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Q: I tried turning on my gas fireplace for the first time this season, and for some reason, it won’t light. I think it could be a problem with the pilot light, but I don’t know what to do. Who repairs gas fireplaces?
A: A malfunctioning pilot light is a good guess for why the fireplace won’t start—that happens to be one of the most common problems with this type of fireplace. However, it’s still a good idea to have a professional who repairs gas fireplaces confirm any suspicions. Homeowners will want to get in touch with a gas fireplace service that specializes in these kinds of repairs. If the fireplace has not been serviced in a while, the beginning of the cold season is also a good opportunity to schedule an annual inspection. Here’s who to hire for gas fireplace repair, as well as what to expect.
You can hire a dedicated gas fireplace repair service.
When it comes to gas fireplace repair, there is no one better to call than a gas fireplace repair service. Gas fireplaces are complex mechanisms, and it isn’t always clear at first glance which part has failed. Whether it be the pilot light, a buildup of soot or a broken thermopile, an expert will be best equipped to troubleshoot the issue.
Gas fireplaces are one of the safest and easiest types of fireplaces to maintain in a home, but that does not mean that they are hands-off. Ideally, a gas fireplace will be serviced by a fireplace technician at least once a year. A homeowner will want to find an expert they trust and schedule regular maintenance for cleaning and inspection. That way, should the pilot light refuse to light or if the fireplace is making strange noises in between appointments, a homeowner will know exactly who to call for gas fireplace repair.
A plumber can likely service a gas fireplace.
Although they may not be the first professional that comes to mind for gas fireplace repair, some plumbers are also trained in servicing gas fireplaces since they deal with gas supply. If a homeowner needs a gas fireplace moved or installed, a plumber will typically be the one to put in a natural gas line to the home. Plumbers can also take care of natural gas leaks. It’s normal for there to be a lingering gas smell for a few minutes after the fireplace is turned on, but if the fireplace smells like gas constantly, this will need to be checked out by a professional right away for the safety of the home and its residents. The homeowner will want to confirm that the plumber they call has plenty of experience with fireplace gas leak repairs before hiring their services.
The most common gas fireplace issues are with the pilot light, thermocouple, and natural or propane gas supplies.
There are a variety of reasons a gas fireplace might stop working as expected, but most often the culprit is the pilot light, thermocouple, or gas line. The pilot light is a flame that gas-powered appliances have which stays lit at all times. When the appliance is turned on, the pilot light ignites the gas. Sometimes a draft will snuff out the light, or another problem with the fireplace will prevent it from lighting. Without the pilot light, the fireplace cannot heat up.
The thermocouple is a safety mechanism that prevents gas from flowing if the pilot light is not lit. If the thermocouple is not functioning properly, it may prevent the light from igniting.
The gas line can become clogged or a block in the propane tank can stop the supply from flowing to the fireplace. A gas fireplace repairman will be familiar with any of these problems and will be able to get the fireplace back up and running in no time.
If you don’t have experience working with gas lines, it’s best to leave the troubleshooting and repair to a professional.
While gas leaks from fireplaces are rare, it’s a good idea to err on the side of caution when dealing with natural gas because it is highly flammable, and long-term exposure can cause illness.
It may be tempting to try making fireplace repairs yourself to save time and money. But someone who does not know how to repair gas fireplaces may unwittingly worsen or prolong the problem with potentially dangerous consequences. A certified technician is highly trained and knows more than just the basics. They will be able to make the necessary repairs and check for problems a homeowner might not be aware of.
If there is a persistent rotten egg smell coming from the fireplace or a homeowner suspects that the gas supply is damaged, it’s important to get in touch with the gas provider and a gas fireplace repair company right away.
A reputable fireplace repair company should be able to provide a quote before work begins.
Similar to many other home systems and appliances, fixes for gas fireplaces range from small tune-ups to major repairs. Homeowners won’t want to hesitate to call a repairman if it seems like something is wrong with the fireplace. A reputable gas fireplace contractor will not charge an exorbitant fee for an easy job.
If a homeowner doesn’t already have a trusted fireplace service, it’s a good idea to get quotes from several gas fireplace companies to ensure they get the best price. Potential customers should give each company the same specific details about what’s happening so the repair company can diagnose the problem and provide a rough estimate of how much the repairs will cost. Homeowners will want to be sure to specify whether they have a built-in fireplace or one of the best gas fireplace inserts, as well as whether it is a ventless fireplace.
Gas fireplace repairs can cost as little as $200 or as much as $1,000.
While exact prices depend on the region, the type of repair, and whether any replacement parts are needed, most often gas fireplace repair costs $1,000 or less. Gas fireplace pilot light repairs or other simpler fixes tend to stay in the range of about $200 in terms of costs. A more complex job like repairing the gas or electric supply will be among the more expensive fixes—up to $1,000. Gas fireplace insert repairs may differ slightly from repairs to built-ins, but costs tend to be comparable.
Gas fireplaces should be inspected annually as part of a home’s regular maintenance.
Gas fireplace maintenance is fairly low-key compared to that of traditional wood-burning stoves —owners won’t need to worry about excessive smoke, leaks, or the high cost of chimney repair. However, it’s still recommended to have a professional perform annual gas fireplace repair and maintenance.
The technician will inspect all parts of the fireplace for damage, including the ceramic logs. They will also vacuum any debris or dust that has collected inside and make sure that there are no clogs in the venting system. Lastly, they will make sure that the fireplace’s carbon monoxide detector is working properly. This yearly service should be sufficient to keep the fireplace safe and effective, but if you spot a problem, don’t wait for your annual inspection to have it checked out.
Sources: HomeAdvisor
