Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Fix a Vent Free Gas Log Pilot Light - Solution

Had an issue recently where I had not lit my gas log fireplace for 6 to 9 months. When I lit my pilot light, the flame came out, but it was not low and tight. The flame was weak and flowed up; furthermore, it would not stay lit. I did not know what the problem was. I suspected it may have been a pressure problem as I changed gas companies during the summer.

The gas log tech support line said that my problem may be related to dust in the pilot tube. There are two holes on the pilot tube on the left hand side about an inch behind the end of the tube. They needed cleaning out.

Take a can of compressed air (like the kind you would use to clean a computer) and point the straw in those holes and blow some air through the pilot tube. This will clean out any dust built up through the off months. After doing this and lighting my pilot light, it was back in perfect working order.

That's good that you got the pilot light going, but there are also other things that need to be addressed when servicing a ventfree gas fireplace. You need to verify proper log placement, check for gas leaks, check for carbon monoxide output, clean air shutters, test the pilot safety shutoff system, clean the thermocouple......there are many other things that must be done when servicing a gas fireplace. You must get each of those things properly cleaned/checked/adjusted for proper operation or sooting and carbon monoxide can occur, not to mention the potential for a gas explosion.

Also, that "compressed" air is not air at all, it is a flamable gas that can make a pretty nasty fireball.