How to Fix a Gas Fireplace Pilot Light That Does Not Stay Lit - Troubleshooting and Repairing

[@BtwilliasGarage]

After you fix your pilot light it's a good idea to clean your fireplace! I made this for you all too. Enjoy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6Lce3WJZ8-JrZo

[@terrencesantino2261]

I guess I'm pretty off topic but do anyone know of a good site to watch new series online?

[@bickynguyen639]

YES!!!!! After having my gas fireplace off for 4 years, I always had trouble lighting the pilot & having it actually stay on! After cleaning it, and scrubbing the holes & vacuuming, the pilot had a much stronger flame, but still was not able to light the fire. I just grabbed the compressed air can while my husband opened up the fireplace again, and BOOM the flames caught!!! Thank you soo much for this video!!! After being told it wasn't worth fixing a 20 yr old fireplace & the cost to replace parts, it wasn't worth fixing. NOW ITS FIXED!!!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

That's awesome to hear! Thanks for sharing the success story! -BTWG

[@philburke1902]

I have to join the "fixed logs" group. I tried a few things out, cleaned the T.C., changed my battery. Heated the TC with a torch. No luck. Searched youtube for "gas firelogs won't stay lit" Your video was the first hit. I was skeptical but looked at the comments and said it's worth a try. I blew out the nozzle with air compressor. It worked!!! Thank You for posting the video!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Love it. Thanks for letting me know. This video certainly turned in to a hit

[@emaxphelps7078]

Thanks! It worked.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Happy to help and hear it worked!

[@robertkey6738]

Thank you so much for posting this video. Had a gas engineer advise me to replace the whole ignition system but sorted the problem myself by cleaning out the small hole with a thin piece of wire. Saved me alot of money. Thanks again.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

So happy to have helped seemingly thousands of people, just like yourself. You guys are great and I appreciate you letting me know. Stay warm!

[@johnaxta1008]

What a big help. I had the same problem with my fireplace and was about to take apart the unit and gas pipe until I saw your video. 15 min later all working. Thanks so much for saving a lot of aggravation.

[@Cloudblue0]

First of all I have to say..DUDE!!! Compressed Air shot in that "hole" at coupler. THERE IT IS! GOD Bless Brother. Great help. Keep doin' it. Thanks

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Nice! Glad to hear it worked!

[@dokdeath]

You saved me an expensive visit from a fireplace tech. I had the exact same problem you did. What an easy fix! Thanks so much.

[@zrobinson85]

Thank you! Thought I needed a new thermocouple since my fireplace would turn on then go off after like 6 mins. Used some steel wool and compressed air, and its been running for over an hour. Thanks so much!

[@generoland1130]

I was getting ready to call a technician and you just saved me time and money! Thank you!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Awesome! You can thank me with a subscribe if you don't mind 😁

[@jimmcnamara49]

The compressed air worked!! I had already tried cleaning the thermocouple and thermopile, as well as the pilot burner itself but I had not cleaned out the air port at the base of the pilot. Prior to this, I had almost convinced myself that I needed to buy a new thermocouple, thermopile or even a whole new pilot unit. Thank you!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Right on! Thanks for letting me know. Happy Thanksgiving

[@christopherbaldi3838]

Compressed air was the key ingredient on my repair. Thanks for the video, saved me a bundle.

[@madcaps1-t4l]

Compressed air sprayed in that little orifice fixed mine. Thank you.

[@cdondanville]

Blew some air through the pilot light tube with a bicycle pump and sanded the thermocouple with some 300 grit and good as new. Thanks so much for the video, it was perfect and saved me $300 for a new one!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

You are welcome! Glad it worked for you!

[@MarkKelly1307]

Thanks for posting this. I had done everything but the compressed air and was about ready to call the local fireplace shop. Of course, didn’t have any cans of compressed air, so I took a piece of 1/4” tubing, cut it to length and blew in that little hole you described. Immediately had a stronger pilot and was able to get a fire going within minutes (had to reassemble the logs). Mine was so bad that I couldn’t keep the pilot lit at all. Works like a charm!! Thanks again!!! Cheers, Mark

[@BtwilliasGarage]

I'm impressed at the resourceful solution! Nice job!

[@garycederman5058]

I've done the steel wool trick and it has always worked. This time it didn't so, I tried cleaning out the hole. It fixed it! Thank you so much. I was ready to replace some parts. Also, @ John Allen, thank you for the suggestion of using the keyboard air. Worked like a charm.

[@veelo799]

I'm so thankful for your video. I was asking the Lord what to do about my gas logs and it seemed He led my right to you... I cleaned the thermocouple, etc; sure enough there was dust/cobwebs in the holes below the pilot area-- area where you said to blow it out with compressed air! It works fine again. Thank you so much.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

I really appreciate that and am very glad my video helped. Enjoy the warm logs!

[@judyoncea7977]

It worked! We didn't know that little black hole was there. My husband was so frustrated! Our hole was a little behind the shield, you could barely see it. He used a paper clip and you could see the flame burn something that went through. Working beautifully! And a wonderful Christmas to you as well as it's now almost a year after your video!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Excellent! I love hearing from everyone that takes the time to comment that the process I outlined worked! Hope you and the family enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas!

[@scottparker7508]

Compressed air into that small opening fixed my issue. What a great and simple fix !

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thanks Scott. Glad it worked!

[@davidharris855]

Excellent advice. Your instructions worked perfectly and no doubt saved me an expensive service call!

[@daneaux8507]

The compressed air idea worked like a charm for me. Can't thank you enough!

[@randywalck2591]

My fireplace works now and I saved 90 bucks on a new pilot assembly. Awesome, Thank you

[@BtwilliasGarage]

🔥🔥

[@a.randolph8112]

So far this is the best video I've come across. Thank you!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

I really appreciate that!

[@dinajohnson3092]

Thank you for this video! I was about to replace my logs and thought I would try this first. Didn't have air compressor or canned air but out hand basketball inflator worked perfectly! Our fireplace had not worked in 3 years!!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

I am glad it worked for you! That's awesome you were able to get it working after it being down for 3 years! Thanks for taking the time to let me know! Have a great night!

[@johndonlevyjr8776]

Dina Johnson great diy I have almost the same problem. Mine stays lite and ignited the flame but when flame goes out so does the pilot? I see I have lots of corrosion around the pilot and thermocouple could that be the problem?

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Yes that is 99% your problem! Get in there and clean it up real good. Have you tried blowing it out with compressed air where I mentioned?

[@davecortese9774]

Worked fantastic thank you!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thanks for letting me know Dave. Good work! 👍

[@patricklibby580]

Thank you. Your video saved me a lot of money.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

You are welcome!

[@elissatoney7206]

We were about to call a repairman and came across this video. Cleaned everything out and then blew a tiny bit of compressed air and BAM! Problem was instantly solved! Amazing, thank you so much for sharing!!!!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Great job! Glad you found my video. Thanks for letting me know! 😁

[@illusiongr3asy331]

That worked perfectly, thank you for sharing! Expert asked for 300€ to fix it but with you video I did it myself for free

[@khrisgarcia]

This worked for me. Same issue. Had to hold the pilot in to get it to stay light and would work 1 out of ten times and then go out. The compressed air At 95psi from compressor did the trick and everything worked great after that. Before I used the compressed air I tried the steel wool and that helped keep the pilot on without holding it in but it would still turn off all most immediately when I opened it up full. I don’t think my dyson did anything but I did get it clean! Steel wool cleaning and compressed air is a must. Back in business. Thanks!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Perfect feedback. Agree 100%! Thank you. Check out my full cleaning video if you want to go to the next level with it. It's in the description.

[@philnemeth4944]

Excellent and easy fix! The compressed air in a can was a critical step. It all works perfectly now! Thank you!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Awesome!!

[@BReal14]

Thanks for this vid. My first year with a gas fireplace (new to us house) so after the summer trying to turn it back on, the ipi would come on with the switch but not kick over to fire.... i searched high and low for an on/off switch besides the light switch on the wall. finally, after seeing this vid, i opened it up, took a bike pump with a needle nozzle on it and blasted air all over. Didn't seem like anything was really getting cleaned. put it all back together, turned on the switch expecting nothing again and BAM kicked over in 2 seconds. So happy i didn't call a tech out. you saved me $150 bucks, easily. THANK YOU.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Love hearing stories like this. I'm glad you were able to safely get it repaired! Feel free to keep me in mind when your shopping on Amazon. Entering through my link will give me a small commission on anything you buy and the cost is the same to you. I would love to go full time with these tip videos! Thanks!

[@billburkard6496]

Many Thanks! Cleaned the thermo-coupler and followed your instructions - we now have a functioning fire place.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Nice work, thank you! Feel free to subscribe for more random tips in the future

[@wwonka13]

Thanks for your Video. I followed all steps and was initially unsuccessful. I got more air pressure and blew out the pilot again. Bingo! The pilot was not sending enough heat to the thermocouple to unlock the gas valve. My unit has been installed for 10 years and this is the first issue. Reassuring that it was DIY fixable.....thanks to Btwilla’s Garage video. Probably saved me $400 service call. Frankly the video gave me the insights and confidence to give it a try.....without blowing up the house! Thanks again.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Awesome Bill! Glad to hear it's working and saved you money! Really appreciate the kind words!!

[@JamesGarciaGSports]

Thank you, was having the same problem with my fire place and tried your suggestions, vacuum did it for me, working perfect!!!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Excellent! Glad it worked!

[@mikekent1490]

Thanks so much for this helpful information. I used it this evening when my gas fire started to shut off. Worked perfectly. All up and running again.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

You are welcome!

[@thomaswilson4718]

Worked for me. Thanks for the video.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Love it. Thank you for watching

[@jennayers1]

This worked so perfect! Thank you.

[@SuzieqNC2606]

Thank you! Using the compressed air on our gas logs did the job of getting our pilot light to stay on! We appreciate your video with good directions!

[@chadman82]

Thanks for this video! Blowing out that hole with compressed air seems to have done the trick for me, too, whereas nothing had previously seemed to work for me.

[@fischerbug]

Thank you! Fixed it like a dream! Now I can enjoy my fire with the snow tomorrow!!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Live in NC? Nice work!

[@chriscorum7220]

Great video. It worked and saved me a service call. Steel wool did the trick for me. Thanks!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

That is what we love to hear! Enjoy the warm living room 😁

[@teresajervis8344]

This worked! No more freezing in our house., thank you so much.

[@tatnip]

Worked like a charm! Thanks for the very helpful DIY hack.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Glad to help! Thank you

[@larryhamby4194]

Process was simple and effective! Thanks

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thanks for the kind feedback, Larry

[@justingaines6203]

I had trouble with my fireplace last season not lighting and if lit would go out abruptly. I watched a lot of videos on how to fix it. Yours was the first that included compressed air as a solution. I was literally at a point of having to call a technician. The compressed air did the trick. Thank you so very much for making this video. It saved me lots of money.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thanks man. Glad you got it fixed

[@The_Shark79]

Just watched your video. Towards the end of last winter had same issue. Was going to call a pro. Just used your method but I didn't have steel wool or compressed air. I used scotchbrite and a vacuum and just blew in the hole by mouth. Worked perfectly! Thanks for saving me money!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Glad to hear it helped! No problem at all

[@stevewilson4633]

nice and easy to understand & to the point

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thank you Steve!

[@alishaloveless4304]

This did the trick for ours! Instead of steel wool we just used a q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the thermopile & thermocoupler. Worked like a charm!

[@brianklavano6961]

most helpful thank you

[@gwagnerdc1]

Thank you for making this very clear and instructive video, which led to an easy, successful DIY fix!

[@dannydearman7817]

It worked! Thank you so much!

[@heidijaeger3497]

After viewing several videos, I found yours which was most like my Heat 'N Glo gas insert. I managed to take the thing apart, clean the thermocoupler-thing with some sandpaper and even put everything back together. Voila!! fire no longer goes out after lighting. 2025 is my year of at least trying to be a little more self-reliant with a little help from all you experts on KZbin!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

@@heidijaeger3497 amazing! Great work! Consider subscribing or checking out my DIY playlist. I have dozens of videos of home repairs as well as automotive tips and tricks

[@magnificentollie]

Thank you! Just what I needed.

[@JimMagnuson-u1q]

Thank you - this was very helpful

[@BtwilliasGarage]

You're welcome, glad it helped!

[@chrisdempsey2214]

Dude! You're awesome! This helped me solve this issue with my stove on the coldest day of the year so far (which just happens to be on Christmas day). Thanks brother!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Happy to help brother! Merry Christmas!

[@juliepoteat1769]

It worked! My psoriatic fingers weren’t going to hold up much longer trying to light my gas logs...but a good cleaning solved my issue. Thank you.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

So glad it worked for you! You're welcome

[@marshallbarrington4986]

It worked!!! Holy cow. You are brilliant. Thank you so much for this. :)

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Well thank you! Glad it helped!

[@johnjordan1836]

Excellent video. My pilot light would not stay on. Went straight to the vent hole on the pilot light. Used a pipe cleaner in it. Instant success, pilot light had a strong flame again and logs worked perfectly again!! Thanks for the video🎉

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Perfect! Nice job

[@bobwaghorne3083]

thanks for posting this was very helpful and worked to get my fireplace going

[@BtwilliasGarage]

You are welcome! Thanks for letting me know

[@aliciawingard5669]

Good Lord - your suggestions worked! Don't know if was the steel wool, vacuum, or air compressor, but I did all three and now my fire place is working! Thank you!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

That's what we do here at BTWG! 😎

[@jillianhinkle7671]

Worked like a dream! Thanks!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Good work! You're welcome 😀

[@johnallen7745]

I didn't have an air compressor but I had a can of air used to clean key boards, that worked too. Thank you!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Yes sir, works the same. Nice work!!

[@sharonstock7485]

This worked! It was SO easy. Thank you so much for saving me money $$$

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Love hearing it! You are welcome!

[@paolof5346]

you sir, are a hero.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thanks man

[@paolof5346]

@@BtwilliasGarage the air intake for my pilot was completely clogged! I couldn't even get the needle in there to blow it out. It's been a couple of years at least since it ran more than 10 seconds. I couldn't believe how simple this fix was.

[@christinewalker2562]

Yay!!!!! It worked! I am very chilly and it hasn't worked since the season started. And I fixed it thanks to you!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Very happy to hear! You're welcome!

[@dirtphreak]

Skipped to last step, removed one log, blew out that place on the gas line, fixed it! Thank you for the great video.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Nice work

[@dherholz]

Thank you. I had this exact issue and vacuuming it wouldn't fix it. Blowing air into the thermocoupler was the cure for me! Thanks!

[@BrittaCoaching]

Yes!! This worked! Thank you so much! This was the only tutorial I could find that was my exact issue and didn't require me to buy professional tools! $2 for a can of compressed air and it's fixed! I am so grateful I didn't have to hire someone and we're supposed to have a snow storm next week. Three years later, you're still helping people!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thanks Britta! I glad to hear my video helped 😁

[@rebeccabateman6782]

Thanks so much for the video. I followed your instructions and my fireplace lit right away and stayed lit.

[@lindamcwilliams6136]

The compressed air did the trick! Thank you.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Welcome! 😁

[@lisaANDjared]

Our power went out and it's -4 outside! This literally did the trick!! Thank you thank you!!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Great! Stay warm!!

[@tomaszsurdyka5218]

Thank you for your video. It's fixed.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Great work! You are welcome

[@garywong1650]

Worked like a charm! thanks man!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

🤙 awesome! You are welcome. Thank you

[@cuthbertsonbarry]

I just did this repair, just used a can of compressed air in the hole you showed. Worked perfectly.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Awesome!! Glad to hear it worked

[@samjohn2925]

Thanks It is very easy quick fix good job

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Right on! Thanks for letting me know 🤘

[@naamon4788]

Thanks so much. Best video I found to help me solve the problem. It worked!!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Right on! Thanks for the compliment 😁

[@Steven-c1s5j]

Man I have learned more from you than a lot of people on the website

[@BtwilliasGarage]

I appreciate you saying that!

[@yvonneribble9961]

Worked perfect!!! Did exactly what you showed!! Thank You!!!!

[@avnmatt]

Thank you, worked perfectly.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Awesome! 🤘

[@shadyelian]

You were totally right. I blew out that small hole in the pilot light assembly and a bunch of dust and soot shot out and my pilot was about a half inch longer than before. Totally fixed my fireplace!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Yeeessss! Nice work man!

[@Monarch15w]

This worked for me blew out the pilot gas line and the little air hole in the gas line and now works perfect. Thanks for the video saves me a $200 call.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

You are welcome. Glad it worked for you!

[@blackwell1384]

My pilot would not touch the thermocouple, but looked fine. The air holes in the fuel nozzle looked fine, but when I blew them out a little dust blew out. After that the pilot flame looked different, and touched the thermocouple, and worked! Thanks for the help

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Glad it worked!

[@mannypaulin6604]

Thank you

[@anthonyloesch2546]

This worked perfectly !!!!! You’re awesome thank you

[@rbrown2895]

My fireplace was doing the exact same thing. I used a toothbrush and vacuum and that fixed it. Didn’t have to get out the air compressor. I leave my pilot on year round which caused buildup on the thermocouple. Your video saved me a lot of work and possibly a service call.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Glad it helped out! Nice work!

[@young2222j]

Thank you it work for my and it been sitting up for years

[@BtwilliasGarage]

@@young2222j you are welcome, glad it works

[@digambarpatil5785]

Loving it!!

[@papadrainer2178]

Awesome! Did just what you said and now my fireplace is working again. Thank You!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

It's that time of year for these type of comments to hit my phone. Every single one makes me happy. I'm a one man show, small channel with a goal of putting out content that directly helps people without any "hard sells" or financial motives other than the small commission from the ads you see. Your comments and likes help visibility and are greatly appreciated. Thank you

[@gabe6773]

Just watched your video and it worked! I was about to call someone to come and look at it but no need now. Thank you!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Glad to hear! Really appreciate you watching!

[@timmyfng]

thanks for this video. I did what you said and it worked perfectly

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Awesome!! You are welcome

[@attakula]

Nice work. I have used canned PC Keyboard Dust Cleaner successfully to remove the dust bunnies in my pilot light and also in the burner manifolds. Fast and cheap !

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Thanks for sharing

[@carolmcneil2358]

thanks a lot for your guidencs fire place is working perfect

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Awesome!

[@texashiggy]

Dude!! THANK YOU so much! Last February while Texas was freezing my fireplace broke. I finally got of my butt and got it going again. Ready for another freeze now.!! I used a little compressor with a basketball needle in it and bam!! All good to go! Can't thank you enough for the advice!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

I appreciate the kind words man. Glad I was able to help!

[@zackstephenson1428]

Thank you for your video. Just fixed my gas logs.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

You are welcome. Glad it worked for you

[@paulkunkel6734]

Thank you so much! This fix was exactly what I needed to see.

[@jasonslawncare5613]

Thanks for the Info. I am venturing off to fix mine.

[@BtwilliasGarage]

You got this! Be safe

[@vickiledbetter5435]

Thank you so much for your video! Husband fixed ours in a matter of minutes!

[@joeq777]

Used the steel wool on the temp sensor by the pilot light & vacuumed and cleaned everything and it worked like a champ! Thanks!

[@fuggedaboudit223]

Did just what you said......SUCCESS!! THANKS!

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Nice job, glad I could help!

[@isaiah53design]

Thanks so much! Sure enough, I tried cleaning the thermocoupler and even got a new one just in case, but I didn't need it after watching this video and getting a more precise air compressor attachment to hit the pilot orifice. Thanks so much, Merry Christmas, and God bless! :)

[@BtwilliasGarage]

Awesome! Glad it worked! Now see if you can return the new one! 😁 Merry Christmas!

[@isaiah53design]

@@BtwilliasGarage Sure will! I warned the hardware store I might be back :)