Last Updated on October 21, 2022 by Jason Nguyen
If you have a gas fireplace, you may have noticed that it sometimes goes out. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re in the middle of a cold winter night and your fireplace suddenly stops working.
In this blog post, we will discuss some common reasons why gas fireplaces may go out, as well as what you can do to prevent this from happening. We hope that this information will help you keep your fireplace running smoothly all winter long!
Reasons Why Gas Fireplace Keep Going Out and How To Fix
1. Pilot Light
The pilot light on a gas fireplace is a small flame that ignites the gas coming into the fireplace.
The pilot light is located near the bottom of the gas fireplace, often behind a small door.
When you turn on your gas fireplace, the pilot light ignites the gas coming into the fireplace. This allows you to enjoy your fire without having to worry about lighting it yourself.
If your gas fireplace keeps going out, it’s likely because the pilot light is extinguished. A pilot light can go out for a number of reasons, including drafts, wind, or a dirty sensor.
How to fix it?
There are a few things you can do to fix a pilot light that keeps going out.
- First, check for drafts. If there is a draft coming into the room, it can extinguish the pilot light. To fix this, you’ll need to find and seal the source of the draft.
- Second, check the wind. If there is a lot of wind outside, it can also extinguish the pilot light. To fix this, you’ll need to make sure that the flue is open and that there are no obstructions in front of the fireplace.
- Finally, check the sensor. The sensor is what tells the fireplace when to turn on and off. If the sensor is dirty, it can cause the fireplace to turn off. To fix this, you’ll need to clean the sensor with a cotton swab or a toothbrush.
2. Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a safety device that senses when the pilot light is on. If the pilot light goes out, the gas flow to the fireplace will shut off.
How does it work?
The thermocouple consists of two dissimilar metals that are joined at one end. When the pilot light is lit, the two metals create a small electrical current. This current tells the gas valve that the pilot light is on, and gas can flow to the fireplace.
Why does it fail?
Over time, the two metals in the thermocouple can corrode. This can create a break in the circuit, which causes the gas valve to shut off.
How do I fix it?
You’ll need to replace the thermocouple. This is a relatively easy job that you can do yourself.
To replace the thermocouple:
-Turn off the gas to the fireplace at the shut-off valve.
-Remove the access panel to the gas valve.
-Disconnect the old thermocouple from the gas valve.
-Connect the new thermocouple to the gas valve.
-Replace the access panel.
-Turn on the gas to the fireplace.
-Check for leaks.
-Light the pilot light.
You may also need to adjust the position of the thermocouple. The tip of the thermocouple should be in direct contact with the flame of the pilot light. If it’s not, you’ll need to bend it so that it is.
3. Thermopile
If your gas fireplace keeps going out, it may be because of your thermopile. The thermopile is a metal rod that converts heat into electricity.
It is located near the pilot light and is used to open the gas valve when the pilot light is lit. If the thermopile is not working properly, the gas valve will not open and the fireplace will not stay lit.
There are a few things that can cause the thermopile to stop working. The most common reason is that the pilot light is not getting enough oxygen. If the pilot light is not getting enough oxygen, it will not be hot enough to heat the thermopile.
Another reason could be that the thermocouple is not working properly. It is used to sense the temperature of the pilot light. If the thermocouple is not working properly, it will not be able to tell when the pilot light is lit and will not open the gas valve.
How to fix it?
If your thermopile is not working, you will need to replace it. You can do this yourself or hire a professional.
If you decide to replace it yourself, you will need to:
-Turn off the gas to the fireplace
-Remove the cover of the fireplace
-Disconnect the wires from the old thermopile
-Remove the old thermopile
-Install the new thermopile
-Reconnect the wires
-Replace the cover of the fireplace
-Turn on the gas to the fireplace
4. Oxypilot
The oxypilot is a small device that sits atop your gas fireplace and monitors the oxygen level in the room.
If the oxygen level in the room drops below a certain point, the oxypilot will automatically shut off your gas fireplace.
Why does this happen?
There are a few reasons why this might happen.
One reason is that the oxypilot might be set to a lower oxygen level than what is actually in the room.
Another possibility is that there is a draft in the room that is causing the oxygen levels to drop.
Whatever the reason, if your gas fireplace keeps going out, it might be due to the oxypilot.
How can I fix it?
If you think that the oxypilot might be the reason why your gas fireplace keeps going out, there are a few things that you can do.
First, you can try adjusting the oxygen level on the oxypilot.
Second, you can try to find and eliminate the draft in the room.
If neither of these fix the problem, you might need to replace the oxypilot.
5. Gas Service Pressure
Gas service pressure is the amount of pressure that is in the gas line coming into your home. The pressure is measured in pounds per square inch, or “psi.”
If you have a natural gas fireplace, the minimum amount of pressure required is 0.036 psi. If you have a propane fireplace, the minimum amount of pressure required is 0.24 psi.
Why is it important?
The pressure in your gas line is what provides the fuel for your fireplace. If the pressure is too low, the fireplace will not be able to function properly.
How do I know if my pressure is too low?
One way to tell if your pressure is too low is if your gas fireplace keeps going out. If this is happening, you should check your pressure gauge to see what the reading is.
If the reading is below the minimum amount of pressure required for your type of fireplace, then you will need to call a gas technician to come and take a look at your gas line. They will be able to adjust the pressure so that your fireplace will work properly.
6. Drip Loop
A drip loop is a low spot in the gas line where any condensation will drip back down into the appliance, instead of continuing on to clog up the regulator.
A properly installed gas line will have a drip loop just before it enters the appliance.
Why do you need one?
If there is no drip loop and water does get into the regulator, it will mix with the gas and can cause the pilot light to go out. Water can also rust or corrode the parts of the regulator, causing it to fail.
How do you know if you have one?
If you’re not sure whether or not your fireplace has a drip loop, there’s an easy way to check. First, make sure that the fireplace is turned off and cooled down.
Then, locate the point where the gas line enters the fireplace. If there is a low spot in the line at this point, chances are you have a drip loop!
If you don’t have a drip loop, don’t worry – they’re easy to install. Just follow the instructions in your owner’s manual, or contact a qualified technician for help.
How to fix it?
If you don’t have a drip loop, you can install one by simply cutting the gas line and re-routing it so that there is a low spot before it enters the appliance.
Make sure that the new section of pipe is firmly attached and does not leak. You may need to call a professional to do this for you.
7. Gas Valve
The gas valve is the device that controls the flow of gas to your fireplace. It is usually located near the floor, behind the control panel or near the pilot light.
If you have a problem with your gas fireplace, one of the first things you should check is the gas valve.
There are two main types of gas valves: manual and automatic. Manual gas valves must be turned on and off manually, while automatic gas valves will turn on and off automatically when the fireplace is turned on and off.
If your gas fireplace keeps going out, it is likely that the problem is with the gas valve. The most common problems with gas valves are that they become clogged or damaged. If your gas valve is clogged, you will need to clean it out. If the gas valve is damaged, you will need to replace it.
Why Gas fireplace goes out after 15 minutes?
If your gas fireplace goes out after 15 minutes, it may be due to the pilot light going out. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas in the fireplace.
It is usually located near the bottom of the firebox. If this happens, you’ll need to relight the pilot light. Follow these steps:
- Locate the pilot light. It should be near the bottom of the firebox.
- Turn off the gas to the fireplace.
- Wait a few minutes for the gas to clear.
- Relight the pilot light. Follow the instructions that came with your fireplace.
- Turn on the gas to the fireplace.
Why Gas fireplace shuts off after 30 minutes.
If your gas fireplace shuts off after only 30 minutes, there could be several causes. One possibility is that the pilot light has gone out.
If this happens, you’ll need to relight it following the instructions in your owner’s manual.
Another possibility is that the thermostat or switch that controls the fireplace is defective. In this case, you’ll need to replace the part.
Will gas fireplace shut off if too hot?
The simple answer is that most gas fireplaces have a built in safety feature that will shut the gas off to the fireplace if it gets too hot. This is done as a precautionary measure to prevent any damage to the unit or home.
There are a few things that can cause your gas fireplace to get too hot and trigger this safety feature. One possibility is that the flue is blocked. The flue is the part of the fireplace that goes up the chimney and allows smoke and fumes to escape. If the flue is blocked, it can cause the gas fireplace to overheat.
Another possibility is that there is something wrong with the gas line. If there is a problem with the gas line, it can cause a build-up of gas in the fireplace. This can also cause the fireplace to overheat and trigger the safety feature.
Do gas fireplaces turn off automatically?
The answer is both yes and no. If your gas fireplace has a pilot light, then it will most likely stay on until you turn it off. However, if your gas fireplace does not have a pilot light, then it will probably turn off after a certain amount of time.
So, there you have it. Gas fireplaces can turn off automatically, but it depends on whether or not they have a pilot light. If you’re not sure about your fireplace, be sure to ask a professional before using it. Stay safe and warm this winter!
Gas fireplace goes out but pilot stays on?
This is a common issue that can be easily fixed. First, check to make sure that the gas valve is in the “on” position. If it is, then you may need to clean or replace the gas fireplace logs.
Logs can become clogged with soot and debris over time, which can cause the fireplace to go out. To clean the logs, simply remove them from the fireplace and scrub them with a stiff brush. If they’re too dirty, you may need to replace them.
Finally, check the pilot light to make sure it’s lit. If it’s not, relight it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Conclusion
There are a few reasons why your gas fireplace may keep going out. The most common reason is that the pilot light is not set correctly. If the pilot light is not set correctly, it will not stay lit and your fireplace will go out.
Another reason could be that the gas valve is not open all the way. If the gas valve is not open all the way, the gas will not flow correctly and your fireplace will go out. Lastly, make sure that there are no drafts in the room where your fireplace is located. If there are drafts, they can cause the fire to go out.
If you have checked all of these things and your gas fireplace still keeps going out, you may need to call a professional. A professional can check for other issues that may be causing the problem. They can also help you troubleshoot the issue and find a solution. Contact a gas fireplace repair company today to schedule an appointment.
