Gas fire won't light

MouldyOldDough

Our Valor gas fire won't light this morning - it was running yesterday

The rotary knob sparks - and I can smelll gas but no flame

Any suggestions ?

FreeBear

At a guess, the thermocouple has failed. A fairly cheap part (£10-15), but will require a Gas Safe engineer to fit.

But I would have expected the gas to ignite and then cut out as soon as you let go of the knob.

ryan7

You could still use a lighter to catch the gss and light the fire.
Obviously it doesn't fix the issue but it will get it on. 

Section62

MouldyOldDough said:

Our Valor gas fire won't light this morning - it was running yesterday

The rotary knob sparks - and I can smelll gas but no flame

Any suggestions ?

Can you actually see the spark, or are you just hearing the 'click'?

The spark might be weak or non-existent - not enough to ignite the gas.  There are various possible causes.

Check the instructions for a manual method of lighting (there is usually a technique described for lighting if the ignition system fails).  If it lights and stays lit then it probably rules out issues with the gas supply and valve, and that (most likely) the thermocouple is Ok.

It could be that running the fire for 15 minutes may burn any contamination off the spark electrodes, in which case it should light normally next time.

If not, then you need professional help.

Obviously there are risks involved in trying any DIY fix on a gas appliance, and if you can smell gas, you shouldn't be using naked flames.  Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions, and if in any doubt call a professional.

MouldyOldDough

Section62 said:

MouldyOldDough said:

Our Valor gas fire won't light this morning - it was running yesterday

The rotary knob sparks - and I can smelll gas but no flame

Any suggestions ?

Can you actually see the spark, or are you just hearing the 'click'?

The spark might be weak or non-existent - not enough to ignite the gas.  There are various possible causes.

Check the instructions for a manual method of lighting (there is usually a technique described for lighting if the ignition system fails).  If it lights and stays lit then it probably rules out issues with the gas supply and valve, and that (most likely) the thermocouple is Ok.

It could be that running the fire for 15 minutes may burn any contamination off the spark electrodes, in which case it should light normally next time.

If not, then you need professional help.

Obviously there are risks involved in trying any DIY fix on a gas appliance, and if you can smell gas, you shouldn't be using naked flames.  Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions, and if in any doubt call a professional.

Yes I can see the spark and gas is getting through (I can smell it)

MouldyOldDough

Does Admiral Home insurance emergency cover - include gas fires ?

the docs don't mention gas fires - only central heating - which still work

Also, does making a claim under emergency cover - affect NCD ?

FreeBear

MouldyOldDough said: Does Admiral Home insurance emergency cover - include gas fires ?

the docs don't mention gas fires - only central heating - which still work

You may well find that the emergency cover is only for your primary heating system. So if you have a working CH boiler, probably not. It wouldn't hurt to give them a call though. They might say yes.

davemorton

Try giving it a light hoover (brush attachment if you have one) around the ignition and jet part. 

MouldyOldDough

FreeBear said:

MouldyOldDough said: Does Admiral Home insurance emergency cover - include gas fires ?

the docs don't mention gas fires - only central heating - which still work

You may well find that the emergency cover is only for your primary heating system. So if you have a working CH boiler, probably not. It wouldn't hurt to give them a call though. They might say yes.

You're correct it is 

bodsj

Had a similar issue , buy youself a can of compressed air , blast the "pilot" light - job done!