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Gas Fireplace Problems?

We have a gas fireplace that we haven't used in a long, long time. Now that I want to start using it, I have to ignite it. The only problem is, is it just won't ignite. There is an igniter in it but it just won't start up for me. I've tried it a couple times and I'm wondering if anybody has any suggestions about it or how to fix this problems? The weather is getting colder and I would love to have the fireplace starting. I would say the fireplace is around 11 years old. Now, I don't know if anyone did maintainance service on it for the first six years, but I am certain the five years after, there hasn't been any maintainance or service checks on it at all. Thanks for all the answers!

Public Comments

  1. use a lighter or the batteries need changed
  2. You can use a regular lighter to light it until you replace the ignighter. You can buy a new ignighter rather in-expensively maybe $5.00-$10.00? It isnt that hard to replace them.
  3. I would guess that most modern fireplaces are designed to be turned on with a wall switch. If this is so have you checked the fuses/breakers that feed it? If there is power and have some look under the gas igniter for a spark when you throw the switch. This should liven the igniter and open the gas solenoid. If there is a spark the next thing to check is the gas burner turning on, usually you can hear it click on and off Make sure no body turned the valve off to the gas. If you can light it using a butane lighter then I would say the electronic ignition needs to be checked or replaced as the solenoid is opening. There is a bi-metal rod, called a thermocouple right next to the burner. This must be heated up by the burner as it produces a small electrical charge (in milli volts ) to keep the solenoid open and the burner ignited You don't mention the age of the unit. Has it ever been serviced or checked?
  4. is the igniter working? usually you can hear them spark if you can't see it. if the igniter is working is the gas shut-off turned on? if gas is on and igniter is working then you could have a bad control valve. all these items are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace yourself. many gas companies will check condition of gas appliances and heaters et-cetra free or inexpensively give them a call. good luck. EDIT: if the pilot will light but goes out when you turn the control valve to on then you have a bad thermocouple again an easy fix.
  5. If it uses a pilot light you need to light that first and wait for it to heat up the thermocouple. When you set the gas valve to pilot you press a button to allow the gas to flow. Light the pilot light and hold the button down for 30 seconds to heat the thermocouple. After waiting the pilot light should stay lit. If it goes out you should replace the thermocouple.
  6. there may be a lot of air in the line...every year i have to hold my button on my water heater down for quite a while till i get gas instead of air...its for radiant heat...