Gas fire problem

Barneysmom

We haven't used our gas fire all year.
I went to put it on today and it's not lighting properly. I hold the button in, and it ignites. It's one where you have to hold the button in for a minute or so then turn it and it fires up.
But it won't fire up?
It's a Flavel, emberglow classic.

Can anyone give me a rough idea what the problem could be please?
We've hoovered it all out and taken the bed out and cleaned all round with a paintbrush too.
I thought it must be a build up of dust in the jet but it's still not lighting, even when I hold the button in for so long I think my arm will drop off!

csnann

Is there a battery in it? My gas cooker has a battery in to light it, maybe your fire needs a new one?

Barneysmom

I don't think so, but I'll have a look, thanks :cool:

Edit: I just realised it's not that.....The spark is there and it lights the little pilot light but then when I turn the knob up the flame goes out...
Think it might be the thermocouple.

daveyjp

Sounds like a thermocouple problem. You may have knoked it when cleaning the fire and the tip of the thermocopuiple is no longer in the pilot light flame. It may have become disconnected, or completely failed.

caleyles

does your fire have an asd fitted,is it possible you have blocked it as i assume it was working correctly prior to cleaning.

caleyles

Sorry i should explain a bit better- an ASD (Atmosphere sensing device) monitors the oxygen levels present (also known as ODS) in the room and will prevent the fire lighting if not enough. i.e. blocked flue or not enough ventilation - check you haven't blocked it (if fitted) but if you are not sure make sure you call a gas safe registered plumber and don't fiddle with something you are not sure about

Blackpool_Saver

get a competent person out please............

bambibashercol

Would have to say its the asd, or oxy pilot as better known.
It's not a diy job and needs a gas engineer. He should do a flue flow test, change the part, Get the fire nice and warm and do a spillage test and check the fsd.
Any open flued appliance needs regular servicing and checks.
Gas fires are the main killers of any gas appliance.

Barneysmom

Yes, thanks I will get a man out to have a look at it.
Ofcourse then there's the cost problem..
I've got the central heating but I do like to light the fire now and again.

jhe

hi. we had the same problem a couple of years ago on a fire we rarely used that was around 4 years old. phoned a gas engineer he explained it could be the thermocouple. but as we hadnt had the fire serviced he suggested that 1st. after it was serviced it worked and has been fine since.

Barneysmom

I don't suppose you know how much it would cost please?