Fireplace Won’t Stay Lit? This Is How You Fix It!

Fireplace won’t stay lit? This video not only shows how to light your gas fireplace, but it will show you how to repair the fireplace burner and controls as well. The thermocouple, pilot, and thermopile all act to light the fireplace burner. If your fireplace won't ignite or your fireplace won't start, this video will show you how to fix it.
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00:00 Intro
00:28 Removing the Glass
01:24 Accessing the Controls
03:10 How to light the fireplace
04:10 Fireplace Pilot Ignites
04:59 Trying The Wall Switch
05:14 Disassemble the log set
05:45 Accessing the thermopile and pilot assembly
06:08 Cleaning the thermopile and pilot assembly
07:28 Igniting the burner
• Fireplace Won’t Stay L...

[@Romanh821]

Great video!!! Worked perfectly

[@MikeKlimek]

Excellent!!!

[@angelowright1526]

And I also love the video thanks

[@afcro]

Hey thanks so much for this, totally worked Mike. Instead of sandpaper I used a dremal with mini wire brush. Thanks!!!!

[@patriciabeard6949]

We had 3 fireplaces that were not working. Called a repair man and he indicated all three needed new fireplace burnpans at $2,500 each. After researching the issue, pilot light would stay on but fireplace would not light, online I ran across your video. Cleaned the the thermocouple and thermopile as shown in your video and all 3 fireplaces are working perfectly. As I am recently widowed, your video was a blessing to me. Thank you sooooo very much!!! May you be blessed for your willingness to share your knowledge.

[@bronniezervos3029]

Thank you soooo much! I just fixed my fireplace! No husband or service man required 😀👍

[@MikeKlimek]

Way to go!!! Glad to help you!

[@ronh9384]

Congratulations!

[@hunteroneill7300]

You could probably use a husband

[@whodalyon756]

😂 that’s like putting a pizza in the oven for dinner and saying dinner ready, no wife or restaurant required🤦🏾‍♂️

[@riffdigger2133]

#1 video on my books -thank you for the CLEAR photography and a well illuminated fireplace component, easy to view -thank you man’

[@johnhurd3257]

Thanks for making this vid!

[@DK-yf1ii]

My fireplace is similar to the one and couldn't work on for few months. I just did it what you showed. Wonderful it worked out right now. Thanks.

[@MikeKlimek]

You're Welcome!

[@bettybeasley8778]

Worked like a charm. I am a widow but I got it cleaned and so far it is working. The pilot light has been going out after about 5 days. Wait and see!! Thank you for the detailed video

[@eileenbrodie7686]

The reason that you ‘hold the pilot in’ is not so much because ‘it takes a while for the gas to flow;’- although it’s true that a long-unused fireplace might take some time before gas in the line arrives. But having users hold that for a long time before sparking the piezo lighter, could result in gas build-up that would be disconcerting if not alarming once someone commences sparking the lighter. (best practice is to be activating the piezo lighter button in a continuous sequence anytime the pilot’s gas control knob is pressed in. The main reason you need to hold the knob in, for some 10 to 30 seconds AFTER a pilot flame appears, is to allow the sensing thermocouple to build up enough heat to signal that a flame is indeed present, and that it is safe to allow gas flow to the pilot orifice, even after user releases the knob. If you release the knob too quickly and the pilot goes out, it is because the thermocouple did not sense enough heat to open the circuit that allows pilot gas to flow automatically. It’s job is to assure that there is never free-flowing gas to the pilot without the security of a pilot FLAME being present at the same time. This prevents gas build-up in the firebox. The Thermopile behaves similarly, ‘refusing’ to answer the call for burner gas (not pilot gas) to flow to the log set area, unless a flame is present. When a thermopile is oxidized as seen in this video, its sensing property becomes faulty and so it defaults to refusing to light.

[@johnhurd3257]

Thanks for a deeper explanation of why this problem happens. I'm loving this vid!

[@pasgas12safe58]

eileenbrodie7686 I'm a plumbing & gas engineer in U.K.....You gave an excellent, accurate explanation, well done!👏👏👏👍👍✌

[@captainmadone]

My gas fireplace wasn't staying lit, then wasn't lighting at all. Found your video before calling my local fireplace service repair store. Cleaning the thermopile and thermocouple with 220 grit sand paper did the trick and I'm sure saved me hundreds of dollars. Thank you for a very thorough and detailed video. Much appreciated.

[@MikeKlimek]

Welcome!

[@EnhanceYourLovin]

Thank you! After almost 20 years of having our fireplace, it wouldn't light yesterday. Thanks to you, I had it up and running within a few minutes! 😁⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@MikeKlimek]

Way to go Kate!

[@quentinquayl]

Great job explaining how to do it. I have the exact issue and I am going to try out your solution.

[@tuxthetripodbowtheschizo5122]

Helpful tip! I would highly recommend using a scotch Brite pad to clean thermopiles. Especially for customers who have annual maintenance done on these as recommended by most manufactures. Using sand paper will ruin thermopiled and thermocouples very quickly by shaving the metal off. Great video!

[@MikeKlimek]

Thank you and I agree with your comment! Sometimes you have to use what you have available!

[@thomasdmyers456]

The video worked perfectly. I was able to clean up the fireplace so that the burner stays on (it hasn't shut off for six hours now). Thank you for putting the video together in such a complete and easy-to-follow manner; it saved me $150 that they wanted for a basic service call! Again, thank you!

[@MikeKlimek]

Awesome! Glad to help you!

[@mcmoffitt]

Had a similar issue. After a few failed trouble shooting attempts I contacted a service rep. The issue turned out to be an occluded pilot light. The jet was fine, however the pilot has a venturi that draws in air. The venturi pulled in a small amount of lint which changed the shape of the flame, not allowing it to heat the thermocouple property. I happen to have a engine carburetor jet cleaning kit which had a good supply of cleaning wires and pipe cleaner type brushes. A quick cleaning with one of the brushes, a vacuum and some more cleaning of the thermopile, thermocouple and burner with a brass brush did the trick. Thanks for the video 👍🏻

[@MikeKlimek]

Great comment! Here is another video I just published talking about some of the issues you mentioned: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXWaqnd5qZtsgqc

[@AB-ep4hl]

We cleaned the components as you suggested and then used an air compressor to get the remaining residue out of our fireplace. Worked like a charm and saved us some serious cash too! Thank you so much!

[@MikeKlimek]

Sweet! Glad it helped you!

[@ctweekendhomes]

Mike, thank you! My gas fireplace in the primary bedroom hasn't worked for two years. Getting a professional to come to the house has been impossible. Having watched your fireplace videos the problem was easily solved. Works like a charm now. Thank you from a new subscriber.

[@MikeKlimek]

Awesome David-glad it helped you!

[@marthakeller1013]

Thanks for this! This was exactly what I needed!

[@MikeLikvan]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Sanding my thermal pile fixed it! Thanks for posting this video!

[@MikeKlimek]

Nice! Glad to help you!

[@teresaborowy5796]

You did a great job explaining and demonstrating each step. Thank you!

[@kylemanship2628]

Perfect! Fixed our issue. Wish I had watched this video sooner. Thank you!

[@MikeKlimek]

Awesome! You're Welcome

[@tzcleary]

Thank you for your clear instructions with this video!!!

[@maureenahern4126]

Great video. Exactly what I was looking for I feel confident and less afraid to fix my gas fireplace. Thank you

[@MikeKlimek]

Glad it helped you!

[@Jeffrey-vo5ex]

You just saved me $300 by not hiring a fireplace company. I cleaned with emery cloth/small wire brush and vaced it all out. Took about an hour. Thank you!!

[@MikeKlimek]

Sweet! You're welcome Jeffrey

[@lllmall7372]

yay! you just saved me a $150 service call 🧡

[@PreCiise82]

Little more then that asshole

[@-ThankfulBoz]

Perfect!! Sitting in warm comfort now, great video!!

[@MikeKlimek]

Sweet!!!

[@adelaidecharlotte]

Just what I needed. Thanks!

[@katalinblasdel4728]

Thank you so much! With this video I was able to turn on the gas fireplace! It’s currently 3F outside and we really needed the extra warmth!

[@MikeKlimek]

Wow that's cold!

[@cremedelacreme.]

This worked for me. Thank you so much. I had the pilot on but the rest of the valves were not coming on. I cleaned them a few times and flipped the switch and they came on. Note when i flipped the switch I had to wait 1-2 minutes, so anyone with this issue give it a few minutes once you flip the switch. It takes time. I realize I was turning the swith off too soon. One thing I dont understand is the design of these fireplaces. It is so much work to pull the bottom, pilot, on, then put the piece back on, then the fake wood pieces, then the on switch. Couldnt we just have one switch?

[@surfbrock]

Excellent. Sanded the thermocouple and the fireplace lit up like Christmas!

[@MikeKlimek]

Sweet! Glad it helped!

[@alyssaphilippi5177]

Thank you so much!! Maintenance was backed up and wouldn’t be out for days to fix ours, so wit your advice we were able to fix it ourselves!

[@MikeKlimek]

Awesome! Glad to help you!

[@cpsstein]

Thanks for the tips, Mike. Had to rewatch the video .. had same problem two years ago .. watched your video the first time, and it worked. Well, it worked again just now .. One thing I might add: some furnaces (like mine) don't have a spark mechanism, so you have to light the pilot light manually with a match to get things going .. no big deal. Thanks again ..

[@MikeKlimek]

You're Welcome!

[@patrickgaylejr52]

Thank you! I couldn't rap my head around why it wasn't starting up, but I followed this tutorial, and all was good... 👏🏾

[@MikeKlimek]

Awesome! Glad it helped you

[@jamesdte91]

Cleaning the pilot burner and office is very important for having a sharp,hot pilot flame that allows the thermopile to generate the maximum millivolts needed for operation.A clean pilot also allows smoother ignition of the main burner.Another common problem with these units is the millivolt loss through the wall switch,these switches were made for 120 volts,not millivolts.(Too much resistance through the switch contacts).

[@MikeKlimek]

Excellent post!

[@derickveatch8867]

What kind of switch should you change out the 120-volt switch to. That seems to be my problem.

[@dibjr]

120V switches would need to have lower resistance for higher voltage, otherwise, they'd burn up with rated current running through them.

[@marygee3981]

❤Thank you! A guy came to my home, and bashed several places with a wrench on my gas stove. And said I needed a new one. From ANC in Endicott NY. 😑😒🙄

[@Kazztastrophe]

Worked! Thank you so much!

[@zachaskelton]

I've got this same fireplace. Thanks for the visual on how to put back the logs btw. There's a few places you can break continuity on the fireplace. Instead of testing across the wall switch, I tested from where the wire comes in the fireplace to where it completes the loop. Wall switch was good, the temperature limit switch was good, the thermopile was getting voltage, and the damper switch was reading ~3 ohms. I jiggled the handle and it bounced around. I got it to go down to ~1 ohm and the fireplace came on. When I moved into the place, the home inspector said 90% of the time they can't get a fireplace to come on, it's something to do with the damper safety switch. I'll have to take the front panel off to see if there's a loose connection, a dirty switch, weak spring, etc... might just need to replace the damper switch. We'll see.

[@ceceburrell7679]

Can you show what the dumper switch looks like and where is exactly located ?

[@deestrange2192]

Thank you! didn't know there was an air flow hole. Once I cleaned that out with a condensed air canister all is good. Saved me a bunch!

[@ajussiwannabe]

Great video. You saved me the trouble and money of calling a handyman. Thanks!

[@MikeKlimek]

Awesome! You're Welcome

[@nyxnax3800]

Thank you!!! Fixed mine with a scotch brite pad, green one , and worked like a charm! Was about to just buy a new one , but ya changed my mind!

[@MikeKlimek]

Sweet!

[@overandunderpropertyinspection]

Worked just like you did it! Thank You for the tutorial! The local fireplace guy wanted $250 for the service call just to look at it!

[@MikeKlimek]

Cha-Ching! Glad to help!

[@atercero333]

Great video! It helped me to address my fireplace problem. I appreciate the direct and clear approach.

[@MikeKlimek]

You're Welcome!

[@luzhang9018]

Thank you so much. I finally fixed it immediately after watching this video. I tried to use wipes and toothbrush to clean and didn't work. Finally I used the fine sand paper. It succeeded! Thank you!!!

[@MikeKlimek]

You're Welcome!

[@kwabenaphillip4758]

Good job!

[@MikeKlimek]

Glad it helped you!

[@shinylittlepeople]

Thank you for this video. We cleaned it like you said and it worked right away! love your channel!

[@MikeKlimek]

Thank you-glad it helped you!

[@lukelobelkarimi4631]

great video help me out to fix my fir place

[@swope68]

Your video saved me a visit from a service call! Thank you!!!

[@MikeKlimek]

You're welcome!

[@maxcoulombe9502]

Thank you big guy you've saved me $300.00 today. Fireplace works mint.

[@MikeKlimek]

Awesome Max! Glad to help!

[@hollwoods]

Thank you for the video! Just used this for a condo I’m cleaning 🎉

[@flacoface]

When I finish my truck, my next project. Thanks!

[@MikeKlimek]

LOL! Get the truck done first!

[@garys2109]

Just watched this and found out it was my switch. Should have started there first 😊. Thanks for the help!

[@MikeKlimek]

You're welcome Gary!

[@tankertaav1355]

I was not able to get the pilot going until followed these directions. Very helpful video.

[@MikeKlimek]

That's great! Glad to help you!

[@joeyates1428]

Great video tutorial, just what I needed to get our fireplace working properly...

[@MikeKlimek]

Great to hear!

[@mirwaisamiree6850]

Thanks, it looks for me 👍

[@ervincorado]

excellent video, right on the spot on how to troubleshoot your gas fireplace

[@MikeKlimek]

Thank you!

[@chance4771]

I went, I cleaned, I CONQUERED! It worked perfectly! thank you for the video!

[@MikeKlimek]

LOL You're Welcome!

[@LincolnPoole]

Thank you ! This fixed mine that was covered pretty badly in black char.

[@lara3204]

Thank you!!!! Worked perfectly for my fire pit table & thankfully didn’t have to sand anything. A leaf blower has been the godsend for blowing the lava rock particles out.

[@MikeKlimek]

Nice! Glad to help!

[@brianklavano6961]

Most helpful, Thanks..

[@Bend-Oregon]

Thank you, as your demo at 6:03 was perfect, and exactly what I needed to see. I fixed my FP with your help. Thank you sir.

[@MikeKlimek]

That's great to hear! Glad to help you!

[@1701zfiles]

Great video and greatly appreciated

[@voltecrules624]

Thank you. This video just saved me a repair call.

[@MikeKlimek]

Awesome-You're Welcome!

[@markbrooke1902]

Thanks for posting this! Definitely saved another service call.

[@MikeKlimek]

Cha-Ching!

[@quintonmaechtel7126]

Thank you. I did exactly what you did and saved a visit & $$$. My fireplace is back up and running. Appreciate your video. Thank you

[@MikeKlimek]

You're welcome Quinton-glad it helped you!

[@davisrowe6366]

Awesome video. Same problem. I used steel wool instead of sandpaper. It worked perfectly! Thanks again.

[@MikeKlimek]

Love to hear it! You're Welcome!

[@freshlitnews]

Just got mine lite. Thx!

[@The1andOnlyTG]

Best video to walk through ALL the compenents and possible issues

[@MikeKlimek]

Thank you Tony! Glad it helped you

[@robertgarciajr804]

Fixed mine THANKS!!!!

[@misterjoe3]

Thank so much ! You saved me from an expensive service call !!!😀

[@MikeKlimek]

You're Welcome!

[@MrLoutibbs]

Thanks! So helpful. Much appreciated

[@MikeKlimek]

Welcome!

[@danaopfer]

Thank you so much for this video! It worked:))

[@MikeKlimek]

Excellent!

[@sc29229]

Worked like a charm. Thank you!!

[@MikeKlimek]

You're Welcome!

[@jimmymoser]

This video was right, but my fireplace had one extra thing I needed to do and that was to use canned air to blow out the gas jet holes and all the cobwebs around the burner and control switches. After all that, it worked like a charm. Saved me a couple thousand by not needing a whole new set up.

[@fast22fast]

Be careful with that canned air. I used that crap once and didn't wait long enough for the flammable gases it has in it to clear from the fireplace before lighting the pilot and it basically created a fireball that singed all my facial hair. Good thing I don't have much left on top or it could have been an all out disaster.

[@donnapettet2873]

Thanks mines a out side fireplace. but I believe your right, if this thing was cleaned ? I think it just might be My Best Buy for my patio so guess I’ll be pulling it apart 😬😜👍

[@LVMusicLvr]

You’re the best! I love that I didn’t need to call someone!

[@MikeKlimek]

Glad it helped!

[@stephenosburn7319]

Thanks for this video! I have never owned a gas appliance before and am "afraid" of gas. I guess mostly because I'm not familiar with it. This video makes it seem so simple. I am a DIYer and was about to call a serviceman to come to the house. Thanks to your video, now I don't have to!

[@MikeKlimek]

Awesome! Glad to help you Stephen!

[@SPIVEY269]

Thanks this helped me out, I've been trying to figure out how to light my fireplace since August.

[@MikeKlimek]

You're welcome Dominique!

[@susanf9683]

Just tried this and it worked! Thank you!!!

[@MikeKlimek]

You're Welcome-glad it helped you!

[@mostlikelywedoitservices6926]

Before moving logs take a few photos. Many of these log set ups have only one position they properly sit in.

[@carolwoodruff4870]

great education for my firep[lace it worked thanks for posting video. saved me $$$. keep the videos coming

[@lizzdorseydesigns]

This was so helpful, thank you! I was able to troubleshoot the issue and get it lit. Great channel!

[@MikeKlimek]

Way to go Lizz!

[@niandiwang252]

thank you, you fixed my fireplace!

[@MikeKlimek]

Sweet! Glad to help!

[@elizabethcontreras3877]

Thanks so much this was great help. Do u happen to have a video or advice on how to fix a very "hard to turn" valve. It feels super tight to turn we bought a better fitting key /handle but it is still very hard and the grip is small so that makes it more difficult. Any suggestions?

[@JK-hn8kq]

Thanks Mike for sharing your knowledge

[@MikeKlimek]

Glad to help you!

[@craigloly]

Worked! Thank You!

[@MikeKlimek]

Welcome!

[@thumpybones]

Worked great! Thank you sir!

[@MikeKlimek]

Welcome Timothy!

[@whitneysmith2541]

Thank you from VA! A simple cleaning did the trick. ( and some serious vacuuming under the ceramics)

[@MikeKlimek]

Awesome Whitney! Stay warm over there!

[@behindthebucks922]

Thank you! My fireplace came to lofe again.

[@MikeKlimek]

Sweet! Glad to help

[@greglewis3903]

Thank you, very useful!

[@MikeKlimek]

Welcome!

[@ukgabe]

Thank you so much Mike !! You just save me bunch of money. My fireplace is as good as new!!!!

[@MikeKlimek]

Great to hear ukgabe!

[@TheVertigo686]

Great video! Worked for my fireplace that was turning off by itself

[@MikeKlimek]

Great-glad it helped you!

[@claudiamaldonado6346]

The video is nice and clear I loved 😊

[@aqhasassy]

Mine has been used all winter. Now staying lit 5-10 min only. I’ve cleaned parts using Vac & toothbrush, but not sandpaper/scrubber. Giving that a try next.

[@DungPham-mz5lw]

Good job Mike. Thank you for the video

[@MikeKlimek]

Glad it helped you!

[@Shelburne8]

This helped me out a lot in getting a fireplace lit in our new home that hadn’t been used in 5+ years. Thank you

[@MikeKlimek]

Excellent!

[@kellyolmsteadluxuryhomes9530]

The suggestions worked - thank you!

[@MikeKlimek]

Welcome Kelly!

[@kraigkasten]

might i suggest you also blow out the pilot with compressed air, that will greatly improve your flame and by the way, you do not have a thermocouple on your pilot just a thermopile and ignitor, wasnt firing up because of so much buildup, the thermopile keeps the pilot lit and turns on the fire, this is a Superior fireplace

[@lynnvollmar7390]

Thank you. I am going to give it a try and hopefully it will fix my problem.

[@MikeKlimek]

Welcome!

[@imbatido]

Thank you for the great video. Can you do the same thing with a direct vent sealed fireplace? Thanks

[@mikeapp5169]

Thank you so much!! Worked prefectly

[@MikeKlimek]

Awesome Mike glad it helped!

[@claudiamaldonado6346]

Thank you so much your video is very handy I did everything you said and now my fireplace works perfectly thanks to you 😄have a merry Christmas and a blessed and happy year . And keep the good instructions.😊

[@MikeKlimek]

Thank you Claudia! Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@michelevitarelli]

Thank you.