Gas Fireplaces: Troubleshooting Your Pilot Light

Nowadays, most homeowners prefer gas fireplaces over traditional wood fireplaces. Not only are gas fireplaces safer and more energy-efficient, but they also have a lower impact on indoor air quality. 

The only downside is that they can be tricky to operate. If you’re having trouble lighting your gas fireplace, check the pilot light. Issues with the pilot light system are the usual culprits behind ignition failure.

Where’s the Pilot Light Located? 

The pilot light is located under the replica logs and connected to a gas line. In most cases, the pilot light is constantly lit, but if it isn’t, verify that the gas valve is in the on position.

Make Sure Nothing Is Blocking the Pilot Tubing

If you haven’t used your gas fireplace for a while now, and it isn’t lighting up, hold the pilot button down for one to three minutes until the air is purged from the tubing. If you live in a rural area, keep an eye out for spider nests – insects like to crawl into small spaces like the pilot tubing. 

Check Your Igniter and Thermocouple 

If nothing is blocking the tubing, and gas is flowing out, there might be something wrong with the spark igniter and thermocouple. Make sure there’s no debris lodged between the two. If the pilot light ignites but doesn’t stay lit, you might need to replace the igniter. 

A Word of Caution 

Trying to troubleshoot gas equipment can be dangerous, not to mention tricky, which is why we strongly recommend leaving this kind of work to the professionals. The same goes for newer electric fireplaces. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you’ll most likely end up damaging them. And, if you’re having your gas fireplace inspected, it’d be a good idea to have a chimney sweep clean the flue as well. A dirty chimney can affect indoor air quality. 

Looking for experienced chimney sweeps in your area? 

Chimney Doctors, a chimney sweep with over 20 years’ worth of experience, offers professional fireplace inspection and chimney masonry repair services. To get a schedule an appointment, call us at (518) 882-5009, or fill out our form here. We serve homeowners in Clifton Park, NY, as well as the surrounding communities.