If you want to enjoy your fireplace, you’ll want to make sure it works properly. Read on to find out more about common fireplace repair Mississauga issues and the best ways to solve these problems.
The Pilot Light Won’t Stay On
The pilot light in a gas fireplace is a small gas-fueled flame. It stays lit all the time to ignite the main burners when you require warmth. If the pilot light goes out, the burners won’t light.
In many cases, this problem has a simple solution. You may need to restart the has that flows to the pilot light. Once that’s taken care of, you can manually relight it. However, this could also be a sign of a more severe issue, like moisture within your gas line. You’ll need a certified technician to clean and drain your line if this is the case.
A Buildup of Creosote
When you burn logs in a wood fireplace, it produces smoke. When that smoke cools, it leaves behind a tar-like substance known as creosote.
Over time, creosote can build up in your chimney, which can cause serious issues, such as restricted airflow and backdrafting. Since creosote is also quite flammable, having a buildup of this substance in your chimney may also increase your risk for house fires.
The best way to avoid this issue is to ensure that there’s a strong draft within your chimney. Have a professional clean your chimney regularly to clear way the creosote buildup.
Your Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
The thermocouple ensures that gas flows to the pilot light as long as combustion occurs. When the thermocouple senses heat, it sends a small amount of electricity into the gas valve, signalling it to stay open. If your pilot light only stays lit for 20 to 40 seconds or so, then repeatedly goes out, chances are your thermocouple is failing.
An issue with the thermocouple is not necessarily a serious problem. Check that everything, from the tubing to the wires to the screws, properly connects to the thermocouple. If you don’t see anything wrong and the issue persists, you likely need to replace your thermocouple. Replacing a thermocouple is not a DIY project. You’ll want to have a certified professional install your replacement thermocouple for you.
Chimney Blockages – Fireplace Repair Mississauga
Many animals like to make chimneys their home. If you have birds or other creatures nesting in your chimney, you’ll be able to tell as soon as you light a fire. It won’t take long for the smoke to pour out of your chimney and into your home.
You can keep these creatures from living in your chimney by installing a chimney cap. Even though these critters won’t be able to get into your chimney, the exhaust will still be able to get out. Even though animals can’t get in, branches and leaves can, which is why you’ll want to check your chimney cap for debris regularly.
A Chimney That Isn’t Tall Enough
It’s essential to have enough draft in your wood-burning fireplace. If your chimney isn’t tall enough, or if there’s another issue with its design, you could run into your problems. How tall does your chimney need to be? It should be at least three feet higher than the highest point on the roof. It should also be a minimum of two feet taller than any other objects that fall within ten horizontal feet of the chimney.
What can you do if your chimney is too short? You can install another segment of chimney pipe above your chimney to increase its height. The installation can be a challenging project, and falling off your roof is a serious risk, which is why you’ll want to leave this project to a professional.
Your Gas Fireplace Needs Cleaning
It would be best if you cleaned gas fireplaces regularly. If you fail to do this, you can run into all kinds of problems, such as gas leaks, reduced heat output, and a lower flame height.
You’ll want to take precautions when cleaning your fireplace. Don’t get started until you’re sure your gas is off and your fireplace has cooled down completely. When you’re ready to start, you should use a vacuum to remove debris from the burners and all other surfaces. Subsequently, gently clean it using a cleaning product approved by the manufacturer. Check the fireplace to see if you can spot any chips or cracks. If any artificial logs deteriorate, you should remove them before they cause a problem. In addition to regular DIY cleaning sessions, you should periodically have a technician inspect your fireplace and remove debris that you can’t reach.
Your fireplace Isn’t Producing Much Heat
If you don’t seem to be getting enough heat from your fireplace or your fires aren’t burning very well, your firewood could be the source of your issue. People who don’t have much experience burning wood in the fireplace will often use freshly cut wood. This wood still has a lot of moisture, and because of that, it can’t produce much heat or burn quickly. Wood should be fried for at least a few months before it’s burnt in the fireplace. You’ll get much better results from seasoned wood.
Your Damper Is Shut or Stuck
You can control the amount of air escaping from your fireplace via the damper, an adjustable flap made of steel. Although your damper always needs to be partially open when you have a fire going, you can open it more or less to create a draft that’s right for your fireplace. When your damper isn’t open, smoke can enter your home, which can put your respiratory health at risk.
It’s best to open your damper when you initially light a fire. You can adjust it after that, but it should at least be partially open until you put the fire out. If you’re struggling to open your damper, or if it gets stuck when you try to adjust it, it’s possible that your damper’s hinge mechanism is dirty and requires cleaning.
You can clean your damper when you’re not using your fireplace. Scrub it with a wire brush before applying a lubricating oil like WD-40 to the hinge. After the oil has had time to move into your hinge, you should repeatedly adjust the damper until the movement is smooth.
Cracks In Your Fire Bricks
Fireplaces produce a great deal of heat. Fire bricks, a type of masonry block resistant to heat, are used to line fireplaces. It’s normal for these blocks to wear down as time goes on. Other factors can increase the risk of cracking, including fires in the chimney, installation issues, or a foundation that’s starting to shift. If these bricks crack, it could allow gases to leak into your home, which is why you must address any damage as quickly as possible.
It’s best to have a fireplace specialist repair your bricks or install new bricks for you. Call a professional as soon as you see signs of damage.
Fireplace Repair Mississauga Professionals
If you want to keep your fireplace in excellent condition, these suggestions will help you properly maintain your fireplace. If you have any questions concerning your fireplace, call the Fireplace Repair Mississauga experts at (289) 814-9070.
