Common Gas Fireplace Problems in Wisconsin

Discovering and addressing potential issues with your gas fireplace is crucial for ensuring the safety and functionality of this beloved home feature. In Wisconsin, where cold winters make fireplaces a welcome addition to any home, it's essential to be aware of three common problems that can be avoided with a simple yet vital measure—an annual inspection. From blocked vents and gas leaks to malfunctioning internal components and the accumulation of dust and debris, proactive maintenance can save you from serious safety hazards and keep your gas fireplace running smoothly.

Three Gas Fireplace Problems in Wisconsin You Can Avoid with an Annual Inspection

Blocked Fireplace Vents and Gas Leaks

When a gas fireplace is in operation, the flame produces carbon monoxide. Gas fireplaces have valves in place to prevent gas leaks, as well as a vent to an outside wall (or the roof) of your home to ensure any carbon monoxide travels outside rather than accumulating in your living space.

If the fireplace vent becomes obstructed, carbon monoxide can seep into your living space. Carbon monoxide is known as 'the silent killer' because when victims are exposed to it, they typically lie down, feeling drowsy and unwell, only to suffer death or serious brain damage from a lack of oxygen. In addition to keeping up with regular maintenance to make sure your vent is unobstructed and the valves are working properly, it's vital to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home or business to alert you of potential life-threatening leaks before disaster strikes.

Whether you have a natural vent gas fireplace (a fireplace that vents through a chimney) or a direct vent gas fireplace (a fireplace that vents through a pipe to the roof or an outside wall), annual inspection is highly recommended to make sure your fireplace remains safe and unobstructed.  

Malfunctioning Fireplace Components

If the valves, connections and other internal components of a gas fireplace aren’t working properly, a gas fireplace can be extremely hazardous. One common failure point is the thermocouple. If the thermocouple fails and the burners don’t light when the gas and pilot light are on, the gas can ignite and shatter the glass door of the fireplace. An annual inspection will detect any potential problems like these and ensure your fireplace's internal components are functioning properly. 

If you’ve moved into a house with an existing fireplace, we highly recommend having your fireplace inspected and serviced before using it. Unless you have a record of your fireplace being serviced within the past year, hold off on using your fireplace until a professional confirms its safety. 

Dirty and Worn Out Fireplace Components

Although gas fireplaces have a fixed glass door, they can still accumulate dust, pet hairs and soot on internal components. Ports can get clogged, thermopiles and thermocouples can become dirty or damaged, connections can loosen, burners can become corroded, and the fireplace doors can loosen up over time.

One common problem gas fireplace owners encounter is spiders building webs in the pilot tubes and on the burners of their fireplaces. Spiders choose to build webs in gas fireplaces because they’re attracted to a chemical (mercaptan) in the natural gas. Their webs can be dense enough to completely block gas flow to the pilot light or the burners. This issue typically affects rarely-used fireplaces where the pilot light is often shut off.

For professional gas fireplace inspections and maintenance services in Wisconsin, contact us today. Our experienced technicians specialize in identifying and resolving issues that may compromise the safety of your gas fireplace.