How do you fix a gas fireplace insert?

How to Repair a Natural Gas Fireplace Insert

1. Step 1 – Turn off the Gas and Electricity. Always turn off the gas when working on a natural gas fireplace to reduce the chance of an explosion.
2. Step 2 – Determine the Problem.
3. Step 3 – Fill the Crack or Holes.
4. Step 4 – Clean the Unit.
5. Step 5 – Try Relighting the Pilot Light.
6. Step 6 – Replace the Thermocouple.

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Similarly one may ask, how do you remove a gas fireplace insert?

Method 2 Disconnecting a Gas Insert

1. Turn off the gas to the house at the main valve.
2. Use a crowbar to remove any trim around the insert.
3. Disconnect the gas line from the insert after you have removed the trim.
4. Lay a piece of carpet or a stack of old blankets in front of the fireplace.

Similarly, how do you know if you have a bad thermocouple? If you can't get the flame to light at all, and you're sure the gas is on, there's probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that's the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.

Herein, why will my gas fireplace not light?

Pilot light systems are the most common reason gas fireplaces fail to light, so check the main gas valve to make sure the gas is turned on. It should usually run parallel to the gas line when it is on. The pilot lights, but not staying lit, indicates that the thermocouple is worn out or bad.

What does a thermocouple look like?

The thermocouple looks like a piece of metal tubing smaller than a soda straw. To find it, first locate the gas control box. This is the box that the main gas line enters, where you turn the gas on in the furnace. The other end of the thermocouple sits in the flame of the pilot light.

Related Question Answers

Do gas fireplaces need to be serviced?

The initial and foremost guideline of any gas fireplace system is to have it inspected every year. With professional chimney companies, you can usually have your annual chimney cleaning and gas inspection scheduled at the same time. Matter of fact, your whole system should be inspected annually, top to bottom.

How do you start a gas fireplace for the first time?

If this is your first time lighting your gas fireplace, you should leave the knob pressed in for 30 seconds to bleed air out of the gas line. After waiting 5-30 seconds for the pilot light to be primed, and with the control knob still pressed in, click in the pilot ignition button located next to the control knob.

Is it safe to keep pilot light on gas fireplace?

Leaving the gas on keeps this compound moving out of the tubes. Keeping the pilot light on will also keep moisture out of the unit and in turn, help prevent corrosion. As you can see, it's probably best in most cases to extinguish the pilot light in your gas fireplace during the months when you don't need heat.

How do I know if my gas fireplace is working?

You should:

1. Inspect the glass doors for cracks or latch issues.
2. Check that gas logs are in the proper position.
3. Turn gas off at the shut-off valve and test the igniter.
4. Ignite the fire and look for clogged burner holes. If present, turn off gas and clear obstructions with a pin or needle.

How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple on a gas fireplace?

A standard replacement thermocouple only costs our customers around 7 to 9 dollars. Of course labor charge of a trip out is 40.00 (still cheap).

Does removing a fireplace decrease home value?

“Fireplaces are a sought-after feature among home buyers, and removing them will negatively affect the value of your home,” says Dogan, who adds that they are inviting and evoke feelings of warmth and charm—especially in the Northeast.

Can you replace a gas fireplace insert?

Replacing your gas fireplace insert can be an easy home project; if you have the right tools, this job can be done in just a few minutes. However, since this project involves working around gas lines, you will need to make sure you take a safe approach.

How much does it cost to remove a gas fire?

If you only need to remove the inconvenient or dangerous parts of the system, you can avoid the massive cost of demolishing the entire system and structure. A partial chimney or fireplace demolition might cost a homeowner $500-$2,000, where a complete removal could run $4,000 - $6,000.

Can a fireplace insert be removed?

A wood-burning fireplace insert must be removed when your fireplace and chimney enclosure need cleaning. It's easier than removing a gas insert because it's not necessary to remove or disconnect gas lines. If you don't want to hire a professional to remove the fireplace insert, you can attempt to remove it yourself.

Does fireplace insert have to be removed to clean chimney?

Fireplace inserts are heavy, often weighing more than 400 pounds. Since wood burning inserts need to be removed when the chimney is being cleaned and maintained, they can be awkward and heavy to handle. In some cases, however, you do not have to remove the insert to clean the chimney.

Are gas fireplaces safe?

Gas fireplaces are safe. But as with all gas appliances, they do produce carbon monoxide. If something goes wrong, carbon monoxide put the home's occupants at risk. Therefore, carbon monoxide detectors are a critical part of gas fireplace safety, even if you don't use the fireplace often.

Can you remove gas fireplace?

A gas insert fireplace is a gas unit that is sized to fit into an existing opening, such as a masonry fireplace. To remove it, you would just reverse the installation process, including the disconnection of the gas and any required electrical connection.

Why would a gas fireplace suddenly go out?

If you get dust in the pilot assembly and the pilot needs to be cleaned out, it produces a "lazy" flame, which will be disturbed by the draught of the main burners. The flame lifts away from the thermocouple and causes the temperature on the tip of the thermocouple to drop. This, in turn, makes the gas valve shut off.

How do you test a thermocouple?

Steps

1. Locate the pilot light controls on the gas valve.
2. Turn the pilot light on for 30 seconds.
3. Release the button to see if the pilot light goes out.
4. Turn off the gas supply to test the thermocouple again.
5. Count to 20 and wait for the pilot light to go out.
6. Listen for clicking near the gas valve.

Can you clean a thermocouple?

If the Thermocouple is faulty it will cause the unit to shut down. How to clean? Remove Thermocouple from pilot assembly, using steel wool or emery cloth to lightly clean the tip removing any soot or build up that might have accorded due to an improper pilot flame.

How do you test a thermocouple on a gas fireplace?

How to Test a Gas Fireplace Thermocouple

1. Step 1 – Locate Gas Valve and Pilot Assembly. The thermocouple will resemble a long copper wire running between the pilot light and the gas supply valve.
2. Step 2 – Hold Pilot Open to Heat Thermocouple. Push in the control valve and light the pilot flame.
3. Step 3 – Watch Pilot with Main Burners On.

How do you turn on gas fireplace logs?

Turn the knob from the “Off” to the “Pilot” position. Push in the pilot knob, which manually sends gas into the system. Push the igniter button once every second until it lights. Depending on how long it's been since the gas fireplace was last used, ignition may take multiple attempts.

Are thermocouples universal?

Universal Thermocouples. Universal thermocouples, as the name implies work on most water heaters. They are available online and in home supply stores for a reasonable cost. The length and the thread type are the two concerns when purchasing one.

How big should the pilot light be on a gas fireplace?

A proper pilot flame should be blue with a yellow tip and should be strong enough to cover about 1/2 inch at the end of the thermocouple tip. If the flame is too strong and improperly adjusted, it will be blue but may be noisy and lift off the thermocouple, causing improper furnace operation.