Light the pilot and observe the quality and size of the flame. After turning your fireplace key, listen for any gas entering your fireplace (you may have to remove your fireplace glass door before you can hear it, see below). Patio Heater Expert - Copyright 2022. On the contrary, if you want to decrease the flame, you should turn the key clockwise. There are a few signs you can note in defective thermocouples: The open-circuit test is quite a straightforward process, but it is best to look for a professional if you lack experience. Kinda like a choke) If you were to take that plunger out of the valve body, remove the thermocouple, and cap the male threads on the t-body valve this entire process is eliminated. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. If flames extend past thermocouples, they are stronger. Remove the clip holding the old thermocouple to the pilot light tube. A DIYer by nature, Deziel regularly shares tips and tricks for a better home and garden at such sites as Family Handyman, Hunker.com, and SFGate Home Guides. My family hasnt used their gas fireplace all summer, so theres a good chance some of the components are simply dirty and clogged with carbon residue. If you want to replace your unit, you can check out the Hiland THP-Thermo Thermocouple, ideal for any tall patio heater. To bypass the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside. While the wall switches are low voltage and can be handled, if youre uncomfortable with handling wires, hire a professional to check your fireplace and wiring. Take the multimeter leads, placing one on the TH/TP terminal and the other on the TP terminal. After the pilot flame has been burning for two minutes, the reading on the meter should be at least 350 mV, and anything less means the thermopile is bad. If not, call a professional to come in and do some tests. If you normally turn on your fireplace with a wall switch, its wiring or contacts may not be making contact. A tiny flame known as a standing flame is used to heat a small probe called a thermocouple, or thermopile. You can usually find this near your fireplace (ours is on the floor next to the fireplace), but sometimes its found in the laundry room or other nearby room. After a few minutes, turn off the fireplace and take another reading with the multimeter. Leo is also a Certified HVAC, Oil & Gas Heating Technician/Installer. Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up. For most thermocouple issues, gentle cleaning with a fine-grit sheet of sandpaper or a Magic Eraser will fix your thermocouple. 51 . Thermopile is a low voltage generator that creates 650-800mv of DC electricity, that keeps the main burner gas valve open. This build-up can very well limit their effectiveness. Find your Heatilator product installation or owner's manual. then you need a resistor in series with the 1.5v battery of value. All the steps above are designed to give you the knowledge to do this job yourself, but you must follow along and make sure you are conscious of the danger that playing with gas lines can bring. After a lot of learning lessons, Ive developed some tips and tricks to properly take care of fireplaces. If your unit is receiving no heat, this wont be so. : thereifixedit. It costs $150 to $250 to replace a thermocouple. Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. Stupid thing wouldn't stay on! Most fireplaces are pretty primitive and only have a few components that can malfunction and will require repair. Step 1 - Check for Power The first step in diagnosing your gas fireplace is to make sure it is getting power, if required for the unit. He worked as an expert consultant with eHow Now and Pro Referral -- a Home Depot site. Install a new thermocouple by screwing it in, heating it up a bit, and then lighting the pilot. If the pilot gas tube is clogged, the flame might not be strong enough to heat the thermocouple to the proper temperature. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. 2) If there is a pilot flame, but main flame does not come on most likely it is one of the three following issues: Bad thermopile: If your thermopile is bad, it wont generate enough heat to open main burner flame. These commissions help to keep the rest of my content free, so thank you! Call us today to get help from one of our licensed chimney professionals. In addition to the condition of the flame, the color of the fire emitted by the pilot makes a difference. Replace if Cleaning Did Not Work Other Reasons for Gas Fireplace that Won't Stay Lit 4. 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. Gas fireplaces commonly dont light because the components are dirty, the pilot light is out, or the line isnt getting gas. See more about Remodeling Calculator team here. Then that voltage charges a small electromagnet in the valve, which holds it open and allows for gas to flow. What makes a thermocouple go bad? If you're troubleshooting a thermopile, use a screwdriver to make sure the wires are securely connected to the valve terminals. How To Replace A Thermocouple In A Gas Fireplace. It contains two conductors(wires from different metals). Faulty ones may interfere with the outcome of the test readings. The other ends of the wires are for attaching to the voltage reader. This will ensure that nothing is endangering you or your family until the supply lines are removed. Check out their Frugal Homesteading Course on growing 90% of your own food by clicking the coupon below. How do you bypass a thermocouple? The most complicated, expensive to buy and/or replace part is the gas valve. Reposition the thermocouple so that both metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire. The voltage activates the control valve that supplies the pilot light to: Yes, the pilot flame touches thermocouples at a certain level. Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Under the bracket are copper lead wires which connect to the gas valve. You can use your manufacturers guide to locate these. Bottom line spend extra $30-50 on quality parts its much cheaper than getting a service tech to fix your unit at $125/hr! Normally, the pilot light is enough to heat it, but debris can block and affect the pilot lights flame. However, if your pilot is lit but the gas fireplace isnt, then theres probably a problem with your thermopile. Thermocouple is a low voltage generator that creates 25-30mv of DC electricity, that keeps the pilot gas valve open. 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 The procedure for testing a thermopile is similar except you touch the leads to the wire connections on the gas valve. What Are the Symptoms of Bad Thermocouples? Rub until you remove all the soot on its surface. Check out these top-rated rocks and logs on Amazon. The electricity is generated when the metal is heated down a copper wire to the gas valve that operates the appliance. Some gas fired heating equipment relies on an electronic ignition to ignite the flame. Natures Therapy: 7 Common Reasons To Go Hiking With Your Children, Fatty In Trouble 2: Bull Ride for Android App, KicksandKaviar Dedicated To The Urban Camper kicks, sneakers, NOISEMAKERS: Live Hip Hop Interview Series, Know Mo Mobilizing Knowledge about Addiction & Mental Health in Alberta, Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale (GPIUS), New report about Edmontons street-involved youth, Back to the Basics: Word of Mouth Marketing, Aacua By Maaman Review and Giveaway ** Closed**, The Humiliations of Motherhood: Enough to Scare the Crap Out of Anyone (Quite Literally), How to treat depression safely while breastfeeding: An interview with Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett. Like the other component parts in your furnace, the thermocouple can wear down over time, producing lower voltage than it should when heated. Prepare the new thermocouple. Try turning on the fireplace as usual. Gas Thermocouple,Gas Stove Universal Thermocouple Fireplace Replacement Kit Adaptors 22 $1289 Save 5% with coupon FREE delivery Tue, Feb 21 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon Or fastest delivery Fri, Feb 17 Universal Thermocouple Gas Stove Fireplace Replacement Kit Adaptors For Heating Device 8 $1269 Although not a common fault with gas fireplaces, just like every other component, it is subject to failure. When your burner ports are clogged, the flame tends to be uneven and might possibly go off. Thats 1 valve every 2 years! Regency Fireplace Products | Gas Inserts, Wood Stoves, & More! Take the thermocouple to the hardware store to purchase a new one. If your pilot light does turn on, but your gas fireplace still isnt igniting, check the gas line next. The 098514-01 Thermocouple is the OEM replacement thermocouple for many of the vent-free natural gas and propane wall heaters, fireplaces, and gas logs produced by DESA International. How To Bypass a Thermocouple On a Fire Pit ? The gas valve handle must be rotated so that it lies perpendicular to the pipe. Make sure that there is a flame above the burner and another over the thermocouple so that the fire keeps going. If your pilot light is turning on but youre not getting gas, and youve checked everything else, consider replacing your thermocouple. Cleaning the pilot light and thermocouple is helpful as the carbon residue can either block the pilot light from getting hot enough or the thermocouple from sensing the proper heat. How To Disconnect Propane Tank from Fire Pit, How to get more heat from a propane fire pit. Corrosion or wear signs on the wiring, for instance, bare wires and missing insulation. Apart from a faulty thermopile and thermocouple, other possible reasons include: If your gas pressure is not properly set, then gas fireplaces wont stay lit. You just need to make sure that you put safety first. For further assistance, please call our Customer Care Center at 1.800.762.1142. Thankfully, its fairly easy to replace a thermocouple and its not that expensive to do. Step 1: Leave the gas to cool first if it has been burning. You can test if your gas fireplace is working by using the switch located next to the burner. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction. Daffodils and tulips make their early presence known, and of course, there is your Do You Need Chimney or Fireplace Cleaning or Inspection? You can get a technician to help you make the necessary adjustments. If that is the case, then youre not the typical fireplace user. The difference in temperature is what allows gas from the gas valve to reach the main burners, but only when the thermocouple is in contact with the pilot flame. Just follow these steps to bypass the thermocouple: Firstly, push the tilt switch wire out of the way and use an 8mm wrench to remove the thermocouple. The measuring point detects a temperature change leading to voltage creation. Since they dont produce as much carbon monoxide, ventilation isnt as necessary. To remove the patio heater thermocouple, unscrew the connection nuts, and copper leads, followed by the bracket nuts. So, if you decide to make a purchase through one of the links on this site, I receive a commission for it. Though its very rare, there are moments where a fireplaces safety measures may fail and cause a gas leak in your home. You can test your thermocouple and thermopile with a quality digital voltmeter. What new challenges concerning outdoor patio heaters are you facing? If the flame is blue and weak, and barely reaches the thermocouple, it needs to be stronger. Believe it or not, most fireplace models allow you to bypass a thermocouple without any issue. Some thermocouples can be pulled free, while others require screws to be detached with a screwdriver first. #1 Hello All - new to the forum. Clean the threads of its attachment screw using your pencil eraser. Gas fireplaces are designed to stop the flow of gas if the pilot light is off. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Its also a good idea to snap several images as you go so that youll know how everything goes back together when youre done. How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my gas fireplace? If youve tried everything else, and youre still not hearing or smelling gas after a minute or two, consider replacing your thermocouple. The thermocouple joint(exposed) will give the quickest response. Sizing and heating capacities range from the petite, portrait-style . When youre mounting the TV, make sure to use sturdy equipment. 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. If you havent already, use a wire brush to clean the openings. 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. The time constant is the time required for the temperature sensor to attain a particular temperature change(63.2% of the step change). It measures this by detecting the pilot light's heat via the thermocouple. He has degrees in science and humanities and years of teaching experience. Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. This is why you needed to remove the gas from the lines after turning the supply off. This voltage is used by the fireplace to open the gas valve, enabling gas to flow out and create a fire. Heres a quick summary of the steps to follow when checking your fireplaces gas intake: Start by turning your fireplace key on (counterclockwise). This thermocouple provides a millivolt signal to the gas valve allowing the appliance to stay running. This is the easiest step. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Should you require further clarification, never hesitate to ask. The legs are welded together at one end, into a junction, where the temperature is measured. If it drops to zero, the thermopile has a short and needs to be replaced. Should this occur, stop what youre doing. As the seasons pass, you may find that your gas pressure drops below where it needs to be. 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. Realistically, you have just disabled the thermocouple, but you can also reach in and unclip it from its holding bracket where it meets the pilot light. Winter is approaching fast, so I did some research to help them out. Here are the steps of doing it- Open the control panel of your gas valve. Priddy Chimney Sweeps is licensed, bonded, and insured in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC. 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. Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out how to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace. Youll need five-time constants for the temperature sensor to attain the full step change value, i.e., 100%. Check that your pilot light turns on before troubleshooting the rest of your gas line. So, this guide will take you through how a thermocouple is cleaned. If you dont hear clicking, theres likely a problem with your pilot light. If you do see corrosion, clean it off using a bit of vinegar and baking soda. You need to bypass the wire on the gas valve. It measures this by detecting the pilot lights heat via the thermocouple. Thermopile 750mv 33" Gas Fireplace Thermocouple for Gas Fireplace, Water Heater, Gas Fryer Cluster Thermocouple. If it's yellow or orange, undersized and unsteady, the pilot tube is probably clogged, and it needs to be cleaned. Is It Too Late to Get a Chimney Inspection in Winter Months? Gently rub it with your steel wool or the rougher side of your sponge. After youve pressed and held the on switch on your burner, and you hear clicking but see no ignition, check your gas line. Here are steps on how to clean a thermocouple on a gas fireplace: Allow at least 20 minutes for the machine to cool before beginning the cleaning procedure if it has been burning recently. Dual Fuel Ventless Gas Fireplace - 32,000 BTU, Remote Control, Auburn Cherry Finish The Duluth Forge Ventless Fireplace features The Duluth Forge Ventless Fireplace features our Furniture Quality fireplace mantel and our Dual Fuel, Vent Free Gas fireplace insert that provides you with heat and beauty. If you do not own a gas analyzer, you can usually rent one. ft. of . Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds. With a hand brush, rag, and vacuum cleaner, you can get your gas fireplace sparkling clean again. If your gas fireplace still isnt lighting, try using the manual switch next to the fireplaces burner instead. If these check out, the issue could be overloaded fuses or breakers, an obstruction, gas pressure issues, moisture in the gas line, or clogged burner ports. Another common culprit is incorrect gas pressure. Winter Savings - Save up to $800 Save big on new Regency Gas Fireplaces, Inserts, Stoves and Electric Fireplaces this winter. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. I included an image of the thermocouple in the above section, but youll see it as a small cylinder next to the pilot light. Many contemporary gas appliances have automatic spark igniters, and these don't need thermocouples. Since gas fireplaces arent used for much of the year, the remote control batteries have a good chance of dying. It would become very frustrating if you were halfway through the process only to find out that you needed to run to the nearest hardware store. This is a step that you absolutely cannot ignore. This occurs by virtue of a phenomenon known as the Seebeck effect, whereby an electric potential is generated between dissimilar metals when there's a large temperature difference, and the thermocouple probe and tubing are indeed made of different metals. Put your thermocouple back into position. The following is only an educational overview of how gas fireplace components are checked. 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. Due to the risk of fire hazards and the difficulty that can arise when it comes to finding the right parts, most experts agree that its better to call a licensed and certified gas technician. Can I Install a Pellet Stove in My Garage? How Do You Fix a Patio Heater That Wont Stay Lit? Reset the knob to the pilot position: Remember to do this when you are ready to ignite the pilot light of your gas fireplace. You can find Tyler getting outdoors whenever he can and nerding out about fireplace technology in his free time. You can tell if its on if the handle is parallel with the gas pipe. To temporarily sort the situation, you can bypass thermocouples until you have funds to replace them. Step 2: Disconnect the probe from the clamp. You might be amazed to find out that the most straightforward fix for this is to light your pilot. 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. 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