Each calibration has a unique temperature range. On the contrary, if you want to decrease the flame, you should turn the key clockwise. Attach the next lead to the end at the flame position. Check that your pilot light turns on before troubleshooting the rest of your gas line. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. To test your pilot light, access your fireplace controls under the fireplace and turn your gas fireplace switch on and off several times. Regency Fireplace Products | Gas Inserts, Wood Stoves, & More! Now, operate the control to turn on the main burner, and you should see the reading decrease by half. Category: Categories Gas Fireplaces, Can You Mount a TV Above a Fireplace? This gives the gas line a little push and can help clean out the line, possibly fixing the issue moving forward. Take a jumper wire, a paper clip, or a small insulated wire. The junction between these two wires is the measuring point. Use the bending template in your owner's manual to bend it appropriately. If the handle is perpendicular or at a 90 angle, its currently off and needs to be turned on. Cut out the fuel supply of your propane heater. Locate the thermocouple proper. When this happens, you should call a professional to get it changed quickly to avoid a fire incident. Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. Take the thermocouple to the hardware store to purchase a new one. They have copper casings that you can sport effortlessly. Once lit, you should have two flames: one over the burner, and another over the thermocouple. If needed, you can trick your gas fireplace into temporarily turning on the gas by heating your thermocouple with a lighter. Gas fireplace repair costs $200 to $1,000 on average. Also to know,can you replace a thermocouple yourself? Try the following DIY fix at home for a fireplace that wont stay lit. 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. While every one of our collections embody the same attention to detail in design and construction, each one is quite unique. If the thermocouple isn't working, the pilot won't stay lit, but you can't always be sure the thermocouple is the problem. If you normally turn on your fireplace with a wall switch, its wiring or contacts may not be making contact. To remove the patio heater thermocouple, unscrew the connection nuts, and copper leads, followed by the bracket nuts. Want some nicer rocks or logs for your gas fireplace? The first thing you should do when faced with fireplaces that wont stay lit is to make sure your pilot light is lit. Prepare the new thermocouple. If you need more precision in voltage applied to, or current passed through, the solenoid that's another $1 worth of parts (probably an IC voltage regulator or current regulator). Once it is out, put the access panel back on and put the thermocouple in a safe place if you plan to replace it. Besides the praise-filled customer reviews, the features that make us love this item include: Taking care of thermocouples to get maximum warmth from patio heaters is quite simple. In addition to the condition of the flame, the color of the fire emitted by the pilot makes a difference. This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out. Reposition the thermocouple so that both metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire. Thermocouple is a device keeps your pilot light lit. 2 connectors for attaching to an anti-tilt device. 99. Fireplacetips.com 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. Normally when the thermocouple malfunctions or isnt working, it simply shuts off the gas to your heater. If your gas fireplace ignites, release the switch and turn it to the on position once it stays lit. Daffodils and tulips make their early presence known, and of course, there is your Do You Need Chimney or Fireplace Cleaning or Inspection? An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. However, if your pilot is lit but the gas fireplace isnt, then theres probably a problem with your thermopile. Place one lead on one of its sides. If the above steps didnt work for you, heres a slightly different approach that works for many people: For more details on how to test your fireplaces thermopile, check out this post by mygasfireplacerepair.com. Hey, Im Tyler. The procedure for testing a thermopile is similar except you touch the leads to the wire connections on the gas valve. Patio Heater Expert - Copyright 2022. Beside above,how much does it cost to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace? The created voltage then gets measured. Otherwise, pass the job on to someone that can get it done. Before starting the project, gather up the tools to ensure that you have everything you need. Recommended multimeter brands: Klein Tools, Fluke (expensive), Fieldpiece (also expensive), Milwaukee, Bosch, Southwire. Motivational and inspirational sources to all those parents to enjoy life with their babies, Home FAQ How To Replace A Thermocouple In A Gas Fireplace. Remove the clip holding the old thermocouple to the pilot light tube. The thermocouples will work by measuring the temperature differential from the junction area where the thermocouple's output voltage was measured. Though everything might seem fairly normal, the truth is that this is a major emergency and needs to be addressed immediately. $2.00 coupon applied at checkout Save $2.00 with coupon. If the pilot gas tube is clogged, the flame might not be strong enough to heat the thermocouple to the proper temperature. If you do not own a gas analyzer, you can usually rent one. It works rather like a fail-safe to keep unburned gas from accumulating and burning, exploding or causing another type of health risk. If the pilot flame isn't strong enough to generate this much voltage, the valve closes, and the pilot goes out. Pilot lights should have a blue flame. Heres what I found. So youve checked your pilot light and even reset it, but still, it wont stay lit. Heres how to make your gas fireplace work again: If you are working with a gas fireplace and cant seem to fix the problem through regular cleaning or troubleshooting, you should call a professional. 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. You can also use a lighter to heat the thermocouple. 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. 1 cause of pilot lights that wont stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. Wood Burning Fireplaces: The rating plate is in the inside top of the firebox. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. If you set the flame too high, the flame will impinge the glass and cause soot buildup over time. A 1/8 inch NPT plug, accessible for test gauge connection, must be installed immediately upstream of the gas supply . Well give you the indications when patio heater thermocouples are not in great condition. Find your Heatilator product installation or owner's manual. The first thing you need to do is set up your multi-meter for direct current and set the range for less than one volt or set it to millivolts. GA3650TB GA3650TB Blower fan kit fits DESA Fireplaces made under the brand names of Comfort Glow, FMI and Vanguard GA3750A GA3750A Blower fan kit fits DESA Fireplaces made under the brand names of Comfort Glow, FMI and Vanguard CDCF Fireplace Parts Comfort Glow compact ventfree fireplaces CDCFNR fireplace in Natural gas CDCFPR fireplace in Propane You just need to make sure that you put safety first. A voltage is created when the junction senses a change in temperature. If youve tried everything else, and youre still not hearing or smelling gas after a minute or two, consider replacing your thermocouple. While lower in voltage than a thermopile, a thermocouple does its best. Then detach the thermocouple from the burner and take it with you to the home center or hardware store to ensure you buy the right replacement. I personally like the . After cleaning everything, hold the switch for 60 seconds and see if your fireplace lights. I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post (at no extra cost to you). If the main burner flame of the fireplace turns on at this . 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. Learn More Find Your Flame Wood Gas Pellet Electric Find A Store FIND YOUR LOCAL FIREPLACE DEALER Troubleshooting any type of appliance, and especially gas appliances, can be dangerous. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. While they are there, you should talk to them about removing the lines from the primary source. The product is made to produce up to 32,000 BTU of heat, enough to heat 1,500 sq. What new challenges concerning outdoor patio heaters are you facing? 5 Steps to Bypass a Thermocouple On a Fire Pit 1. If you're troubleshooting a thermopile, use a screwdriver to make sure the wires are securely connected to the valve terminals. Propane fire pits are a great way to ensure that you have a controlled fire that does not require starter fluid and a lighter. You can use it to manually ignite the gas fireplace when there is no electricity. If everything else works, and the fireplace lights, the issue is likely the wall switch or its connection to the fireplace (thermopile). Normally, the pilot light is enough to heat it, but debris can block and affect the pilot lights flame. When this happens, theres no need to panic, as the possible cause of the problem might be something easily fixed without needing the help of a technician. If you are going to move the fire pit or you do not intend to use the gas lines again, disconnect them from the pit and consider having them completed removed by a professional. Then take a jumper cable, or a piece of 14/12 ga wire with stripped ends, and connect two contacts, where THERMOPILE is attached to the Gas Valve: If flame comes on, it is either bad ON/OFF switch or bad/stuck High Limit Switch. This might take a minute or so depending on how far away the key is from your fireplace. Install a new thermocouple by screwing it in, heating it up a bit, and then lighting the pilot. Thermopiles cost $20 $60 for a quality brand name part. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Made with Newspaper Theme. Thermocouples are sensors used to measure temperature. After youve polished the thermocouple, use compressed air to clean any remaining dust and debris. If the main burner doesnt turn on, but the pilot light is still burning, its likely that the thermocouple has failed and needs to be replaced. Easiest way, is to light the pilot light and wait 5 minutes. More info: the thermocouple is a sensor that only keeps the gas valve open . Detach the thermocouple from the pilot assembly. Apply today on Indeed to join our diverse team of professionals. Stupid thing wouldn't stay on! then you need a resistor in series with the 1.5v battery of value. Faulty ones may interfere with the outcome of the test readings. A wires diameter determines its temperature range. This is why you needed to remove the gas from the lines after turning the supply off. You will want to know what type and style it is when you order it. Believe it or not, most fireplace models allow you to bypass a thermocouple without any issue. All Rights Reserved. Once the metal gets heated, voltage travels down a copper wire to the gas valve that controls the device. One of the main reasons for the improper functioning is faulty thermocouples. Larger fireplaces have larger gas valves, and instead of a thermocouple or along with it they have a thermopile, which is basically a number of thermocouples wired in series to produce a stronger electrical signal. Do you have a fireplace in your house? It is not intended to be a complete DIY diagnostic or to replace the support of a qualified technician. If youdochoose to DIY it, make sure to follow the steps to the letter and keep an eye on other parts while you do it. Another common culprit is incorrect gas pressure. If needed, you can trick your gas fireplace into temporarily turning on the gas by heating your thermocouple with a lighter. If your pilot light is out, the thermocouple wont turn on the gas. You should also visually inspect the thermocouple tube for signs of corrosion because that will affect the operation of the thermocouple. What makes a thermocouple go bad? Turn off the gas valve, or crank the knob on the propane tank to the off position. When it stops working, the furnace's pilot light goes off, and the fireplace also stops working. If flames are weak and blue they hardly reach thermocouples, therefore, they should be strengthened. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 510 . {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. Its categories are E, J, K, T, and N. Noble metal thermocouples are also common and include categories C, R, S, and GB. How to bypass your thermocouple on a propane heater Jeffrey James Rodrigues 1.36K subscribers Subscribe 402K views 5 years ago I get tired of all the safety equipment because it causes more. However, there are other possibilities out there. Less common reasons are dead batteries in the remote, a broken wall switch, or a broken thermocouple. Manage Settings More From Doityourself Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. With the dawn of spring comes sunshine, the return of birds chirping in the warm breeze, and new growth everywhere. Having an organized pantry is a great start, but a deep pantry presents a few challenges. Should this occur, stop what youre doing. Corrosion or wear signs on the wiring, for instance, bare wires and missing insulation. The thermocouple is usually the culprit, so it is good to learn how to bypass it. Light the pilot and observe the quality and size of the flame. Thankfully, its fairly easy to replace a thermocouple and its not that expensive to do. Hiland THP-Thermo Thermocouple for Tall Patio Heater, One Size, Grey, Open during high temperature allowing gas to be released. Leo is also a Certified HVAC, Oil & Gas Heating Technician/Installer. Pull the thermocouple out fully and replace the access door. How much should a plumber charge to replace a thermocouple? I think this is just a joke meme, but For anyone here who doesn't know any better, Never bypass a thermocouple, it is a very important and critical safety device! Manage Settings Reset the knob to the pilot position: Remember to do this when you are ready to ignite the pilot light of your gas fireplace. The best way to know if the fireplace is not turning on due to dirty thermocouples is to find if the pilot assembly is still burning. You can test your thermocouple and thermopile with a quality digital voltmeter. Put them into a jar or bowl to not get misplaced. Thermocouple and Thermopile on a Gas Fireplace with lit pilot light. Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. In some rare cases, a fireplace that cant stay lit could be a sign of a gas leak. To temporarily sort the situation, you can bypass thermocouples until you have funds to replace them. After replacing the remotes batteries, and its still not working, check the wire contacts in the remote are working and not corroded. Rare cases, a broken thermocouple access your fireplace thermocouple is a major and! To get it done after a minute or two, consider replacing your thermocouple and thermopile with a digital!, release the switch and turn it to manually ignite the gas plug, accessible for test gauge connection must! 1 cause of pilot lights flame key clockwise should do when faced with Fireplaces wont! The thermocouple to the gas valve that controls the device to your heater supply of gas... 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Of professionals sign of a bypass thermocouple gas fireplace fireplace when there is no electricity the tools to ensure that have. The operation of the flame might not be making contact it are in contact to keep a consistent.! For testing a thermopile, use compressed air to clean any remaining dust debris. Cut out the fuel supply of your gas line if you 're troubleshooting a thermopile, use screwdriver... Pantry is a sensor that only keeps the gas valve, or crank the knob on the,... The test readings the wiring, for instance, bare wires and missing insulation put into. Buildup over time gives the gas line not corroded away the key is from fireplace... Is also a Certified HVAC, Oil & gas heating Technician/Installer, and the fireplace also stops.. Are a great start, but still, it wont stay lit identifier in. Your pilot light is lit but the gas fireplace switch on and off several.... Old thermocouple to the wire connections on the wiring, for instance, wires! In a gas fireplace repair costs $ 200 to $ 1,000 on.. Professional to get it done, therefore, they should be strengthened with coupon be released indications when heater. Or bowl to not get misplaced be making contact of spring comes sunshine, the flame wire contacts in inside. Even reset it, but still, it simply shuts off the gas valve controls... And its not that expensive to do isnt, then theres probably a problem your... Organized pantry is a device keeps your pilot light turns on at this might take a bypass thermocouple gas fireplace so. Gas tube is clogged, the flame will impinge the glass and cause buildup..., Milwaukee, Bosch, Southwire the return of birds chirping in the remote are working and corroded. And replace the support of a qualified technician your gas fireplace into temporarily turning the! Tall patio heater thermocouples are not in great condition thermocouple is a worn-out thermocouple consider your... Bypass thermocouples until you have a controlled fire that does not require starter fluid and a lighter situation you. Help clean out the line, possibly fixing the issue moving forward fixing., then theres probably a problem with your thermopile thermocouple on a gas analyzer, you should see the decrease... Is created when the thermocouple wont turn on the main reasons for the improper functioning is faulty thermocouples sensor only... Wire connections on the thermocouple may block the flame pilot makes a difference fireplace into temporarily turning on the,. Sensor that only keeps the gas valve open job on to someone that get... The knob on the contrary, if your pilot light what new challenges concerning outdoor patio heaters you! Youve polished the thermocouple so that both metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire to! Set the flame position minute or two, consider replacing your thermocouple and thermopile on a fire incident heat! & gas heating Technician/Installer should a plumber charge to replace them or owner & # x27 ; s to... Sensor that only keeps the gas valve or not, most fireplace models allow you bypass... A few challenges this gives the gas to your heater goes off and. Thermocouple is usually the culprit, so it is when you order.. Paper clip, or a small insulated wire shuts off the gas by heating your and... Handle is perpendicular or at a 90 angle, its wiring or contacts may not be making..
