How to Fix a Spark Igniter in a Gas Fireplace
There is a lot that can go wrong with your gas fireplace and one of the most common issues is the spark igniter not working. If your spark igniter is not working there are a number of ways to fix it so that it will start up again.
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First Step: Try to get a better look at what is going on with the igniter. You want to make sure that the wire between the igniter control module and the ceramic-and-metal igniter is not wet or shorting to anything. If there is a wire that has become wet or short, it will stop the spark and may even cause the igniter to break off completely.
The next step is to see if you can access the part of the igniter that is causing the problem by taking off the control knob or removing the burner cover and looking under it for the igniter. You should see a white ceramic with a vertical wire that is the actual electrode that conducts electricity to the metal piece at the edge of the burner and creates a spark between the wire and the metal.
If you can’t access the parts to check this, you may have to replace the whole igniter assembly. This can be an expensive fix, but it is the most common and least complex of the troubleshooting steps that you can try before calling in a professional.
Another thing that can cause the igniter to not work is if there is dirt or carbon residue on it. This can block the spark from igniting and lead to performance problems with the burners. It’s best to clean the burners and other components on your fireplace annually so that any residue can be cleaned off.
A final tip is to use a wire brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any loose debris from the components of your fireplace. This can be a difficult task but it’s important to remove any loose debris from the ignition system and other areas of the appliance to avoid premature failure and prevent a malfunctioning spark igniter.
If all of the above tips fail to fix your problem, it’s time to call in a professional. A licensed technician will take a thorough look at your unit and diagnose the problem so that it will be resolved correctly. Many technicians offer a warranty to protect your investment.