Or are you curious about gas fireplaces and want to know more? No matter the reason that brought you here today, we have the answer for you!
There are several reasons why your gas fireplace keeps going out. There could be issues with your pilot light, damage to your heating components, malfunctions with your thermocouple, or clogged ports on your burners.
All of these issues have different symptoms you can look out for and solutions that you or a gas engineer can fix.
But knowing what these symptoms and solutions are can be tricky, especially if you have never had this issue before.
You head online for some guidance but are met with page after page of confusing and conflicting advice, leaving you unsure where to turn next.
And that is where we come in! Today we are here to tell you why your gas fireplace keeps going out and what you can do to stop it!
Why Does My Gas Fireplace Keep Going Out?
Let’s dive straight into today’s article. As we mentioned earlier, there are a few common reasons that could cause your gas fireplace to go out.
These are mostly linked to your setup and can be spotted and fixed by yourself, even if you don’t have the best understanding of your gas fireplace. Let’s take a closer look at each of the common causes now and how you can fix them.
Pilot Light Issues
First, your pilot light. The pilot light is a small blue flame that ignites when you switch on your fireplace. Some pilot lights come with a key-based setup that allows them to run when the gas is on and the key is in place.
You can check which type of pilot light you have by looking at it on your fireplace or checking your fireplace manual.
If there is a problem with your pilot light, it will be easy to tell. If you have switched your gas fireplace on and it cuts out, check to see if the pilot light is on. If it isn’t, it could be the problem.
Fixing Your Pilot Light
The easiest way to fix your pilot light is to reset it. How you do this varies, so be sure to check the manual for your fireplace before you start playing with it. Sometimes, resetting the pilot light is all you need to do and it will work again!
If after resetting it, your fireplace still cuts out, there could be a more serious issue with your pilot light. It is worth getting a professional round to see what they can identify if the issue is with your pilot light.
Or it might be another issue with your fireplace, read on to see what else it could be!
Heating Elements
Your heating elements, or burner ports, are where the flame comes from. They can get clogged with soot, dust, or other debris impacting how they function. If these ports are not clear, then heat can’t transfer and your fireplace might cut out.
You can use the manual for your gas fireplace to see where your burner ports or heating elements are.
Fixing Heating Elements
When your gas fire is off, with the gas also turned off, you can clean the burner ports to see if that helps. Remove any dust, dirt, or debris from the ports and ensure they are dry before you turn the fireplace on again.
You can check the manual for your fireplace to see if there are any recommended methods for cleaning your heating elements.
If cleaning them does not solve the issue, your heating elements might need to be replaced. We recommend hiring a professional to do this for you to ensure the work is done safely and correctly.
Thermocouple/Thermopile/Oxygen Sensor
Your thermocouple, thermopile, and oxygen sensor all work together, so we have included them in one section! The role of your thermocouple sensor is to regulate the temperature of your fireplace.
Your thermopile is also a sensor, but its role is slightly different. It opens and shuts the gas valve when you turn your fireplace on or off. An issue here would cause your fireplace to shut off prematurely.
Finally, your oxygen sensor detects if there is enough oxygen in your room for the fireplace to work properly. If there is not enough oxygen, the fireplace could shut off.
Fixing Your Sensors
You should try each sensor one by one to see if they are the cause of your problems. If any of these sensors are not working correctly they could automatically shut off your system, leaving you with a temperamental fireplace.
If you can’t pinpoint the issue yourself, it is best to have a professional come and take a look at your fireplace.
Gas Line
Finally, your gas line could be causing issues. If the gas line is damaged or is not connected correctly to your gas fireplace, it could be causing the fireplace to shut off.
However, we do not recommend that you try to identify or repair any issues with your gas line. Instead, it is best to hire a gas engineer to come and inspect your fireplace and gas line.
They are trained professionals and will be able to identify your problem and carry out repairs safely.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! All the common reasons why your gas fireplace keeps shutting off. While there could be other reasons, these are the most common causes and are thankfully easy repairs.
You can test each component yourself to see if you can identify the issue, but we recommend hiring a professional to carry out any repairs, especially if you have no experience with gas fireplaces or gas lines yourself.
As the founder of firepit.co.uk, I am proud to run the largest online fire pit retailer in the UK. I am a leading expert with extensive knowledge of indoor fireplaces and outdoor heating solutions.
I love contributing to Fireplace Ideas, where I can share my love of fireplaces and pass on the experience I have gained in running my business.
In addition to running firepit.co.uk, I am a prolific writer currently working on a book about fireplaces.
Whether you're a homeowner, a designer, or simply someone who loves the warmth and comfort of a fireplace, I have the knowledge and expertise to help you create the perfect space for your needs.
I also love a great fire. Over the years, I have enjoyed using different types of wood burners and gas fireplaces. Now in a more modern home, I use an electric fireplace.
