When your gas fireplace shuts off, and the pilot goes out, it usually indicates an issue with the thermocouple or another component. Here are some practical steps to troubleshoot and resolve the problem, integrating expert insights and personal experiences.
What are Thermocouples and Pilot Lights?
The thermocouple is a component of a gas furnace. It is usually located not far from the pilot light burner. The thermocouple acts as a safety measure. Its function is to ensure there are no gas leaks if the electric igniter fails or if the pilot light shuts off.
While a pilot light is a small flame inside a device, it is always lit. This light is usually found on older models of propane appliances. If you buy a newer appliance, you might not see the pilot light; instead, you will see electronic ignitions.
Sometimes a pilot light goes out, so you do not need to worry when your gas fireplace shuts off and the pilot goes out. When the pilot light goes out, the cause is usually something you can solve easily. You can try turning off the gas, or your appliance will run out of propane.
Turn On a Gas Fireplace With a Key
So, you might wonder how to turn on the gas fireplace with a key. Usually, gas fireplaces use an ignitor or a knob to start the fire. But some older models use a metal key instead. Basically, all you need to do is insert that key into the right keyhole. It will turn on the glass flow, and the fire will start.
Locating the keyhole might not be the easiest thing to do. Usually, it is located on the base of a fireplace, to be exact, on the floor right in front of your fireplace. If you do not find it there, you might want to look for it on the lower part of a wall near the fireplace.
You must grasp the key’s handle and insert the square end into the keyhole. To ensure the key is in the right position, you can jingle it a little until the lock slides into its place in the keyhole. After that, you should turn the key a half turn, remembering to turn it counterclockwise. This action will start the gas flow into the fireplace logs.
The gas Fireplace Shuts Off, and the Pilot Goes Out
After that, you need to insert the butane lighter into the gas tube. The lighter is located near the center of the gas logs. To start the flame, you need to press the trigger on the lighter.
Once you finish that, you must put the key back into the keyhole if you want to adjust the flame’s height. Usually, if you want to raise the flame, you need to turn the key counterclockwise. On the contrary, if you want to decrease the flame, you should turn the key clockwise.
If you have an older fireplace model, you probably need to change your thermocouple when your gas fireplace shuts off and the pilot goes out. You can ask a professional to do this.
Personal Experience: Troubleshooting a Gas Fireplace
From my experience, ensuring the cleanliness of the fireplace components is crucial. For instance, I once faced a persistent issue where my gas fireplace kept turning off. After inspecting, I found the pilot light sensor covered in soot. Cleaning it with a soft brush resolved the problem instantly.
Additional Expert Insights
- Thermopile Malfunctions: Similar to the thermocouple, it opens and shuts the gas valve.
- Oxygen Sensor Issues: Ensures sufficient oxygen for the fireplace to operate safely.
