Why does the pilot light on my gas fireplace keep going out?

Why does the pilot light on my gas fireplace keep going out?

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 I clean the thermocouple on my gas fireplace?

How to Clean the Thermocouple in 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.

How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace?

How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple? The thermocouple is an apparatus that senses whether the pilot light is lit and triggers the gas control valve. Repairs typically cost about $150 to have it done professionally, though a new thermocouple itself only costs about $20 on average.

How do you fix a gas fireplace that won’t stay lit?

Easy DIY Fix: Gas Fireplace Won’t Stay Lit

1. Before You Begin: Is Your Pilot Light Lit Inside Fireplace?
2. The Fix: Pilot Light to Gas Fireplace Won’t Stay Lit.
3. Check Your Thermopile Output with the TH/TP Contacts.
4. Don’t Replace Your Thermopile or Thermocouple Right Away.
5. Cleaning the Thermopile.
6. Re-test the Cleaned Thermopile.

How long does a thermocouple last on a gas fireplace?

Thermocouples are rigorously tested and should last for years. Indeed, experts believe a four-year check cycle is all that is needed to make sure things are functioning properly.

How much does a thermocouple cost?

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.

How do you check if a thermocouple is working?

If the thermocouple is working, you should be able to measure 30 to 40 millivolts of voltage at the connection end of the tube when the pilot flame is on. You can test this yourself using a multimeter, but you may need a helper to keep the pilot flame burning while you do it.

What would 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.

Why you should turn off your gas fireplace pilot light?

Pilot OFF: No gas is being wasted so you are conserving energy and saving money! No heat is being generated by the pilot so the glass door on your fireplace will not be warm to the touch. With the pilot off, there are still trace amounts of gas molecules in the burner and pilot tubes of your fireplace.

Should I keep the pilot light burning on a gas fireplace?

Leaving the gas on keeps this compound moving out of the tubes. Keeping the pilot light on will also keep moisture out of the unit and in turn, help prevent corrosion. Plus, if the fireplace is located in the basement, it may also help to reduce humidity levels.

How do you clean a gas fireplace pilot?

How to clean your gas fireplace: First, turn off the gas and electrical power and let your fireplace cool down. Remove the logs/stones/coals and the burner. Take them outside and with a soft-bristle nylow brush, clean them off. Turn off the pilot light and use a dry cloth to clean the pilot nozzle plus the burner asseembly.

Why does pilot light keep going out on gas furnace?

Thermocouple – The most common cause for a pilot light going out frequently is the thermocouple. The thermocouple verifies that the pilot light in your gas furnace is burning (to ensure that your furnace is not releasing unburned gas into your home).