A gas fireplace uses natural gas as its fuel source. This is different from traditional wood-burning fireplaces, which use logs as fuel. A gas fireplace has several benefits over a traditional fireplace, including convenience, safety, minimal mess, and efficiency.
Despite its many benefits, a gas fireplace can have problems from time to time. One common problem is that the fireplace will go out. This is where the question of why does my gas fireplace keep going out comes into play.
There are a few possible reasons for this, and we’ll explore the most likely ones in this article. We’ll also give you some tips on how to fix the problem.
How Does a Gas Fireplace Normally Work?
How a gas fireplace works will ultimately answer why your gas fireplace keeps going out. Let’s look at how a gas fireplace is supposed to work, so we can better understand the problem.
A gas fireplace has three main parts: the burner, the pilot light, and the gas valve. The pilot light is a small flame that’s always on and used to light the burner. The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the fireplace.
You first turn on the gas valve when you want to use your fireplace. Then you use a lighter or match to light the pilot light. Once the pilot light is lit, it ignites the burner.
Once the flame is going, you can adjust the size of the flame by turning the gas valve. Turning the valve to the left will make the flame smaller, and turning it to the right will make it bigger.
You can turn off the gas valve when you’re done using the fireplace, stopping gas flow to the fireplace.
As you can see, all the elements mentioned must work correctly for your gas fireplace to stay lit. So, if your fireplace keeps going out, it’s likely due to a problem with one of these three things. Let’s look at each one in more detail.
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Why Does My Gas Fireplace Keep Going Out?
As explained, your gas fireplace needs several elements to work for it to stay on. If any of these isn’t functioning properly, your gas fireplace may turn off by itself or shut down after a few seconds.
Here are some things that could be going wrong:
Clogged Pilot Light
The pilot light is what starts the fire in your gas fireplace. If it’s clogged, it will restrict the gas flow, and the fireplace won’t stay on. Moreover, a blocked pilot light can be dangerous as it can cause a gas leak.
How to Fix
If your gas fireplace is shutting off after a few seconds, there are several things you can do to try and fix the problem. Here are a few things you can try:
- Check the Thermocouple: Ensure the thermocouple is connected correctly and in good condition. You can also try increasing the distance between the thermocouple and the pilot light.
- Clean The Burner Assembly: The burner assembly includes the igniter, flame sensor, and gas jets. If any of these are dirty or blocked, it could be causing the fireplace to turn off, and cleaning them may fix the problem.
- Replace The Pilot Light: The pilot light may have gone out if everything else looks good. You can try replacing it yourself or call a professional to do it for you.
Hopefully, one of these solutions will fix the problem, and you can enjoy your gas fireplace again. If not, it’s best to call a professional to look at it; they’ll be able to diagnose the problem and get your fireplace working again in no time.
Broken Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a safety feature that turns off the gas flow if it doesn’t sense a flame. So, if your thermocouple is broken, your fireplace will turn off as soon as you turn it on because it won’t sense a flame.
A broken thermocouple isn’t only a nuisance because it keeps your fireplace from staying on, it can also be dangerous. A broken thermocouple can cause a gas leak, which can be hazardous and even life-threatening.
How to Fix
The best way to fix a broken thermocouple is to call a professional. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and replace the thermocouple for you.
In some cases, you may be able to clean or adjust the thermocouple yourself, but it’s best to leave this to a professional unless you’re experienced with gas fireplace repairs.
Damaged Oxypilot
The oxypilot is what ignites the gas in your fireplace. If it’s damaged, it won’t be able to ignite the gas, and your fireplace won’t stay on. As such, it’s one of the main reasons a gas fireplace would turn off itself.
How to Fix
If you think your oxypilot may be damaged, the best thing to do is call a professional. They can diagnose the problem and replace the part if necessary.
Faulty Gas Valve
As explained earlier, the primary purpose of a gas valve is to control the amount of gas that flows into the combustion chamber. If the gas valve is not working correctly, it can cause your fireplace to turn off.
A faulty gas valve is one of the most common reasons a gas fireplace shuts off after a few seconds. If the gas valve is not open, it will restrict gas flow to the combustion chamber. This can cause the fireplace to turn off shortly after it is turned on.
Another common reason for a gas fireplace to keep going out is a dirty or clogged burner. When the burner is dirty, it doesn’t allow the gas to flow evenly. This can cause the gas to build up in the combustion chamber and eventually extinguish the fire.
How to Fix
When fixing the gas valve, leaving it to a professional is best. If you attempt to fix it yourself, you risk worsening the situation.
Other Factors
Besides the four main reasons we’ve gone over, a few other factors could be causing your gas fireplace to turn off.
Some of the additional factors include:
Drip Loop
A drip loop is a slight bend in the gas line that prevents water from flowing back into the gas line. If there is no drip loop or it’s not installed correctly, water can get into the gas line and cause problems.
To prevent this issue, install an appropriately sized drip loop for your gas line.
Gas Pressure
The gas pressure coming into your fireplace needs to be just right. If the pressure is too low, the fireplace won’t stay lit. Conversely, if the pressure is too high, it can be dangerous. The best way to fix this problem is to call a professional.
Wind
If you live in an area prone to high winds, that could be causing your fireplace to turn off. The wind can cause the flue to draft, which pulls the fire up and out of the fireplace. To prevent this, ensure the flue is closed when the fireplace is not used.
Ventilation
Your gas fireplace needs a good supply of fresh air to function correctly. If your home is not well-ventilated, it can cause your fireplace to turn off. One way to improve the ventilation in your home is to install a ceiling fan.
A ceiling fan can help circulate the air and improve the airflow in your home. If you have an exhaust fan in your kitchen or bathroom, ensure it’s working correctly. An exhaust fan can help remove stale air from your home and improve ventilation.
Faulty Switch
A malfunctioning gas fireplace switch can also be a culprit for your gas fireplace issues. If the switch that ignites the fireplace isn’t working correctly, it may not turn on or might shut off unexpectedly. This could be due to a faulty wiring connection, a worn-out switch component, or a problem with the fireplace’s ignition system. In such cases, inspecting and repairing or replacing the switch is advisable, ideally by a qualified technician, to ensure safety and proper functionality.
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How Often Does a Gas Fireplace Need to be Maintained?
It would help to have your gas fireplace serviced at least once a year. This is a recommendation by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
A technician will clean the fireplace during a service appointment and inspect all components. They will also test the gas pressure to ensure it’s within the correct range.
When you schedule a service appointment, you can know your fireplace is in good working condition. This will also help prevent any future problems from occurring.
What Should I Consider Before Cleaning My Gas Fireplace?
You must be strategic when cleaning your gas fireplace because some key components need to be considered, such as the gas line, the pilot light, and the glass.
- One of the most important things you must consider before cleaning your gas fireplace is whether or not the power is off. You don’t want to start cleaning your fireplace and realize you can’t turn it off because the gas line is still open.
- Another thing you need to take into account is the pilot light. Hiring a professional to clean your fireplace is best if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself.
- Finally, you must be careful when cleaning the glass on your gas fireplace. You don’t want to crack the glass or break it completely. Therefore, avoid damage using a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution.
By following these tips, you can be sure you’re taking the necessary steps to clean your gas fireplace correctly.
Conclusion
The question of why does my gas fireplace keep going out can be tricky to answer because there are several potential reasons. However, we’ve gone over the most common causes.
If you’re still having trouble with your gas fireplace, it’s best to call a professional. They will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it quickly. Scheduling regular maintenance appointments can also help prevent future problems from occurring.
FAQs
The following are some common questions related to why a gas fireplace keeps going out.
What is the lifespan of a gas fireplace?
When maintained properly, a gas fireplace can last for an average of 10-15 years before it needs to be replaced. This is because gas fireplaces don’t have the same wear and tear as wood-burning fireplaces.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace?
Replacing a thermocouple in a gas fireplace with professional help typically costs between $150 and $250. The cost will depend on the type of gas fireplace you have and the complexity of the repair.
Is it okay to leave the pilot light on the gas fireplace overnight?
Leaving the pilot light active overnight is unsafe as it can create a fire hazard. If you’re not using your gas fireplace for an extended period, it’s best to turn off the pilot light and gas supply.
Another significant risk of leaving the pilot light on overnight is the release of carbon monoxide. This gas is odourless and colourless, so you may not realize it’s present in your home. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can be dangerous and fatal, so it’s best to avoid this risk by turning off the pilot light when you’re not using your fireplace.
