installation and maintenance include gas leaks, fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, and explosions.
Reasons a Gas Fireplace Keeps Shutting Off
When a gas fireplace keeps shutting off after it has been turned on, the ignition assembly is usually involved. Though it depends on the gas fireplace model you have, the components of the ignition assembly are typically the pilot light assembly, thermocouple & thermopile, and pilot tubing. If not the ignition assembly, the burner ports could be the reason your gas fireplace keeps turning off or won’t light at all.
Pilot Light
The pilot light for your gas fireplace may not be on, which is always a good place to start when troubleshooting problems with a gas fireplace. Please note that if you do not know how to light a pilot light, it is probably best to call a professional. Otherwise, re-light the pilot by referring to the user manual for the hearth appliance and following the instructions.
Thermocouple and Thermopile
Pilot light problems with a gas fireplace could be related to the thermocouple and thermopile. Through a valve, the thermocouple measures gas flow and the supply of gas to the pilot light. The thermopile is the sensor that opens the gas valve when you turn on your gas fireplace. The reason your gas fireplace does not stay on could be a malfunctioning thermocouple and/or thermopile.
Sometimes all that is needed when a gas fireplace won’t stay on is to clean the thermopile. This can be easy. Just shut off the gas supply and clean off the thermopile with a stainless-steel brush and fine-grit sandpaper. Ultimately, if this does not work, the thermopile may need to be replaced.
To check the thermocouple, use a multimeter device. It should read 25 millivolts or higher. Replace the thermocouple if the reading shows anything less than that.
Burner Ports
You may need to check the burner ports of your gas fireplace. Burner ports often become dirty and clogged. As a result, the pilot light flame either won’t ignite or becomes uneven. Use an air duster to clean the burner ports, and this could be the fix for your gas fireplace problem.
Other Reasons a Gas Fireplace Won’t Stay Lit
Other common technical problems with gas fireplaces include a faulty gas valve, a drip loop in the gas line, and a problem with gas service pressure. The experienced fireplace technicians at Guardian Chimney Sweep can help identify what the problem is and determine whether your utility company needs to be contacted.
Contact Guardian Chimney Sweep if Your Gas Fireplace Keeps Shutting Off
Annual maintenance by a professional is recommended by all manufacturers of gas fireplaces. Contact Guardian Chimney Sweep to schedule gas fireplace maintenance each year for your safety and to ensure peak efficiency. Our chimney technicians are CSIA-certified and up to date on the installation, maintenance, and repair of gas fireplaces. Keep the home fires burning in winter! Contact us if you’ve been asking why your gas fireplace keeps turning off or if you need chimney cleaning, a chimney inspection, masonry repair, or fireplace installation. Whatever your fireplace and chimney needs, we’ve got you covered. Contact Guardian Chimney Sweep online today or give us a call at any of the numbers below.
Toll-free: (888) 306-6069
Conroe: (936) 271-9781
Houston: (713) 401-2011