Before you call a gas fireplace repair service, you should know some of the most common problems. Here are a few of them, along with common fixes. Listed below are common problems and issues that will require a professional. Also, learn how to clean a gas fireplace. Hopefully, these tips will make your job a little easier! 

Problems that can occur with a gas fireplace

When a gas fireplace fails to work, homeowners can become panicked. Fires can damage homes and cause injuries, but the good news is that most residential fires are now much rarer. In 2016, fires cost 5.7 billion dollars and killed 2,700 people. Several factors contribute to the fire risk, including a lack of smoke detectors and improper maintenance. 

First, you should check the fuel line to ensure that there is not any obstruction. If it is blocked, the burner will not function properly. The problem may also be a dirty igniter, which could also cause a low gas flame. Other issues related to a dirty ignition system include gas residue, carbon buildup, and debris. If you don’t clean the gas valve regularly, the igniter may eventually fail prematurely.

Issues that need to be addressed by a professional

Before you start looking for a professional for gas fireplace repairs, it’s essential to know what to look for. While many issues are relatively simple to fix yourself, some problems may require professional assistance. You may blow out the pilot light. If this is the case, it’s easy to fix. The problem may be in the thermocouple if the flames don’t appear to be coming from the fireplace. You can contact a local repair company, like the gas fireplace repair Denver.

Gas leakage is another common issue that needs to be addressed by a professional for gas-fireplace repairs is gas leakage. This can occur due to a variety of topics, including corrosion. If not fixed promptly, it could cause a hazardous situation. Moreover, if a small leak is discovered, it may quickly lead to a more significant problem. So, again, a professional gas fireplace repair service is your best bet.

Common problems

If your gas fireplace is having trouble lighting and maintaining the proper temperature, a common problem can be caused by a malfunctioning thermopile or spark igniter. In addition, the thermopile or igniter may be dirty or unprotected. You should contact a professional gas fireplace repair technician to solve this problem. Occasionally, you may need to replace your fireplace’s pilot light. If you suspect these issues are causing your fireplace to malfunction, you should call a technician for assistance.

Other standard gas fireplace problems can occur due to poor venting, which increases the risk of carbon monoxide entering the home. To correct this problem, you can have a specialist inspect the fireplace and replace or tighten any loose connectors. However, it is advisable to contact a professional only if you do not have the necessary experience and knowledge to identify the problem. You can use your owner’s manual to troubleshoot this problem yourself, but a professional may be required to resolve the issue correctly.

Cleaning a gas fireplace

You’ll need to clean the burner tray annually if you own a gas fireplace. This is located beneath the visible area of the fireplace, so you may have to disassemble the logs or metal screens to reach it. Then, you can vacuum or use a dry cloth to wipe away the dust. The ceramic parts of the fireplace, such as the fake logs and coals, also need cleaning. A thorough cleaning will ensure that these parts continue to burn safely and effectively.

If you’re inexperienced with cleaning appliances, use a soft cloth and a damp rag. Be sure never to use water on the gas valve, as it could damage the unit. You can also use a soft paintbrush to wipe down the exterior glass doors and burners. Be careful not to use abrasive chemical cleaners, as they could scratch the components or cause accidental ignition. To prevent spontaneous ignition, turn off the gas valve before cleaning the fireplace’s interior.

Carbon monoxide detectors

You should install carbon monoxide detectors in your gas fireplace and other permanent fuel-burning appliances. California law mandates these devices in newly constructed residential units and sleeping rooms. This law applies to hotels and other facilities whose residents may stay overnight. It is also important to note that California building codes require the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in new construction. Installing a carbon monoxide detector in your fireplace may seem expensive, but it’s well worth it. These devices alert you to dangerous levels of CO before it is too late. The carbon monoxide detector works by detecting changes in electrical currents or electrical resistance. A biometric sensor detects the change in electrical resistance caused by CO. It also changes color to indicate the presence of the gas.

Cleaning the chimney

Before performing any gas fireplace repairs, you should clean the chimney. Depending on the chimney type, the cleaning process will differ. Some are straightforward, while others require special tools. For example, if your chimney is made of brick, you may use a wire brush, which is unsuitable for cleaning brick or stone. For stage 2 or more creosote, you may need to use a high-powered flashlight to inspect it. However, this approach can cause damage to the flue tiles.

First, remove the chimney cap. Check the cap for excessive corrosion, bird nests, broken screen material, and loose mounting screws. Once you have removed the cap, push the brush down the chimney into the brick or clay flue. Push the meeting into the smoke chamber above the damper when you have finished. If you are uncomfortable with this task, it is best to call a professional chimney sweep. This will ensure the safety of you and your family.