In this guide, we will learn about fireplace gas valves, including their kits, installing, repairing, and maintaining them.

When you have a gas log fireplace installed, such a fireplace will consist of various components ranging from hoses, gas control valves, igniters, and pilot kits.

Other key components include keys, valve kits, and regulators among others. Here, we’re most concerned about fireplace gas valves.

About Gas Fireplace Control Valves

You’ll learn all there is to know about how they work, gas valve troubleshooting, when and how to replace as well as valve kits necessary for maintenance and smooth operation.

All these details provide a comprehensive understanding of the functioning of fireplace gas valves.

Without delay, we’ll get to the basics of our discussion.

When to Replace Fireplace Gas Shut Off Valves

At some time of usage (typically a year or more), your gas log fireplace might begin to malfunction. With some diagnosis, you may notice that the gas valve has stopped supplying gas.

The logical thing to do at this point will be to troubleshoot for possible reasons or causes.

Basic checks should be performed such as checking the pilot hood and flame direction, as well as checking the connection from the thermocouple to the valve.

When none of these checks seems to solve the problem, you’ll need to call a technician.

Some homeowners at this point will rather have the gas valve replaced as it’s not so costly. Being costly or otherwise is a relative term to different people.

So, you might want to have the gas valve checked and repaired if possible.

Can I Perform Fireplace Gas Valve Repair or Replacement?

You must have a licensed professional handle all your gas valve issues. Here, there’s no room for mistakes as even the slightest leaks could be disastrous. Gas leaks could result from fittings that aren’t properly tightened.

There are fewer chances of errors occurring when a licensed and experienced technician is handling such a job. Plus, basic safety checks are also performed after repair or replacement to ensure everything is in order.

If you must perform basic gas valve checks, repairs, or replacements, then you should be mechanically experienced. Even at that, it’s best to proceed with extra caution.

Having A Gas Valve Replaced

In a situation where you’ve decided to have your gas valve replaced, you’ll need to follow series of steps to enhance of chances of success.

Here is a step by step guide on

Gas Fireplace Valve Replacement

First, you’ll have to turn off all gas supply (both in and out) before commencing work.

Now, the artificial logs are carefully removed from the fireplace followed by the log holder assembly. The next step will require clearing out the sand material from within the fireplace to enhance accessibility to the fireplace gas valve.

With the sand removed and the gas valve in focus, simply disengage the gas line before removing the complete gas assembly. This should be carefully done. With the fireplace gas valve out, it’s time to replace the old with the new.

At this, you’ll need to begin attaching or coupling the replacement gas valve for fireplace to the assembly. The best way to do this is by running air through the gas assembly using an air compressor.

You’ll need the connection points immersed in soapy water solution to check for leaks.

The appearance of bubbles is a sure sign of leakage. Have all connection points properly tightened and repeat the same procedure until there are no bubbles.

  • Coupling Back the Gas Fireplace Valve into Position

Return the gas assembly unit into the fireplace from where it was removed before connecting the gas line.

Carefully perform this procedure to avoid a mix-up. All gas lines should be correctly attached before carrying out a safety test.

At this point, the sand will need to be returned, followed by the log holder and then the artificial gas logs. Now, turn on the gas flow earlier shut and test your fireplace. Everything should be in order.

Fireplace Gas Valve Troubleshooting

When malfunctioning occurs, certain basic tests need to be carried out to ascertain the nature of the problem. The basic troubleshooting checks for a fireplace gas valve include checking the connection between the valve and thermocouple.

Here, the threads of the connecting nut are targeted for cleaning. With cleaning completed, have such connection retightened before testing to see if the problem has been fixed?

Another troubleshooting approach to adopt for gas valves is by checking the flame direction and pilot hood.

The reason is simple; there need to be sufficient millivolts to support gas valve functioning. This is supplied by the blue flame heating the thermocouple. When such a flame is too low, your gas valve won’t function.

Also, check to ensure that the orifice, as well as the pilot hood, is cleared of all soot. When soot accumulates, it ends up blocking the pilot flame.

  • Additional Troubleshooting Checks

Another way of getting to the bottom of the problem is by performing a resistance test. You’ll need a digital multimeter for such checks. Get it adjusted to the ohm setting.

You should be conversant with this piece of testing equipment to get the right readings.

Another troubleshooting test is the thermocouple magnet test. The aim is to find out whether the gas valve is having issues. You’ll need to disconnect the wires from the front terminals before unscrewing the thermocouple from the valve. Using a magnet, place the magnet behind the valve.

With the help of a digital multimeter, one lead should be placed on the soldered point behind the valve while placing the other to the ground. You should get readings ranging between 0 and 0.2. for a functional valve.

Any reading more than that will require replacement.

When these basic checks don’t seem to be of any help, it may be time to call for repairs or have your gas valve replaced. As stated earlier, only a licensed and experienced technician should be called for such maintenance action.

Fireplace Gas Valve Kits

Gas valves will require different kits to ensure they function effectively. You’ll need to know a few of these.

Examples include the millivolt valve kit, on & off valve, safety pilot kit, electronic ignition valve kit, a spark to pilot valve kit, and millivolt valve kit with remote among several others.

So far, we’ve touched on different aspects of fireplace gas valve operations. If yours seems to have developed problems, the information made available might be of great help.

Remember, the service of a trained and licensed technician will be of great help.

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