Tube contamination signs- these may include things like cracks, discoloration, or pinholes. Most cheap thermopiles will have weak power output (below 400mv) and will cause intermittent flame problems that will be hard to diagnose, because you will assume that your thermopile is GOOD, and problem is elsewhere. Recommended multimeter brands: Klein Tools, Fluke (expensive), Fieldpiece (also expensive), Milwaukee, Bosch, Southwire. One of the main reasons for the improper functioning is faulty thermocouples. When troubleshooting, start with the switch and follow your way up the fireplace. Just like the thermocouple, the thermopile can be read with a multimeter to check if its the cause of the problem. This is due to the varying electron densities of the different wires. The created voltage then gets measured. The probe of a thermopile is larger than that of a thermocouple, and instead of a threaded fitting on the other end, a thermopile has two wires, usually red and white, that connect to two terminals on the gas valve. Unscrew the old thermocouple by removing the bolts holding it in place. How do you bypass a thermocouple? Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. The black and red of the 18/2 thermostat wire connects terminals 2 and 4 of the control relay to the millivolt gas valve TPTH and TH terminals. If it does not move easily, get the light back in there and see if you missed a nut or bolt. How much does it cost to fix a pilot light? Since the chimney was invented, having a fireplace was one of the most important ways people got heat in their homes and cooked their foods. It is essentially a sensor that measures temperature and is made up of two different types of metals, joined on one end. Therefore, finding why you have no flame in your gas fireplace is pretty straightforward. Cut out the fuel supply of your propane heater. Its categories are E, J, K, T, and N. Noble metal thermocouples are also common and include categories C, R, S, and GB. The Fix: Pilot Light to Gas Fireplace Wont Stay Lit So youve checked your pilot light and even reset it, but still, it wont stay lit. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. If your propane tank is empty or your natural gas line is cut off. Thus, you should clean it as soon as possible. When thermopile is heated by pilot flame, it begins to make electricity. How to Troubleshoot a Kenmore Elite Gas Dryer That Won't Heat, How to Install a Thermocouple for a Propane Wall Heater. To bypass the thermocouple: The thermocouple and thermopile are the two most common reasons why a gas fireplace wont stay lit. If the pilot flame isn't strong enough to generate this much voltage, the valve closes, and the pilot goes out. Below is a step by step video of troubleshooting my fireplace with no flame, going through thermocouple, thermopile, verifying that gas valve is good, high limit switch are good, and finding that it was all due to an old ON/OFF switch that costs $3.50 . Find your Heatilator product installation or owner's manual. I use Abundance Plus every day to learn from expert homesteaders and become more self-sufficient. Use a wrench to make sure the nut is tightly connected to the gas valve. When thermocouple is heated by pilot flame, it begins to make electricity. Fortunately, many thermocouples may go years without causing this deposit to decrease the functioning of your fireplace. Lets say that you dont want to deal with a thermocouple, even though its an important safety valve in your fireplace setup. sitting with your loved one in front of your fireplace. 4. Take the multimeter leads, placing one on the TH/TP terminal and the other on the TP terminal. Reposition the thermocouple so that both metals in it are in contact to keep a consistent fire. If youd like a visual of the above troubleshooting steps, check out this video by Mike Klimek. The terminals are labeled TP and TP/TH, as illustrated at My Gas Fireplace Repair. According to John a Quadra-Fire fireplace service technician out of Norwood MA, who does 4-7 house service calls every day, he only had to replace 5 gas valves in more than 10 years. Remove any nuts holding the thermocouple in place and wiggle it out. Give the thermocouple about 15 minutes to heat up and then turn on the flame to make sure it all stays functioning. 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. Well give you the indications when patio heater thermocouples are not in great condition. How Do You Fix a Patio Heater That Wont Stay Lit? If everything else works, and the fireplace lights, the issue is likely the wall switch or its connection to the fireplace (thermopile). Locate the thermocouple proper. Try listening or smelling for the gas again, and use your fireplace switch again to ignite the gas. Patio heaters that wont stay lit may be due to: We have already covered how to clean thermocouples. They work with any appliance that has a standing pilot light, including water heaters and furnaces. What Are the Symptoms of Bad Thermocouples? You can also use a lighter to heat the thermocouple. Remove the clip holding the old thermocouple to the pilot light tube. 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 see the probe becoming shiny, then know that its done. How Do You Clean a Thermocouple on a Propane Heater? We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Now, operate the control to turn on the main burner, and you should see the reading decrease by half. HEAD OFFICE #190, 2255 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver, BC V7H 3B1 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. Install a new thermocouple by screwing it in, heating it up a bit, and then lighting the pilot. The pilot flame should touch the thermocouple at a specific level. 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. Answered. What Do Thermocouples Do on Patio Heaters? All Rights Reserved. Read this article if youre lighting your gas fireplace for the first time or how to start a gas fireplace and relight the pilot. Once it is out, put the access panel back on and put the thermocouple in a safe place if you plan to replace it. Easiest way, is to light the pilot light and wait 5 minutes. Ah, fireplaces. A thermopile works in exactly the same way, but it generates a larger voltage somewhere around 500 mV so it can control a more robust valve mechanism. If you have access to the thermocouple without taking the lines off, you can leave them connected if you want. It is a device used inside a gas furnace in Kansas, to assist the pilot light in keeping your furnace running and safe. As you can see, the thermocouple is not that difficult to bypass. Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. See more about Remodeling Calculator team here. This can take up to a minute. If you don't get pilot lighting, check the thermocouple and repair your fireplace to keep your home safe and warm all year round. Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Another common culprit is incorrect gas pressure. I personally like the . While lower in voltage than a thermopile, a thermocouple does its best. Winter is approaching fast, so I did some research to help them out. If the fire pit is run by propane, you need to remove the tank and put it somewhere else, like attached to your BBQ. If that works, you likely need a new remote. In our troubleshooting guide, we will provide detailed information about patio heater thermocouples and where to locate them. Step 3: Take the thermocouple you removed to the repair shop. 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. Remove the thermopile wiring connector from the gas control. Theres also a chance your thermocouple is working properly, but theres a blockage in the gas openings. If you do not own a gas analyzer, you can usually rent one. What Causes the Electric Igniter on a Stove to Spark? Though they may be tiny electrical devices, thermocouples are one of the most crucial patio heater parts. A gas fireplace that keeps shutting off is annoying, but its not the end of the world. Can You Bypass Thermocouples on Patio Heaters? Turn Off the Gas Supply To The Fire Pit The first step in the process is the most vital. The thermocouple is a protection device that controls the gas supply to the gas-heated fireplace. You will want to analyze how the gas lines are connected. Leo has been a contractor since 2003, specializing in: roofing, siding, general contracting (GC) and residential remodeling. The Thermocouple and the Thermopile carry out a similar function of converting heat to electricity, but the thermopile generates more electrical current compared to the thermocouple. I fixed my gas fire pit. You can contact us via our contact form if you have any inquiries about patio heating. How much should a plumber charge to replace a thermocouple? Make sure to report it as a gas leak, and explain why you believe it may be coming from your fireplace. Take a jumper wire, a paper clip, or a small insulated wire. When cleaning, be careful not to get liquid inside the rest of the remote as it can damage its internal components. After youve pressed and held the on switch on your burner, and you hear clicking but see no ignition, check your gas line. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. Its easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Valor Radiant Gas Fireplaces. 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 your fireplace still doesnt light with the burner switch set to on, and your pilot light is on, check the gas line. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction. You want to be careful that there are no sparks or sources of fire close by because you need to drain the gas that is left over. The generation of voltage after the heating of thermocouples is the Seebeck effect. The following is only an educational overview of how gas fireplace components are checked. By following steps in this guide, you assume ALL THE RISK! Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out how to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace. You might be amazed to find out that the most straightforward fix for this is to light your pilot. 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