Gas Fireplace Repair
A pilot that won't light, a flame that goes out after a minute, or a remote that does nothing. Most gas fireplace problems come down to a few small parts, and the diagnosis is free.
Gas fireplaces are everywhere in the Chicago suburbs, especially in the newer ones. Naperville's median home was built in 1990 and Orland Park's in 1989 (Census ACS 2020–24), and many of those houses came with a gas fireplace in the family room. Twenty or thirty years in, the small parts that keep the flame going start to wear.
The usual culprits are the thermocouple or thermopile that proves the pilot is lit, the pilot assembly itself, the igniter, or the gas valve. Dust, spider webs and soot in the pilot can also keep it from staying lit. We find which part failed, show it to you, and give you the price before replacing anything.
Signs you need this
- The pilot won't light, or lights and goes out when you let go
- The main burner lights and shuts off after a few minutes
- Clicking from the igniter with no flame
- A yellow, sooty or lazy flame and black marks on the glass
- The remote or wall switch does nothing
How we do it
- Free diagnosisWe check the gas supply, pilot, thermocouple or thermopile, igniter, valve, controls and venting.
- Show you the failed partYou see what's wrong and get a written price for the part and the work.
- Repair and cleanWe replace the part, clear the pilot and burner of dust and debris, and check the glass seal.
- Run it and leak-checkWe fire the unit through a full cycle and check the connections we worked on for leaks.
Smell gas? Leave first
If you smell gas near the fireplace or anywhere in the house, don't try to relight it and don't flip switches. Leave the house and call from outside. In Chicago that is Peoples Gas at 866-556-6002. In most suburbs it is Nicor Gas at 888-642-6748, and Nicor also asks you to call 911 from a safe place. If a CO alarm goes off, get everyone out and call 911.
Once the utility has made the line safe, we can find and fix what failed in the fireplace.
Why the pilot won't stay lit
The pilot heats a thermocouple or thermopile, which makes a small electric current telling the gas valve it is safe to stay open. When that part wears out or the pilot flame no longer touches it, the valve shuts the gas off. Replacing the thermocouple or thermopile, or cleaning and adjusting the pilot, fixes most cases. A weak or yellow pilot flame usually means a dirty pilot orifice.
Typical repair prices
Typical 2026 part-and-labor ranges: igniter $90 to $150, pilot assembly $100 to $350, thermocouple $150 to $350, thermopile or gas valve $150 to $300. The diagnosis is free, and the written price comes before any part is replaced.
- Igniter: $90 to $150
- Pilot assembly: $100 to $350
- Thermocouple: $150 to $350
- Thermopile or gas valve: $150 to $300
FAQ
Gas Fireplace Repair questions
Why won't my gas fireplace pilot light stay lit?
Usually a worn thermocouple or thermopile, or a dirty pilot that no longer heats it. Both are common and fairly inexpensive. A thermocouple typically runs $150 to $350 installed.
Why does my gas fireplace keep going out?
It may be the thermopile weakening, a dirty pilot, a draft problem in the vent, or a safety switch doing its job. We check each one during the free diagnosis.
Why does my fireplace smell like gas?
Treat it as a possible leak. Leave the house and call Peoples Gas at 866-556-6002 in Chicago or Nicor Gas at 888-642-6748 in the suburbs from outside. Don't relight anything until it's been checked.
How much does gas fireplace repair cost?
Most repairs are one part: igniter $90 to $150, pilot assembly $100 to $350, thermocouple $150 to $350, thermopile or valve $150 to $300. Diagnosis is free.
Should the gas fireplace pilot light always be on?
It depends on the unit. Older fireplaces have a standing pilot that stays lit; many newer ones light the pilot only when you turn the fireplace on. We tell you which kind you have and how to run it.
Book online
Pick a day. We'll bring a ladder.
Free inspection in a 3-hour window: 8 to 11, 11 to 2, or 2 to 5. We call to confirm before we arrive.