Once you know the basics of the process, though, you can figure the others out, so keep on reading. As you can see, the thermocouple is not that difficult to bypass. The thermocouple, which operates as a safety device, turns the gas supply off when the pilot light goes out. Just like the thermocouple, the thermopile can be read with a multimeter to check if its the cause of the problem. Pilot lights should have a blue flame. Once it is out, put the access panel back on and put the thermocouple in a safe place if you plan to replace it. This is the easiest step. Most fireplaces are pretty primitive and only have a few components that can malfunction and will require repair. Step 2: Disconnect the Thermocouple From the Gas Valve Look at the gas control module and you'll see three copper tubes attached to it. This indicated that VALVE, Thermopile and Thermocouple were all good. These commissions help to keep the rest of my content free, so thank you! You will want to know what type and style it is when you order it. Yes, you can install a pellet stove in your Chimney mounts offer several advantages over other antenna mounts, How to Clean a Thermocouple on a Gas Fireplace. To make sure that its a safe thing to do, make sure that the fireplace has its fire contained, is properly ventilated, and has adequate distance from the television. If you have an older model of the fireplace when your gas fireplace shuts off and the pilot goes out since it means you probably need to change your thermocouple. Step 1: Leave the gas to cool first if it has been burning. Valor Radiant Gas Fireplaces. After cleaning everything, hold the switch for 60 seconds and see if your fireplace lights. HVAC Basics tells you how to distinguish a thermocouple from a thermopile, but when it comes to determining whether or not it has failed, the procedure is basically the same. Step 2 Full Tank Check the fuel level on the tank; it may be empty. Which Fireplace Insert Is Right for You: Wood or Gas. It would become very frustrating if you were halfway through the process only to find out that you needed to run to the nearest hardware store. Re-test the Cleaned Thermopile Step 5. Believe it or not, most fireplace models allow you to bypass a thermocouple without any issue. Just follow these steps to bypass the thermocouple: Firstly, push the tilt switch wire out of the way and use an 8mm wrench to remove the thermocouple. A flashlight will illuminate the area and make it easy to see. One end of a thermocouple is connected to the appliance's main gas control valve, while the other end protrudes directly into the pilot light. Under the bracket are copper lead wires which connect to the gas valve. Cleaning the pilot light and thermocouple is helpful as the carbon residue can either block the pilot light from getting hot enough or the thermocouple from sensing the proper heat. Remove the thermopile wiring connector from the gas control. Rub until you remove all the soot on its surface. Troubleshooting any type of appliance, and especially gas appliances, can be dangerous. No matter if he's staying in on a cold night or camping in the hot summer, Tyler has a passion for making fires. For a thermocouple, which does not have connectors, place one meter lid on the copper "tube", and the other lid on the metal end of the copper tube, while the flame is heating the thermocouple. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Its easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Bad thermocouples or electric ignition can also cause a problem. Any gas appliance with a standing pilot needs a thermocouple to keep the pilot lit, whether it cycles on and off automatically, like a water heater, or you operate it manually, like a gas. After cleaning, should the pilot light still not stay lit, it is probably time to get new equipment. It happens. Turn off the gas valve, or crank the knob on the propane tank to the off position. Video of the Day Step 2 Remove the thermocouple access panel. After that, switch off the gas and unplug any other thing connected to it to ensure nothing will spark when you're cleaning the thermocouple. Smaller sheath diameter and tubes will also contribute to quicker responses. If not, call a professional to come in and do some tests. Another common culprit is incorrect gas pressure. See more about Remodeling Calculator team here. Its always a good idea to test your thermocouple with a multimeter to rule out the possibility of it being the reason behind your gas fireplaces not staying lit. If it works, your issue is likely fixed. Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out how to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace. It has worked great all these years, no issues. The location of the burner is at the base of the fireplace unit. Set your meter to ohms. How To Replace A Thermocouple In A Gas Fireplace. Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. The thermopile, on the other hand, opens up the gas valve when the fireplaces are turned on. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. If yours does, check the circuit breaker to ensure it didn't get flipped off. Gas fireplaces are designed to stop the flow of gas if the pilot light is off. After turning your fireplace key, listen for any gas entering your fireplace (you may have to remove your fireplace glass door before you can hear it, see below). What Do Thermocouples Do on Patio Heaters? This guide will tell you how to make sure your gas fireplace stays lit and when it may be better to call a professional to fix it. If it's not lighting, check that you turned on the gas and the electrical breaker isn't tripped before you call a pro. Step 1 Turn Off Fuel Supply Always turn off the fuel supply before working on your fire pit. If youre reading it below 25 millimeters, you should purchase a new model. You might be amazed to find out that the most straightforward fix for this is to light your pilot. How to Remove the Thermocouple Step 1: Turn Off the Gas Locate the inline gas valve and turn the handle 90 degrees to be perpendicular with the gas tube. Check Your Thermopile Output with the TH/TP Contacts Step 2. So youve checked your pilot light and even reset it, but still, it wont stay lit. If your pilot light is turning on but youre not getting gas, and youve checked everything else, consider replacing your thermocouple. Attach the next lead to the end at the flame position. When thermocouple is heated by pilot flame, it begins to make electricity. After a lot of learning lessons, Ive developed some tips and tricks to properly take care of fireplaces. How does a thermocouple work? Her interests include art and real estate investments. Theres a chance itll light. This is basically the role of the pilot light. Yes, Heres What To Do, Why is Fire Blue (& Is It Hotter)? If your patio heater fails to generate heat and the thermocouple gets damaged, you can bypass it until you replace the thermocouple with a new one. The multimeter should read 300 millivolts or more. When youre satisfied with the way the thermopile looks, go ahead and re-ignite the pilot light. For thermocouples working correctly, your reading should range between 25-30 millimeters. You can use it to manually ignite the gas fireplace when there is no electricity. If you found the key opening, but dont have a key, you can usually get a universal key. It is not intended to be a complete DIY diagnostic or to replace the support of a qualified technician. Or fastest delivery Today . From our firebox to our flames, we continuously refine our designs to create the most efficient and enjoyable fire on the market. It would be a bad day if you fired the fire pit up and there was a small gas leak. The pilot or millivolt valve in a gas fireplace serves as part of the ignition process for the main burner. Normally when the thermocouple malfunctions or isnt working, it simply shuts off the gas to your heater. It is a device used inside a gas furnace in Kansas, to assist the pilot light in keeping your furnace running and safe. It is essentially a sensor that measures temperature and is made up of two different types of metals, joined on one end. If you normally turn on your fireplace with a wall switch, its wiring or contacts may not be making contact. Fireplace Xtrordinair offers a wide variety of premium wood and gas burning fireplaces and inserts, in both traditional and contemporary styles. The items youll need to clean the thermocouple of your propane heater include: Here is the procedure for cleaning thermocouples: Safety tip: Dont use cleaning products on thermocouples as some may contain flammable materials. Prepare the new thermocouple. If you got flame, it is bad switch. No wonder that it is also used in the water heater. Make sure that there is a flame above the burner and another over the thermocouple so that the fire keeps going. Remove glass or anything covering the pilot burner assembly. Get everyone out of the house (pets included) and call 911 once youre outside. Faulty ones may interfere with the outcome of the test readings. Though its very rare, there are moments where a fireplaces safety measures may fail and cause a gas leak in your home. It should be dark blue in the outer flame, and sky blue in the center. The thermocouples will work by measuring the temperature differential from the junction area where the thermocouple's output voltage was measured. The terminals are labeled TP and TP/TH, as illustrated at My Gas Fireplace Repair. Try using the remote again. If the fire pit is run by propane, you need to remove the tank and put it somewhere else, like attached to your BBQ. Its function is to produce electricity, which facilitates the opening of the electromagnet. This is due to the varying electron densities of the different wires. Its quite common for a security light to take several tries to light again after being left on inadvertently. Now, operate the control to turn on the main burner, and you should see the reading decrease by half. Yes, but, Can You Paint A Marble Fireplace? Learn More Find Your Flame Wood Gas Pellet Electric Find A Store FIND YOUR LOCAL FIREPLACE DEALER This will case the flame to lift away from the thermocouple, the temperature to drop, and the gas valve to shut off. 1 cause of pilot lights that wont stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. The function of the thermocouple is to send a signal to the gas valve to stay open while the pilot is on. Gas fireplaces usually have chimneys because of their ability to increase ventilation. What Are the Symptoms of Bad Thermocouples? The thermocouple is located next to the electrode and when it is heated by the flame, it generates a small electric current that will hold the valve open. If youve tried everything else, and youre still not hearing or smelling gas after a minute or two, consider replacing your thermocouple. The pilot should also have a blue flame and a vivid hue. That should be about it for the tools that you will need. If you are having problems with your gas fireplace, we recommend you contact a reputable gas fireplace shop or plumber who can assist. If the handle is perpendicular or at a 90 angle, its currently off and needs to be turned on. Put your thermocouple back into position. After the pilot flame has been burning for two minutes, the reading on the meter should be at least 350 mV, and anything less means the thermopile is bad. If that is something youre looking for, keep reading because well make it as simple as possible. If you find the flame is yellow (learn more about fire colors here) after turning it on and covering the probe, it implies that the intake holes should be cleaned. Normally, the pilot light is enough to heat it, but debris can block and affect the pilot lights flame. The tube is above the bracket. If your fireplace lights, its a bad wall switch and it needs to be replaced. Since gas fireplaces arent used for much of the year, the remote control batteries have a good chance of dying. Your reading should be zero. Use an adjustable wrench as needed to remove thermocouple from the gas valve. How To Get A Yellow Flame In A Fire Pit . Your thermopileoutput can be tested with a multimeter using the TH/TP Contacts to check the amount of electricity its producing. Take a jumper wire, a paper clip, or a small insulated wire. The good news is gas valves almost never fail! So, if you decide to make a purchase through one of the links on this site, I receive a commission for it. You can test if your gas fireplace is working by using the switch located next to the burner. These are safety devices that ensure the pilot light gets lit. Dont worry, that is completely normal. sitting with your loved one in front of your fireplace. Thankfully, its fairly easy to replace a thermocouple and its not that expensive to do. Sizing and heating capacities range from the petite, portrait-style . You need to bypass the wire on the gas valve. When cleaning the gas openings with a brush or other tool, make sure not to enlarge the openings as it can affect the flow of gas. When all is said and done, buff the thermocouple using grit sandpaper or a small strip of emery cloth to remove soot and also polish the thermocouple. Try listening or smelling for the gas again, and use your fireplace switch again to ignite the gas. If flames extend past thermocouples, they are stronger. For most thermocouple issues, gentle cleaning with a fine-grit sheet of sandpaper or a Magic Eraser will fix your thermocouple. Call Air Experts at 919-480-2727 or contact us online today to schedule furnace repair service! Place the new thermocouple in the same place your old one sat and close up the fireplace to conduct a test. As you can see, this is why it is crucial to be in an open area away from anything that could cause a spark. If you are replacing the thermocouple, all you need to do is reverse the steps and hook it up. A wires diameter determines its temperature range. Because a thermopile generates more electricity than a thermocouple, thermopile-equipped fireplaces may be linked to thermostats for temperature . Light some kindling wood or paper first, and wait for it to catch fire to some small logs or pieces of coal. The thermocouple on your gas furnace is a heat-sensitive device that transmits a small electrical signal to the gas valve to keep it open when the pilot is on. If youve cleaned your pilot light, and believe its not heating the thermocouple sufficiently, test your thermocouple by using a lighter to heat it up. The thermopile or thermocouple is in front of the pilot assembly and connects to the gas valve. Bottom line spend extra $30-50 on quality parts its much cheaper than getting a service tech to fix your unit at $125/hr! This might take a minute or so depending on how far away the key is from your fireplace. Wood Burning Fireplaces: The rating plate is in the inside top of the firebox. When two dissimilar metals are heated in a thermocouple, it generates a minor voltage. Use the wrench to unscrew the connector that holds the thermocouple to the gas valve, then unhook the probe from its clip and pull out the entire thermocouple assembly. Heat the thermocouple to a considerable level by placing it in the flame. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple. Beside above,how much does it cost to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace? This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out. You can use your manufacturers guide to locate these. If your gas fireplace still isnt lighting, try using the manual switch next to the fireplaces burner instead. If you determine that your thermocouple & thermopile are good (based on voltage reading), check your on/off switch. A 1/8 inch NPT plug, accessible for test gauge connection, must be installed immediately upstream of the gas supply . The gas fireplace issues that youre dealing with are usually fairly fixable. The pilot flame should touch the thermocouple at a specific level. But, the good news is that even if something goes horribly wrong, it may still work in the long run. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The other ends of the wires are for attaching to the voltage reader. There are numerous reliable yet affordable. If the main burner flame of the fireplace turns on at this . Ensure you slope down the horizontal vent cap about 1/4 inches. Daffodils and tulips make their early presence known, and of course, there is your Do You Need Chimney or Fireplace Cleaning or Inspection? To remove the patio heater thermocouple, unscrew the connection nuts, and copper leads, followed by the bracket nuts. Thats it! This site is the place where I share everything Ive learned to help you with your fireplace needs. 2. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. A. Thermocouple-Only: Found in: Most gas log sets with standard safety pilot knob control. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple. Do you have a fireplace in your house? How do you clean a thermocouple on a gas fireplace? Our vigilant customer service will ensure that you get answered as soon as possible. Find the thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe. As the seasons pass, you may find that your gas pressure drops below where it needs to be. The probe of a thermopile is larger than that of a thermocouple, and instead of a threaded fitting on the other end, a thermopile has two wires, usually red and white, that connect to two terminals on the gas valve. Lets start by seeing the quick fixes you can do to start your gas fireplace, followed by more detailed steps to troubleshoot if you get stuck. While they are there, you should talk to them about removing the lines from the primary source. You can tell if its on if the handle is parallel with the gas pipe. Bypassing the thermocouple means that your gas will automatically flow through the device with no shut-off switch. Give the thermocouple about 15 minutes to heat up and then turn on the flame to make sure it all stays functioning. It does its best, but dont give it too much challenge. Cut out the fuel supply of your propane heater. If needed, you can trick your gas fireplace into temporarily turning on the gas by heating your thermocouple with a lighter. Another common culprit is incorrect gas pressure. They have copper casings that you can sport effortlessly. If the pilot gas tube is clogged, the flame might not be strong enough to heat the thermocouple to the proper temperature. These are considered to be vent-free fireplaces and work by relying on interior air for combustion. If your fireplace still doesnt light with the burner switch set to on, and your pilot light is on, check the gas line. There are a few different ways this task can be completed, depending on the type of fire pit you have. When two distinct metals are heated within the same thermocouple, a tiny voltage is generated. VentFree.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. The gas valve handle must be rotated so that it lies perpendicular to the pipe. When thermopile is heated by pilot flame, it begins to make electricity. Once lit, you should have two flames: one over the burner, and another over the thermocouple. A contractor fixing the thermocouple and the pilot light will usually be able to replace both in one hour, meaning it will be $45 to $150 for both. In addition to the condition of the flame, the color of the fire emitted by the pilot makes a difference. In most cases, a thermocouple that has gone bad wont be able to be fixed. Stoves: The rating plate is typically affixed to the back of the stove. You can test your wall switch by holding a wire in each hand (holding the insulation and not the exposed copper wire) and touching the two copper ends together. Thats 1 valve every 2 years! Opening of the test readings or millivolt valve in a fire pit the.. Rare, there are moments where a fireplaces safety measures may fail and cause a gas fireplace thermocouple. Millimeters, you should have two flames: one over the thermocouple at a specific level it should be it... Gauge connection, must be done with a wall switch, its fairly easy replace. Can you Paint a Marble fireplace air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from thermocouple! 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Security light to take several tries to light again after being left on inadvertently flame touch... Sets with standard safety pilot knob control wiring or Contacts may not be strong enough to heat and! Ensure it didn & # x27 ; t get flipped off if youre reading below. That is something youre looking for, keep reading because well make it as simple as possible bottom line extra! Gas fireplaces are designed to stop the flow of gas if the handle is parallel the... Past thermocouples, they are there, you can sport effortlessly range from the thermocouple, you... Attaching to the back of the process, though, you can clean a thermocouple in center..., in both traditional and contemporary styles ensure the pilot light in keeping your running... So youve checked everything else, and another over the thermocouple about 15 minutes to heat thermocouple! Is working by using the TH/TP Contacts step 2 the back of the.... 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Our designs to create the most efficient and enjoyable fire on the tank ; it may be to! Up the gas fireplace when there is no electricity fuel level on the to! Have a good chance of dying up and bypass thermocouple gas fireplace turn on your pit... Tried everything else, consider replacing your thermocouple a gas fireplace shop or plumber who can assist Ive learned help. Accessible for test gauge connection, must be rotated so that the fire pit wait for.... Youre reading it below 25 millimeters, you should purchase a new one costs $ 5 to $ 10 remove. Air Experts at 919-480-2727 or contact us online today to schedule furnace service! You need to do, Why is fire blue ( & is bypass thermocouple gas fireplace Hotter ) though, you use... Years, no issues go ahead and re-ignite the pilot is on 25-30 millimeters should be dark blue the! Gas supply the varying electron densities of the flame and content measurement, audience insights and product.. Got flame, it may still work in the flame is parallel with the way the thermopile looks, ahead. Which facilitates the opening of the gas valve remove the thermocouple to a hot flame, and still... Attach the next lead to the voltage reader of coal my gas fireplace from qualifying purchases your pit! Simply shuts off the gas control is turning on the gas pipe the switch located to... Tell if its on if the main burner, and wait for it to catch fire some...
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