Gas Fireplace Troubleshooting Tips

The convenience of fireplaces fueled by gas has made them the heating appliance of choice for countless homeowners. It’s important to understand, however, that gas fireplace troubleshooting is sometimes needed. To best enjoy the advanced technology of high-efficiency gas fireplaces, avoid occasional frustration by becoming familiar with troubleshooting for common problems that arise.

Safety First

A word of caution here because solid-fuel appliances have certain risks. There’s no question that gas fireplaces are safe, but things can go wrong that could put your family and home in danger. The most important thing to remember is that the fireplace should not smell overtly like gas. If you realize that the fireplace is emitting gas odors, leave the area and immediately call 9-1-1 for assistance. Gas leaks are, of course, potentially very dangerous.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

An easy fix for a gas fireplace is sometimes to reset a tripped circuit breaker. Electrical wiring will cut off power flow to prevent overheating when there is too much current running through it. Sometimes it’s the gas fireplace that is tripped. It’s an easy fix; simply go to your circuit box and reset any tripped breakers.

Fire Won’t Start

The pilot light is associated with the most common problems experienced with gas fireplaces. When your fireplace won’t turn on as expected, it’s usually a pilot light issue. A glowing blue pilot light is also an indication of a problem because it means the flame isn’t hot enough.

All that may be needed when troubleshooting a gas fireplace is to open the vent and then relight the pilot light flame with a lighter or match.

If your effort to light the pilot with a long-nozzled lighter or a long match isn’t successful, the problem could be more serious. It could be, for example, that moisture is in the gas line. Moisture is held in a tee-drain capped pipe. It is located at the gas meter, and you may simply need to clean it.

The pilot light can’t do its job if the thermocouple or thermopile is malfunctioning. It is common for older gas fireplace issues to arise, such as thermocouples having a problem either because the system wasn’t hooked up correctly or it wasn’t adequately secured. In newer models, thermopiles are typically used. When they are the source of the problem with the pilot light, potential causes are the same as for thermocouples.

Roaring Sound

Your pilot could be causing a roaring or rumbling noise. First, adjust the flame. If that doesn’t work as a fix, the burners, which can produce the same sound, probably need to be cleaned.

Batteries Need Replacing

If your gas fireplace has a battery-powered remote or receiver, the issue could simply be drained batteries. It’s always a good idea to start the gas fireplace troubleshooting process by checking to see if the batteries are still working.

Checking tubing, wires, and screws is another way to troubleshoot, and you may need help from a professional chimney sweep. Dubuque Fireplace & Patio can help with chimney repair, chimney maintenance, gas fireplace troubleshooting, and much more. Call Dubuque Fireplace & Patio at
(563) 582-5156. In and around Highland WI, call our sister store, Chimney Specialists, Inc., at (608) 929-4887.