How to Fix a Gas Fireplace That Keeps Turning Off

Gas fireplaces are convenient, easy to operate and make for a beautiful addition to any home. When they stop working, it can be super frustrating and sometimes a bit scary to try and fix on your own. Here is how to fix a gas fireplace that keeps turning off.

Why is this happening?

Your gas fireplace could be turning off for several reasons. The most like culprits are likely tied to some kind of problem with your setup.

Anything from issues with your pilot light, clogged ports on burners, damage to heating components, and thermocouple/thermopile malfunctions can be to blame.

What are the parts of a gas fireplace?

First, if you are not familiar with the parts of your gas fireplace you need to start there. Knowing each component of your fireplace before tackling a repair is essential for safety and fixing what is broken.

Pilot Light: A pilot light is a small, blue flame that ignites once you press a button or flip a switch on your fireplace. Occasionally, a pilot light will even have a key-based setup which allows it to run as long as the key is in place and the gas is on.

Thermocouple: A thermocouple is a sensor that regulates the temperature of your fireplace.

Thermopile: Your thermopile is a sensor as well, but this one opens and shuts the gas valve when you activate the system.

Oxygen sensor: This sensor determines if there is sufficient oxygen in your living space for the fireplace to operate properly.

Gas line: Your gas line is exactly what it sounds like — the supply of natural gas to your home.

Heating elements: These are also known as the burner ports, which is where the flame comes out.

How do you find the problem?

Once you are familiar with each piece, it’s time to start checking each component for problems, following the same process as a Chimney Solutions technician.

• Pilot Light: Start by checking the pilot light. If it is out, resetting it could be all you need to fix the problem.
• Thermocouple/Thermopile/Oxygen sensor: Next, check each of these sensors to make sure they are functioning properly. Start with the thermopile to see if the valve is letting gas in. If it’s good to go, try using your multiuser to look for problems with the thermocouple. Finally, check the oxygen sensor to make sure it’s not automatically shutting off the system.
• Heating elements: Surface-level blockages or dirty ports will stop the fireplace from working. If these look dirty, you may have found the issue.

Contact Chimney Solutions, LLC

If you notice, we didn’t recommend trying to fix a problem with your gas line. It, along with many other parts of your system, is best handled by a certified technician. While some minor issues can be easy to fix, others are more complex.

If you are in any way uncomfortable with tackling the diagnostics and repair of your gas fireplace, call Chimney Solutions, LLC at (317) 757-6979 or send us a service request here: https://chimneysolutionsindiana.com/contact/. We’ll send out one of our team members as soon as possible to figure out what’s going on, fix it, and get your fireplace working efficiently again, so you can get back to enjoying the fire.