Gas Fireplace Won’t Turn On – Troubleshooting Steps

You’re settling in for a cold Kansas City evening, ready to flip on the gas fireplace, and… nothing. No welcoming whoosh of flames, no heat, just disappointing silence. Before you assume the worst and start bracing for an expensive repair bill, there are several things you can check yourself.

Start With the Obvious Stuff

Here’s what most homeowners don’t realize: about half the service calls we get for gas fireplaces that won’t light turn out to be something simple. Really simple.

Check if the wall switch is actually on. Sounds ridiculous, but you’d be surprised. Some gas fireplaces have a switch that looks just like a regular light switch, and if you’ve got kids or someone was dusting, it might’ve gotten flipped off. While you’re at it, look for the main gas valve leading to the fireplace. It should be parallel to the gas line when it’s open. If someone accidentally bumped it or turned it during cleaning, that’s your problem right there.

If your unit uses a remote control, try replacing the batteries. We’ve driven across town more times than I can count only to swap out some AAA batteries.

The Pilot Light Situation

Many gas fireplaces have a pilot light that needs to stay lit for the main burner to ignite. If your pilot’s out, you’ll need to relight it. Look for a control panel, usually behind a screen or panel at the bottom of the fireplace unit.

You should see a control knob with settings for “Off,” “Pilot,” and “On.” Turn it to “Off” and wait at least five minutes. This part’s important because you need any built-up gas to dissipate. Kansas City homes are pretty well-sealed against our temperature swings, which means gas can linger longer than you’d think.

After waiting, turn the knob to “Pilot” and hold it down. While holding it, press the igniter button repeatedly until the pilot lights. Keep holding the knob down for about 30 seconds after the pilot catches, then release it. The pilot should stay lit. If it doesn’t, you’ve got a different problem that we’ll get to in a minute.

When the Pilot Won’t Stay Lit

A pilot that lights but goes out immediately usually means the thermocouple is dirty or failing. The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off gas flow if it doesn’t sense the pilot flame’s heat. After years of use, they can get coated with carbon buildup or just wear out.

You can try gently cleaning the thermocouple with fine sandpaper or steel wool. It’s the small copper probe that sits right in the pilot flame. Don’t go crazy with the cleaning, just a light touch to remove any buildup. Sometimes that’s all it takes.

If cleaning doesn’t work, the thermocouple probably needs replacing. That’s a relatively inexpensive part, but the labor and knowledge to install it correctly is where you’ll want a professional. They cost around $20 to $30 for the part itself.

Gas Supply Issues

Check whether other gas appliances in your house are working. Fire up a stove burner or check if your furnace is running. If nothing’s working, you might have a gas supply problem that’s bigger than just your fireplace.

Call your gas company first if that’s the case. Don’t mess around with main gas lines yourself.

Sometimes the issue is specific to the fireplace’s gas line. We see this more often in older Kansas City homes where sediment or debris works its way into the line over time. The only real fix is having someone come out to clear or replace the affected section of pipe.

Electrical Problems

Modern gas fireplaces with electronic ignition systems depend on electricity to work. If you’ve recently had a power outage or electrical issue, check your circuit breaker panel. The fireplace might be on its own breaker, and it could’ve tripped without you noticing.

Some units have a reset button on the control module itself. It’s usually red and small, tucked away near the gas valve assembly. Worth a shot to press it and see what happens.

Temperature and Moisture Complications

Our Kansas City weather does a number on fireplace components. We swing from below freezing in January to 95 degrees and humid in August. That expansion and contraction can affect gas valves, thermocouples, and electronic components over time.

If your fireplace sits on an exterior wall, moisture can sometimes work its way into the control area during our spring storms or through winter condensation. That moisture can corrode connections or cause electronic components to malfunction. Take a look inside the control panel with a flashlight. If you see any signs of rust, corrosion, or water damage, you’re going to need professional help.

Safety Lockouts

Newer gas fireplaces have built-in safety features that’ll prevent ignition if something’s wrong. If the unit has tried to light several times without success, it might’ve gone into lockout mode. This is actually a good thing because it prevents gas from accumulating.

To reset a safety lockout, turn off the gas supply at the valve, wait about ten minutes, then turn everything back on and try the lighting sequence again. Check your owner’s manual for your specific model because the reset procedure can vary.

The Draft and Ventilation Factor

Gas fireplaces need proper ventilation to operate safely. If the vent pipe is blocked by a bird’s nest, leaves, or ice buildup from our winter weather, the fireplace won’t light. It’s a safety feature.

Go outside and check where your fireplace vents. You should be able to see clear through to daylight. If it’s blocked, that needs to be cleared before the fireplace will work. Just be careful about what you might find up there—we’ve pulled out everything from birds’ nests to squirrel condos over the years.

When to Call for Help

Look, if you’ve checked the simple stuff and your fireplace still won’t cooperate, it’s time to bring in someone who knows these systems. Gas appliances aren’t something to gamble with. A small mistake can lead to gas leaks or carbon monoxide issues.

If you smell gas at any point during your troubleshooting, stop what you’re doing. Leave the house, don’t flip any light switches or create sparks, and call your gas company immediately.

We service gas fireplaces throughout the Kansas City metro area, and we’ve seen just about every problem you can imagine. Sometimes it’s a five-minute fix, sometimes it requires parts and more extensive work. Either way, getting your fireplace back in working order before the next cold snap hits is worth it. Give us a call and we’ll get you sorted out.