Chimney Pro Solutions
Gas Fireplace Won't Light? Here's What to Check First
Most Reliable Chimney & Fireplace Services company for Homeowners Throughout King County Since 2011.
Why Gas Fireplaces Stop Lighting
A gas fireplace that won't light is one of the most common service calls we receive across King County. The good news: most causes are predictable and fixable. The bad news: a few require a certified technician for safety reasons. Here's a systematic approach to diagnosing the problem.
Step 1: Check the Obvious First
- Gas shutoff valve, make sure the valve behind or below the fireplace is fully open (parallel to the gas line)
- Main gas supply, verify other gas appliances in your home are working
- Circuit breaker, some electronic ignition systems lose power; check the breaker
- Remote control batteries, replace batteries in the remote and receiver
- Thermostat setting, ensure thermostat is set above current room temperature if using one
Step 2: Check the Pilot Light
If your fireplace has a standing pilot light (a small continuously burning flame), check if it's lit. If the pilot is out, follow your manufacturer's instructions to relight it, typically press and hold the pilot button while igniting. If the pilot won't stay lit after releasing the button (usually held 30 to 60 seconds), the thermocouple is the most likely culprit.
Pilot lights that repeatedly go out are almost always a thermocouple or thermopile problem, a $150 to $300 service call. Do not attempt to replace these yourself; improper installation creates gas leak risk.
Step 3: Test the Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a safety device that senses whether the pilot light is burning. If it doesn't detect heat, it shuts the gas valve to prevent unburned gas accumulation. A dirty, misaligned, or failed thermocouple is the #1 cause of pilot lights that won't stay lit. Signs of thermocouple failure: pilot lights but goes out when you release the button; pilot flame doesn't touch the thermocouple tip; thermocouple tip appears white or oxidized.
Step 4: Inspect the Igniter
On electronic ignition systems, the igniter creates a spark to light the gas. If you hear clicking but the burner doesn't light, the igniter may be dirty, misaligned, or failed. If you hear no clicking, the igniter itself may have failed or there may be an electrical issue.
- Listen for the clicking sound when starting the fireplace
- Check if the igniter electrode is cracked or corroded
- Ensure the igniter is positioned correctly near the pilot orifice
- Check wiring connections for corrosion or damage
Step 5: Check the Gas Valve
The gas valve controls gas flow to the pilot and main burner. Faulty gas valves are less common but do fail, especially in older fireplaces. Signs of gas valve failure include: pilot lights but main burner won't ignite, fluctuating flame height, or complete failure to deliver gas. Gas valve replacement is a job for a certified technician.
When to Call a Professional
Call a certified gas fireplace technician immediately if you:
- Smell gas at any point during troubleshooting (leave the home and call your gas company)
- Notice yellow or orange flames when the burner does light (indicates incomplete combustion)
- See soot buildup on the glass or logs (sign of combustion problem)
- Have tried the steps above without resolution
- Haven't had the fireplace professionally serviced in more than 2 years
Gas Fireplace Repair Costs in Seattle
Common gas fireplace repairs in the Seattle area: Thermocouple replacement $150 to $250; Thermopile replacement $200 to $350; Gas valve replacement $300 to $600; Igniter replacement $150 to $300; Full diagnostic and service call $150 to $250. Most issues are resolved in a single visit when we have the right parts on the truck.
Chimney Pro Solutions carries common parts on all service vehicles. Most gas fireplace issues are resolved same-day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to try relighting my gas fireplace myself?▼
Yes, relighting a standing pilot is safe if you follow manufacturer instructions and don't smell gas. Any repair beyond relighting the pilot should be done by a certified technician.
How long should I hold the pilot button?▼
Typically 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up enough to signal the gas valve to stay open.
My fireplace worked last season, why won't it work now?▼
Common causes after sitting unused: spider webs in the orifice (very common!), failed thermocouple, dead remote batteries, or gas valve corrosion. Annual service prevents most of these.
How often should gas fireplaces be serviced?▼
Annual service is recommended by all major manufacturers. Regular service prevents failures, extends lifespan, and ensures safe operation.
Gas Fireplace Not Working? We Can Help.
Certified gas fireplace technicians. Same-day diagnosis available in King County.
Verified Google Reviews
What Homeowners Are Saying
"Shawn gave an estimate and quickly scheduled the cleaning. He did a great job and answered all our questions about fire safety and chimney maintenance!"
"We had a really bad experience with another contractor who took our money and left us with an unfinished and unsafe chimney. We were nervous about hiring someone else after that, but Chimney Pro Solutions made the whole process completely different. They took the time to explain what was wrong, showed us exactly what needed to be rebuilt, and were very clear about the work from the beginning. Their team rebuilt our chimney professionally, kept us updated throughout the project, and made sure everything was completed properly. After what we went through before, it was a huge relief to finally work with a company that was honest, reliable, and stood behind their work. We’re very happy with the rebuild and would definitely recommend them."
"I had a great experience with Chimney Pro Solutions. They were always responsive and willing to work with our schedule. I had a lot of difficulty with other chimney places getting a response or working with my schedule, but these folks actually care about their work and were always respectful and commutative from David responding to my emails and Sean doing the work and texting with updates. If you need high quality chimney services these are your folks! The photos of the before and after work speak for themselves so go ahead and give them a call!"
"Listen, when I tell you, Sean from Chimney Pro solutions is a good dude, I can’t stress it enough. He came out to assess my fireplace and chimney in March after we were smelling smoke in the house days after having a fire. He found my firebox was looking a little rough and that there was a solid amount of creosote in the chimney. He gave me several options for remediation/repair. Due to family emergency I had to leave town for several months. I wound up having reschedule repair service three times and he couldn’t have been more gracious and understanding. As for the service, he did a beautiful job. I didn’t realize how gross my fireplace was. It looks brand new and is safe to use. Plus he was meticulous about cleaning up after himself. I told him he’ll be our first call when it comes time for roof repair! Call these guys!!"
"We recently had Chimney Pro Solutions repair our chimney in Seattle after noticing cracks and water leaks around the fireplace. Sean explained everything clearly, showed us photos of the damage, and the crew did an amazing job with the repairs. The chimney looks great now and we feel much safer using our fireplace. Highly recommend!"
"Excellent experience replacing our old gas fireplace with a new one! The team was professional, efficient, and did a beautiful job with the installation. Everything works perfectly, and the new fireplace looks amazing. Great communication, clean workmanship, and overall outstanding service. Highly recommend!"
"We had our chimney inspected last Tuesday and it was repaired today, such a fast turnaround from our technician, Yuval. He was knowledgeable, professional, and took the time to clearly explain what needed to be done without any unnecessary upselling. The cost was also very reasonable. We highly recommend Chimney Pro Solution if you need chimney services. After dealing with concerns about our chimney, it was a relief to have everything handled quickly and professionally. We now have real peace of mind."
"Chimney Pro solutions came out to inspect my gas fireplace. They was really thorough and professional! Will definitely suggest them to friends and family."
"Great experience with Chimney Pro Solutions. Sean arrived on time, explained everything clearly, and showed me photos from the inspection. The work was done professionally and cleanly, with no pressure or upselling. I’d definitely recommend Chimney Pro Solutions."
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE
Fast, Easy, and Free Quote!