What Makes Gas Fireplaces Go Out Unexpectedly?

Dusty Pipes

• The ignition point gets clogged with dust particles and cobwebs during warmer months when the fireplace isn’t in constant use. This is practically unavoidable, as settled dust blocks passageways that allow for an ample supply of gas to make it to the burner. The simple do-it-yourself approach for remedying the problem is clean the pipes, but in order to funnel out settled dust in the piping, you’ll need use a several blasts of canned air to remove it.

Not Enough Oxygen

• If cleaning out the pipes doesn’t help keep the fireplace lit, chances are that the burner isn’t receiving an ample supply of oxygen, which is supplied by the fireplace’s Oxygen Depletion System, or ODS. Usually the blockage is created by settled dust as stated in the first section, and is cleaned in a similar way – by blowing out the hole on the ODS with canned air. However, the type of fireplace you have determines the location of the intake hole on the ODS.

The ODS

• There are two types of models for ODSs: M and R types and S types, each of which are fed by either propane gas or natural gas. If you don’t know which model of ODS your fireplace features, check the manual that came with the fireplace. Once you’ve determined which model your fireplace contains, you can find the hole on S model propane and natural gas ODSs on the front facing side of the system, just underneath the gold colored arm. For M and R types, you’ll find the access hole in about the same place, just to the left of the gold tip.

A Word of Caution

• Simply put, there are instances where you’ll need to call in a professional. One instance is when your fireplace is experiencing what’s known as “flame lift-off.” A telltale sign of this occurs when the flame burns a pale blue before it extinguishes. Realize this is a potentially hazardous situation and usually means there’s a leak somewhere in the vent pipe’s connection line. If left unchecked, carbon monoxide may be leaking into your home, so don’t use the fireplace and call a repairperson immediately.