Gas Fireplace Thermocouple Replacement Tips

A gas fireplace thermocouple is a safety device that measures heat, and recognizes if a pilot light has gone out, shutting down the fuel supply (such as gas or propane). If your pilot light stays lit for a few moments, but continues to go out after relighting, it may very well need the thermocouple replaced. Replacing the thermocouple is quick, and something you can do yourself.

Make Sure it is the Thermocouple

First make sure that the issue is with the thermocouple. If there is dirt and debris in the gas pipe, this will also cause the pilot light to fail to remain lit, as it limits the amount of oxygen going to the pilot. Blowing out the pipe with some canned air usually does the trick to remove dirt and debris, and will save you a trip to the hardware store.

Replace the Thermocouple

If blowing out the dirt does not help for the pilot to remain lit, change the thermocouple. It is quick and easy to do. You will need to probably remove the access panel to have enough room to maneuver to remove it. Take it off and take the existing one to the store with you so that you can make sure the replacement is exactly the right one.