Pilot Light On Gas Fireplace Wont Stay Lit

Pilot Light On Gas Fireplace Wont Stay Lit? Here's What To Do

A gas fireplace can be a beautiful and efficient way to heat your home. However, if the pilot light goes out, you may have to do some troubleshooting to get it working again. Here are some of the most common reasons why a pilot light on a gas fireplace won't stay lit and what you can do to fix it:

1. Clogged or Dirty Orifice

The orifice is the small opening that allows gas to flow to the pilot light. If the orifice becomes clogged or dirty, it can restrict the flow of gas and prevent the pilot light from staying lit. To clean the orifice, use a small brush or a pipe cleaner to gently remove any debris or dirt.

2. Faulty Thermocouple

The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas flow to the pilot light if it goes out. If the thermocouple is faulty, it may not be able to sense that the pilot light is lit and will shut off the gas supply prematurely. To test the thermocouple, use a voltmeter to measure the voltage between the two terminals. If the voltage is less than 20 millivolts, the thermocouple needs to be replaced.

3. Blocked Gas Line

The gas line that supplies gas to the pilot light may become blocked by debris or dirt. To clear the gas line, use a pipe cleaner or a small brush to gently remove any debris or dirt. You can also try blowing compressed air through the gas line to clear any blockages.

4. Faulty Pilot Light Assembly

The pilot light assembly is the component that houses the pilot light and the thermocouple. If the pilot light assembly is faulty, it may not be able to properly ignite the pilot light or keep it lit. To test the pilot light assembly, use a voltmeter to measure the voltage between the two terminals. If the voltage is less than 20 millivolts, the pilot light assembly needs to be replaced.

5. Airflow Problems

Airflow problems can also prevent a pilot light from staying lit. If there is not enough airflow, the pilot light will not be able to get enough oxygen to stay lit. To improve airflow, make sure that the fireplace damper is open and that there are no obstructions blocking the air intake vents.

Conclusion

If you have tried all of the above troubleshooting tips and the pilot light on your gas fireplace still won't stay lit, you may need to call a qualified gas fireplace technician to diagnose and repair the problem.