ADDRESS THE PILOT LIGHT
CHECK FOR GAS
Your gas fireplace will contain a pilot light. A pilot light that won’t light or stay lit is a common issue with many possible causes. There are two primary types of pilot lights -- an intermittent system and a standing pilot system. An intermittent system relies on a two-step process that lights the pilot, and in turn, the main burner. Once the main burner is lit, the pilot light goes out until needed again. A standing pilot system, on the other hand, constantly fuels the pilot light, whether the fireplace is lit or not. If the pilot light goes out, the system shuts off the gas stream for safety. Each system is set up a bit differently so knowing what kind of system you have is helpful. When it comes time to light the pilot light or make repairs, you’ll need to access the parts. You may be able to see the pilot light location through the decorative glass, but you will likely have to remove the decorative glass plate to access the service area. Typically, you can remove the glass by pressing the unit up. This releases the bottom of the glass, allowing it to gently swing outward and lower out of place. The service area is typically located below the firebox and you’ll want to look for the burner assembly inside the log set. To ignite a pilot light, look for the control knob labeled with “on,” “off,” and “pilot”. Turn the knob to the spot labeled ‘pilot’ and push the button in. This allows the gas to flow through the pipes. Sometimes it takes a while for the gas to reach the spark, especially if it has been sitting for a long time. While holding the button in, push the ignition switch. You should hear it clicking. Hopefully it will light. If it does, continue to hold the pilot button for about 30 seconds before rotating it over to the “on” position. If your pilot light lights initially but won’t stay on once rotated to the on position, relight it and hold the button in longer to give the burner assembly parts a chance to warm up before moving to the on position.
The next phase of the troubleshooting process involves making sure your unit is receiving gas. There is a manual gas shutoff valve inside the service department. Make sure it is in the on position. For most units, the on position is identified by the valve lining up with the gas lines. If it is perpendicular rather than parallel to the lines, rotate it to the on position. Also, check other gas-fed appliances to establish whether there’s a problem with the gas coming into the home. Once you’ve identified whether the issue is related to power, spark, or gas, further focus your troubleshooting with the following information.
ISSUES WITH THE PILOT LIGHT
Although the pilot light is critical to the system, there are only a few reasons it isn’t operating correctly. Most pilot lights have a reset button, so always start by resetting the system before doing a deep dive into other individual components. To troubleshoot the problem, consider how the system works. Gas is carried into the unit through gas lines connected to your primary gas input. Once the gas reaches the stove, the pilot light button allows gas to flow and the ignition switch provides the electrical spark to ignite the gas. Once the pilot light is lit, the thermocouple senses the flame and releases gas through a valve to ignite the fire. If any component in the chain fails, you won’t have fire. Caution: Working with gas can be dangerous. Always ensure your gas is turned off before attempting repairs and call a professional if you have any concerns.
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