Purging Gas (LP) Line for Fireplace

[JohnHenrys48]

Hey Guys,

I can't seem to get my gas fireplace insert to light. I've got gas and the controls are in the "on" position, but I cannot get the pilot to light.

I cannot hear or smell gas.

I assume there is air in the line since it has not been hooked up since last spring.

How long does it take to purge the air ? From tank to burner is about 40 feet.

Thanks for any and all advice.

regards,

Jim

 

[Dave Carney]

A lot of them have the valve powered by electricity, make sure the wall switch for the fireplace is ON, assuming you have one. I doubt it's air...i can turn mine off for 2 years and still have it light.

 

[birdmayon]

Even with the wall switch, there should be a manual setting on the fireplace itself. If you are getting no gas at all out of the valve, and you are sure you've got a good gas supply, then you've probably got blockage somewhere. Has the end that connects to the tank been disconnected for any length of time? Could be mud wasps in there. Assuming that is not the case, take some compressed air and blow out the valve on the insert. Also, when you're holding the valve knob in the Pilot position, it helps to hold a flame under the thermocouple, like a lighter or something, should help the valve open up and gas flow.

 

[JohnHenrys48]

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll try it again tonight.

Jim

 

[JohnHenrys48]

Got it guys. I remove the main line from the tank and opened the valve, there was plenty of pressure, don't know if it blew out any blockages, but hooking it back up and held the pilot switch for a few minutes, this got it done. I also heated up the pilot as suggested. Lit right up and burns beautifully...

thanks again,

Jim