Gas Fireplace Won’t Stay Lit or Doesn’t Light at All

DIY Tips: Troubleshooting a Gas Fireplace That Won’t Stay Lit or Doesn’t Light at All

If your gas fireplace won’t stay lit or doesn’t light at all, you may be able to fix it yourself. But, working with gas appliances involves risks! So, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable, The Fire Place in Mesa, AZ, is here to help. We have serviced and repaired fireplaces in the Phoenix metro area for 28 years. This includes Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, and more.

An important note before we jump into this DIY Tip. We are a professional fireplace repair, service, and installing contracting company with decades of experience working on fireplaces. We offer repairs we know will be long-lasting and covered by our warranties and workmanship guarantees. This article offers advice as a resource. It helps get your fireplace working temporarily. We still advise you to call a professional fireplace repair company. They should clean and maintain your fireplace. They can repair any components operating outside of manufacturer specifications.

DID YOU KNOW? All gas fireplace manufacturers recommend professional cleaning & service once per year.

Important Safety Note

Warning: Servicing a gas fireplace carries risks like gas leaks, fire, and carbon monoxide poisoning. If you’re unsure about any step, it’s safer to call a professional. Gas fireplaces are safe when properly installed and maintained, but improper repairs can be dangerous.

Common Reasons a Gas Fireplace Won’t Stay Lit

The most common cause of this issue is a problem with the ignition assembly. This assembly includes components like the pilot light, thermocouple, thermopile, and pilot tubing. Sometimes, the safety features are doing their job to prevent unsafe operation. Let’s explore some troubleshooting steps you can try.

Step 1: Check Your Gas Supply

Before diving into repairs, verify that your gas supply is on.

• Natural Gas: Make sure the gas key valve and ball valve on the flex line (if equipped) are open.
• Propane Users: Check that there is propane in your tank.

If your pilot light control knob is off, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to relight it. Don’t know how? Call a pro like The Fire Place to stay safe!

Pro Tip: If your pilot light is lit but the fireplace still doesn’t work, continue to the next steps.

Step 2: Fix a Pilot Light That Won’t Stay Lit

A likely culprit for a pilot light that won’t stay lit is the thermocouple. This safety device senses flame presence and allows the gas valve to open when the pilot light is burning.

• Locate the thermocouple (a metal rod near the pilot light).
• Inspect it for carbon buildup, which appears as a dull, blackish coating.
• Use fine-grit sandpaper to clean the thermocouple until it shines.

Pro Tip: Be gentle when cleaning to avoid damaging the thermocouple.

Did This Work?

• Yes: Your fireplace should now stay lit. Test it by cycling the fireplace on and off multiple times.

Note: In most cases, this is a temporary fix and not a true “repair.” You may find your fireplace works a few times. Then, it won’t light again. Alternatively, your fireplace may shut off by itself. At this point, your safest bet is to schedule a repair diagnosis with a professional fireplace repair technician.

• No: The thermocouple may need replacement. Call a professional for assistance.

Step 3: Understanding Thermopiles vs. Thermocouples

If your ignition system includes a thermopile instead of a thermocouple, don’t worry—they serve the same purpose. A thermopile generates more electrical current and can power a thermostat. Follow the same cleaning steps outlined above.

Pro Tip: Avoid aggressive sanding. If cleaning doesn’t solve the issue, professional servicing is recommended.

Step 4: Other Common Issues

If your fireplace still doesn’t stay lit, here are other problems to consider:

1. Incorrect Gas Pressure
   • A fireplace technician can use a manometer to adjust the gas pressure to proper levels.
2. Faulty Gas Valve
   • Gas valves can fail over time. Replacing a gas valve is not a DIY project—call a pro.
3. Clogged Burner Ports
   • Dust and debris can block burner ports, affecting flame performance. Clean them gently with a toothbrush or soft-bristle brush.

Pro Tip: Never use chemicals or poke tools into the burner ports. Always replace gas logs in their original configuration.

Step 5: Cleaning and Maintenance

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your fireplace safe and efficient. Here are some tips:

Fireplace Glass Cleaning

Dirty fireplace glass can indicate improper combustion. To clean it:

• Remove the glass following manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use a specialized fireplace glass cleaner.
• If your fireplace is “etched,” (deep staining that doesn’t come off), it will need replacement with new glass. This will likely also need a new gasket on many fireplace models.

Pro Tip: Persistent staining or discoloration may signal a combustion issue. Have your fireplace inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

Cabinet Cleaning

Dust can accumulate in the component cabinet, even after one season. Use disposable rags, a feather duster, and a wet/dry vacuum to clean it out carefully. Avoid disturbing wiring or gas tubing. Never use and sprays or chemicals to clean your fireplace or cabinet.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried these steps and your gas fireplace still doesn’t work, it’s time to call a professional. The Fire Place provides expert fireplace repair, maintenance, and cleaning throughout the Phoenix area, including:

• Mesa
• Scottsdale
• Chandler
• Gilbert
• Tempe
• Fountain Hills
• Queen Creek
• Gold Canyon

With decades of experience, our certified technicians can diagnose and fix any fireplace issue quickly and safely.

Schedule your appointment today by calling (480) 500-6778.

Find Reliable Fireplace Service Near You

If you live outside our service area, consider these resources to find a reputable technician:

1. Google Reviews: Search “fireplace repair near me” and read reviews.
2. Ask your neighbors who they’ve used: A recommendation from a trusted friend is always good!
3. Visit a local fireplace store: At The Fire Place in downtown Mesa, AZ., we have a fireplace showroom, design center, and retail store. We also have our own in-house service department & install department who specialize in fireplace repairs & installations. If your local fireplace store doesn’t have a service department, they may have a recommendation for you.

Share Your Experience!

If this guide helped you troubleshoot your gas fireplace, share it with friends or leave us a review on Google. Need expert help? Contact The Fire Place —we’re here to make your fireplace warm and welcoming again!

Still need more help figuring out how to fix a gas fireplace that won’t stay lit or light at all? Try this video by our company owner, Rich Morgan, NFI Certified Hearth Design Specialist: Gas Fireplace Won’t Stay Lit ( Gas Fireplace Not Turning On – PART 1 )