Relighting the pilot light on a gas fireplace is a task that many homeowners take on themselves. However, there are safety concerns to be aware of when dealing with gas appliances. In this article, we will discuss the basics of relighting a gas fireplace pilot light, look at safety precautions, and provide a step-by-step guide to get your fireplace going again.
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What is a Pilot Light?
A pilot light is a small, controlled flame that is always lit in order to ignite the main gas burner. The pilot light provides an instant source of ignition when the gas valve is turned on. This allows the main burner to light immediately instead of having to create a spark to ignite the gas each time the fireplace is turned on. Pilot lights are common in gas appliances like water heaters, furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces.
The pilot light is fueled by a small amount of natural gas or propane. It is composed of a small tube connected to the gas supply line, with a tiny nozzle at the end. This nozzle keeps the flame safely contained. The pilot light is positioned close to the main burner, so when gas flows to the main burner, the pilot flame easily ignites it.
When Does the Pilot Light Go Out?
There are a few common reasons why a gas fireplace pilot light goes out:
- Strong drafts or gusts of wind blow out the flame
- The pilot light nozzle becomes blocked with dust, grease, spider webs, etc.
- The thermocouple or thermopile fails
- The gas supply is turned off or runs out
- The pilot light burner is damaged
A strong draft, usually from an open window or door, can blow out the small pilot light flame. Dust and other debris collecting in the pilot tube or on the orifice opening can block the gas flow. The thermocouple or thermopile generate a small electric current that tells the gas valve to remain open. If these fail, the gas supply will shut off including the pilot light. Finally, any damage to the pilot light burner from corrosion, insects, or mechanical failure can cause it to go out.
Safety Precautions
Natural gas and propane are highly flammable substances. While taking proper precautions can make relighting a pilot light safe, it is important to be aware of the potential hazards and risks involved.
Risk of Explosion
Gas can accumulate in an appliance or room where the pilot light has gone out. If too much gas builds up, there is a risk of explosion or flash fire. Therefore it is crucial to air out a room with doors and windows open prior to relighting the pilot. Never immediately attempt to relight a pilot if gas is smelled in the room.
Asphyxiation Risk
Natural gas and propane release carbon monoxide as they burn. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can quickly cause asphyxiation and death with prolonged exposure. Always operate gas appliances in well-ventilated areas and install carbon monoxide detectors near any fuel burning appliances.
Burn Risk
The pilot light produces an open flame. Care should be taken when working around the pilot to avoid accidental burns. Turn off the gas supply prior to any maintenance to remove the risk of the main burner igniting unexpectedly.
Fire Risk
Gas appliances utilize an open flame, so nearby combustible materials can potentially catch fire. Ensure flammable household chemicals, fabrics, cleaning products are a safe distance away from your fireplace.
Steps to Safely Relight a Gas Fireplace Pilot
Here is a step-by-step guide to safely relight the pilot light on your gas fireplace:
- Turn off the gas supply – Locate the shut-off valve for the gas line and turn it to the off position. This is typically near the fireplace but may be elsewhere on the incoming gas line.
- Open doors and windows – Ventilate the room for at least 5 minutes to clear out any accumulated gas.
- Inspect the pilot area – Clean any dirt, dust or debris from the pilot assembly and gas line. Make sure the gas line is intact.
- Light the pilot flame – Turn the gas back on. Use a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot flame. Keep holding the button down for 30-60 seconds.
- Test the pilot flame – The flame should be steady and blue in color. If it goes out when released, repeat the prior step.
- Turn on the main burner – Turn the control knob or switch to the “on” position to ignite the main fireplace burner from the pilot.
- Check the flames – The main burner flames should be blue with visible yellow tips when operating properly.
Additional Considerations
- If the pilot will not stay lit, the thermocouple likely needs replacement. This is a common maintenance item.
- Avoid any leaks – watch for signs of a gas leak like a hissing sound or sulfury odor.
- Do not store flammable products near the fireplace.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms nearby if not already present.
- Keep the fireplace and pilot assembly clean and dust-free.
- Always turn off the gas supply again when maintenance is complete.
When to Call for Professional Help
While routine pilot lighting and minor maintenance can be DIY, it’s best to call a professional for the following:
- You smell gas and cannot find the source of a leak
- The pilot system needs major repairs or replacement parts
- Heavy soot buildup is present in the fireplace
- The main burner flames appear abnormal – uneven, only partially lit, extremely yellow
- The fireplace produces excessive carbon monoxide
Gas fireplace repair should be done by qualified specialists. Licensed technicians have the proper tools and knowledge to safely inspect, troubleshoot, and repair gas appliances. They can determine whether repairs or replacements are needed for optimal safety and function.
Conclusion
Relighting a gas fireplace pilot light is usually a straightforward process that handy homeowners can handle as long as proper safety precautions are taken. Key steps include airing out the room, cleaning the pilot assembly, igniting the pilot flame, turning on the gas flow, and testing operation of the main burner. However, it’s wise to call a professional if significant repairs are needed or you ever smell a gas leak in your home.