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Gas Fireplace Question?

We have a gas fireplace. We managed to get the Pilot lit. However, when we turn the dial from "Pilot" to "On" the pilot goes out!! How can we fix this? What is happening?

Public Comments

  1. Usually that happens if the pilot is lit but not strong enough to keep from blowing out. Check if there is an adjustment (maybe a screw) to set the pilot strength , meaning a stronger flame. ALso, the pilot usually is lit but holding a button for awhile. That needs to be done for a minute or so to let the pilot heat up a thermocouple that allows the pilot to stay on. If the pilot goes out, the thermocouple shut off the pilot normally. It didn;t sound like this was your problem tho.
  2. Been there... Done that!! Filrst of all: In lighting the pilot the first thing you want to do is insure the gas is turned on. There is an emergency shut off outside of the firebox, either in the hearth or in the floor near to the fireplace. This can be turned on using the key supplied by the installer. Also check to make sure that the gas line from the main line, usually in the basement, is turned on. If other work has been done in the house by your plumber or appliance installer, they may have shut off the gas further up the line. Once the gas is on, you will need to bleed the line. Begin by making sure the gas knob is turned to OFF. Next turn the knob to PILOT and press in. Hold the knob in for TWO minutes. Light a match and hold to the PILOT. The pilot should light. If this fails to light the pilot, turn back to OFF, wait 5 minutes and repeat; pushing the knob in for THREE minutes this time. If the lighting is successful, turn the knob to the ON position. You are now ready to turn the main burner on. Now... to the flame when you light the pilot(assuming that it goes on of course). If it is weak, there is a screw adjustment just like there is on the burner(each burner) on your gas stove.. that can be turned to adjust the gas that is allowed to come out and subsequently, affecting the resulting flame.. If the screw(set screw) is hard to turn, you can use WD-40 to help loosen it
  3. Please try to clean the pilot and inspect the air damper first, or call the maintenance dept. of your local gas provider. We have been told to treat seriously all problems with gas appliances, and to notify the gas company. To avoid high repair costs, we bought an insurance which includes yearly cleaning of our gas furnace, air conditioning an fireplace. Good luck and enjoy your fireplace safely.