Imagine after a long, cold day you want to sit in front of your fireplace and warm up, maybe even roast some nuts — only to see that your gas fireplace won’t light. It can be a killjoy, as now you have a problem to fix. But where do you even begin? Don’t worry; just sit back and continue reading. This blog will discuss why this might be happening and how to fix it.
How to Fix a Gas Fire Place That Won’t Light?
Many homeowners opt for a gas fireplace rather than the traditional wooden ones. With gas fireplaces, you can attain a comparatively better indoor air quality. In addition, it is energy efficient and safer to use. However, you might have some trouble operating gas fireplaces. For instance, your gas fireplace might not light up. Ignition failure usually occurs due to problems in the pilot light system. You can try the following:
1. Check The Main Gas Valve
Pilot light systems are usually the reason why our gas fireplace won’t light. You will find the pilot light below the replica logs, connected to a gas line. Normally, the pilot light is lit at all times. If not, check the gas valve to ensure it is in position and turned on.
2. Check If the Pilot Tubing Is Being Blocked
If the gas is on and still the gas fireplace fails to ignite, the pilot tube might be blocked. This might be the case if the pilot has not been lit in a while. You will need to hold the pilot button for one to three minutes while the air purges.
Insects crawl into small spaces, so you may find a spider nest in the pilot tubing, especially if you live in rural areas. Keep an eye out for those, as insects and spider webs might stop your gas fireplace from lighting.
3. Check The Igniter & Thermocouple
If there are no blockages, the gas is on and flowing out, yet your gas fireplace won’t light up; there might be a problem with the spark igniter and the thermocouple. First, clean any debris between the two. It is possible that your gas fireplace pilot will light up but won’t stay lit. In this case, you will need to replace the igniter. Therefore, hire a professional chimney repair and restoration service to handle the issue. They will inspect the fireplace and fix any issues that stop it from lighting.
What Should I Do?
Sometimes, your gas fireplace won’t light up due to issues with connections, valves, modules, etc. When you have taken a few pages out of the gas fireplace troubleshooting guide and are still facing ignition failure, it is time to call in the experts. Handling gas equipment can be risky and tricky. Many of us are not experienced in dealing with such appliances, which might result in more damage. Thus, you should contact a professional chimney company.
At Dr Chimney Sweep and Repair, we offer chimney inspection, repair, cleaning, and more. Contact us to book our services.