Gas Fireplace Won’t Light or Stay Lit

Gas fireplace won't light, or the pilot goes out? Weak batteries in the remote or receiver are the most common cause. After that it is usually the gas valve, a dirty pilot or a worn thermocouple or thermopile, which a technician can test in minutes.

Homeowner with a gas fireplace problem? Call (647) 657-2977 or book a service call — licensed technicians across Vaughan and the GTA.

Common reasons: gas fireplace won't light

• Dead batteries in the remote, receiver or battery pack
• Wall switch off or power adapter unplugged
• Gas valve closed
• Dirty pilot or weak thermocouple / thermopile
• Blocked vent cap outside
• Ignition module fault (beeping or flashing codes)

Safe checks you can do yourself

1. Replace the batteries in the remote and in the receiver or battery pack (weak batteries are the most common cause).
2. Make sure the wall switch is ON and the fireplace has power if it uses a plug-in adapter.
3. Check that the gas valve to the fireplace is open (handle in line with the pipe).
4. If you smell gas, do not try to light it: leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.

When to call a licensed technician

• The pilot will not stay lit
• The fireplace clicks or beeps but never lights
• You see soot or a yellow lazy flame
• You smell gas (leave the house and call from outside)

Showing an error code? Look it up by brand

Heat & Glo Gas FireplaceNapoleon Gas FireplaceSkytech Gas Fireplace

Detailed troubleshooting guides

• Flameworks millivolt valve: pilot outage or burner will not come on All brands · Gas Fireplace
• Maxitrol GV60 remote valve: fireplace will not light or respond All brands · Gas Fireplace
• Proflame (SIT DFC): fan, AUX outlet, split flow or OFF command not working All brands · Gas Fireplace
• Proflame (SIT DFC): pilot lights but main burner will not light or drops out All brands · Gas Fireplace
• Proflame (SIT DFC): pilot will not light or DFC locks out All brands · Gas Fireplace
• SIT 820 Nova millivolt valve: main burner will not come on or will not cycle All brands · Gas Fireplace
• SIT 820 Nova millivolt valve: pilot will not light All brands · Gas Fireplace
• SIT 820 Nova millivolt valve: pilot will not stay lit All brands · Gas Fireplace
• DSI fireplace: burner lights but will not stay lit Heat & Glo · Gas Fireplace
• DSI fireplace: ignitor sparks but burner will not light Heat & Glo · Gas Fireplace

Gas fireplace won't light: questions homeowners ask