Do you have a gas fireplace in your home? Are you frustrated because it keeps going out? Then you’re in the right place. There are several possible reasons why your gas fireplace keeps going out. We’ve put together this handy list to help you get to the bottom of why your gas fireplace just won’t stay lit.
Reasons Your Gas Fireplace Keeps Going Out
Faulty or Blocked Pilot Light
The pilot light flame should be mostly blue in colour, with very little yellow. A pilot light should not be red. A damaged or dirty pilot light won’t properly light a fire or keep it lit. If the pilot light is not staying lit, your flame will keep going out.
Faulty or Blocked Oxypilot
The oxypilot monitors the level of oxygen in the room. It helps prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. When there’s a problem with the oxypilot, the gas valve will turn off, which triggers the pilot light to switch off. Keep the oxypilot clean so it doesn’t get clogged.
Malfunctioning or Block Thermocouple/Thermopile
Thermocouples are heat sensors that keep the pilot light on. They supply the gas to the pilot light. The thermopile is basically a bigger thermocouple that regulates gas flow to the main burner. If either component is damaged or blocked, the fireplace might go out due to insufficient gas supply.
Broken Thermostat
If your gas fireplace keeps going out, it could be due to a malfunctioning thermostat. The thermostat signals the flame to shut off when the room reaches the set temperature. A broken thermostat could cause your fireplace to turn off or fail to cycle on.
Wrong Gas Service Pressure
In order for the fire to ignite, the gas service pressure must be correct. The fire may go out or fail to light if the pressure is off. The same will happen if the gas pressure fluctuates. It could also cause the flame to fluctuate.
Moisture in Gas Line
Your fireplace might be going out because there’s moisture or water in the gas line. Moisture in the gas line dilutes the gas running to the pilot light. The diluted and inconsistent gas supply can cause your fireplace to shut off.
Dirty Burner Ports
Burner ports must be kept clean to prevent blockages. A dirty burner port will result in insufficient amounts of gas being released for combustion. The buildup of soot, dirt, or oxidation on burner ports can lead to a poor flame, less heat, and further damage to the fireplace.
Faulty or Blocked Gas Valve
The gas valve is the outlet the gas comes out of. If the valve can’t open fully, it’ll impact the amount of gas flowing into the pilot light. A faulty or clogged gas valve won’t open correctly so the fire won’t be able to stay lit.
Holes/Cracks in Heating Components
Normal wear and tear can lead to holes and cracks in the fireplace components. If your fireplace keeps going out, check its pieces for any cracks or holes that might be affecting the gas supply. This can be a more serious problem because gas leaks are major safety concerns.
Routine Maintenance for Your Gas Fireplace
Be sure to have routine maintenance done on your fireplace to prevent these issues. If you still have problems with your gas fireplace going out, we can help.
To schedule fireplace maintenance, call one of our experts today.
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