What to do · Kelowna & area
Gas fireplace won't light: what to check first
Anderson Plumbing and Gas Fitting · owner-operated · last updated
Quick answer
If your gas fireplace won't light, check the wall switch and the remote's batteries, make sure the shut-off valve behind the lower grille is open, and see whether the pilot is lit. If it still won't light, or it shuts off after a few minutes, call Anderson Plumbing and Gas Fitting at (250) 859-3548. If you smell gas, don't try to light it.
Start with the switch and the remote
Start with the easy things. Try the wall switch, and replace the batteries in the remote; a dead remote or receiver is a common reason a fireplace won't start. Then check the gas shut-off valve, usually behind the lower grille: the handle should be in line with the pipe.
Check the pilot
Look for the pilot, a small blue flame near the burner. If it is out, relight it by following your manual, which will have you turn the valve off and wait several minutes before relighting. If you smell gas, stop. If the stove or water heater is also out, the problem may be the gas supply to the house rather than the fireplace; call FortisBC.
If it lights and then goes out
If the fireplace lights and then drops out after a few minutes, the safety system usually is not sensing the pilot flame, often because the pilot assembly, thermocouple or thermopile is dirty or worn. It shuts off to protect you, so have the cause found rather than relighting it over and over.
Hot glass and gas smells
Give the glass time to cool before you touch anything; it gets hot enough to burn. And if you smell gas at any point, don't try to light it: leave and call FortisBC's emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 or 911 from outside.
Need this done?
See our Gas fireplaces page for the full details, or call (250) 859-3548.
Questions, answered
Why does my gas fireplace turn off after a few minutes?
Usually the safety system is not sensing the pilot flame properly, often a dirty or worn pilot assembly, thermocouple or thermopile, or a weak pilot flame. It can also be a venting problem.
Why won't my fireplace pilot light stay lit?
Usually the thermocouple or thermopile is dirty or worn, so the safety valve does not sense the flame and shuts the gas off. A weak or dirty pilot flame does the same. Cleaning or replacing those parts usually fixes it.
How often should a gas fireplace be serviced?
Most manufacturers recommend once a year. A yearly service keeps the burner and pilot clean and confirms the venting and gas connections are safe.
Is there a rebate for a fireplace service?
Residential FortisBC gas customers get $25 back for each indoor fireplace serviced by a licensed gas contractor, up to two per household. Outdoor fireplaces do not qualify.
Sources
The public records behind the local facts on this page.
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