Log Lighters

 

Starting a wood-burning fire has never been so easy with the help of an efficient gas fireplace starter!

Getting your wood fireplace started could take a very long time. And, after lighting up the logs, you may get the fire going good before it slowly dies off and you will have to light it up again. However, gas fireplace starters can be a reliable and convenient substitute for fire-starting practices.

Gas fireplace starters can be your trusted fire starters even with a power outage. With a connection to a professionally installed fuel line (either natural gas or propane) and the turn of a valve key, gas is delivered into the pipe.

Here at Fireplace Doors Online, we have a huge selection of steel, cast iron, and stainless steel gas-based fireplace log lighters from fireplace manufacturers like Dante and Blue Flame. We carry both natural gas and propane log lighters.

Advantages of Using Gas Fireplace Starters:

• No more twisting, crumbling, and stuffing papers in between the logs
• You do not need to cut off scraps of wood for kindling
• You don’t have to make a little fire starter with dryer lint and candle wax
• You can simply set up the logs over the log lighter, rotate the key to turn on the gas and the fire will quickly light up. Once your fire is going, simply rotate the valve key to lock the gas line and enjoy the crackling wood fire
• Fireplace log lighters work immediately and can easily get your fire started

Important Reminders When Using Gas Fireplace Starters:

1. Installation of a gas line is required for your fireplace. You will need to contact a certified gas technician to properly install a natural gas or liquid propane hard line. The materials needed for installation are gas lines, elbows, nipples, valves, keys, and flange.
2. Always check and make sure that the gas line is turned off when not in use. We strongly advise that you thoroughly and strictly follow the operating guide. Also, you will need to use a fireplace grate to support the logs above your fire starter.
3. Never be confused by using your fireplace log lighter as a gas burner; this can cause serious damage to a zero clearance fireplace. Fireplace log lighters are fire starters, NOT gas burners.

You should only use a log lighter to light the fire, not keep it on. The only time you need these fireplace log lighters is when you are going to light up the logs inside the fireplace. The gas can be turned off as soon as the fire is established.

Recommended Types of Gas Fireplace Starters:

Fireplace log lighters made out of cast iron has a very high heat tolerance and it has the special capability to resist even the hottest fire. And it is because cast iron is a very durable and strong metal that makes itself the most reliable material for a fireplace log lighter.

Fireplace log lighters that are made of cast iron also offer an ash protection baffle. However, a fireplace log lighter that is made out of steel only has a standard starter pipe without an ash protection baffle.

But on the positive side, steel log lighters are normally more affordable than cast iron.

Universal Gas Valve Keys

A gas fireplace key replacement is an affordable option with Fireplace Doors Online! Each key in our collection will fit 1/4 or 5/16 inch valve stems.

These universal gas valve keys are also designed to connect with both round (ball) and square (globe) valves and are crafted from zinc die-cast alloy. Valve keys are an important component of any gas-fueled appliance.

Whether you've misplaced your key or just prefer an update, we have 3, 8, 12, 18, and 24-inch sizes available.

Note:

Gas valves should never be installed inside the firebox! All valves must be situated outside the fireplace and within 6 feet of the fireplace opening. We highly recommend having a certified gas professional complete this installation process for you.

Escutcheons

Fireplace Doors Online has a selection of affordable escutcheon plates for you to choose from! Our fireplace gas valve covers are the metal plates and stem that safeguard the shut-off valve located on the floor or wall nearest your fireplace. Combined with a valve key, they allow you to easily turn your gas on and off.

Select the finish that best matches your valve key and decor. Each of these components is made of zinc die-cast alloy and has a top diameter of 2 1/8 inch. The 1-inch wide shaft is 2 1/16 inches long. These Dante escutcheons fit 1/2 inch valve threads.

These decorative valve covers are as beautiful as they are functional. The Blue Flame Universal escutcheons fit 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch valve threads. The escutcheons keep water from leaking in and around the assembly.

In the fireplace realm, a gas valve safety cover is commonly called an escutcheon. It is a decorative plate that screws onto and covers up the valve stem on your gas assembly.

When you place the end of a valve key into the opening of the plate, you can easily control the flow of natural gas or propane from your fuel line to your feature, be it a fireplace, log lighter, a fire pit, or bowl. Some of these plates are designed to fit over 1/2" threaded valves, while others are made for 3/4" valves (this size is used in conjunction with high capacity gas features).

Gas Valve Kits

Our supply of gas valve kits includes the components you need for your gas fireplace control valve! The keys and escutcheons are available in an array of beautiful, decorative finishes and include either a straight or angled valve.

Machined or forged from solid brass stock, these AGA certified valves are constructed with ½" pipe thread fittings. We also have additional components and single brass valves available! Choose from our collection of exceptionally affordable fireplace valve kits to match your decor!

These kits serve as a log lighter valve, which attach to the main gas line and control the flow of gas to the log lighter. All log lighters need a control valve for operation, as a log lighter could not be connect to the main line without one.

 

Note:

Do not install gas valves inside the firebox of your heat source! All valves must be situated outside the fire structure and within 6 feet of the fireplace opening. We highly recommend having a certified gas professional complete this installation process for you.

Possible Causes for Gas Valve Leakage

Even valves that are labeled "bubble-tight" or "zero leakage" are not always 100% leak-free. A gas valve leak can emit natural gas or propane into the air and pose safety and environmental threats.

A leak could even remain within your piping system and cause a hazard to your fire feature and gas lines/connections. Either way, a leak is never good and must be tended to immediately.

If you smell gas coming from your fire feature when it is not in use, check for the following:

1. Is the valve fully closed? (The handle would be perpendicular to the valve, or when inserting the key into the escutcheon, it would point to the OFF position on the plate.)
2. Is the valve visibly damaged? (Any type of damage to the valve or connections will cause leakage.)
3. For newly installed gas features, is the valve the correct size? (Selecting a valve that is too big is the most common cause of leakage. We recommend having a certified gas professional connect your feature to ensure the correct component has been installed.)

Ways to Avoid Gas Valve Leakage

Other than selecting the appropriate size valve for your project, another way to help stop leakage is to simply perform regular inspections of your setup. Early detection is the best prevention. Let us walk you through an easy DIY diagnostic test!

1. Fill a spray bottle with water and add a few tablespoons of dishwashing soap.
2. Adjust the spray nozzle to "STREAM" so that you get a sharp immersion of water onto the valve; wet it thoroughly with the solution. The "STREAM" setting will also allow the soapy mixture to reach into any areas that are not easily accessible.
3. Turn on the gas and check for bubbles.
4. Small bubbles resembling foam that form at the valve connection indicate a small leak, which is usually not a cause for major concern. Larger bubbles indicate a greater issue and should be relayed to your gas professional immediately!
5. For small leaks, a majority of the time this can be fixed by tightening the connection. Wipe off the solution and then tighten the fitting with a pipe wrench.
6. Apply a new stream of the mixture and recheck. If you are still seeing bubbles and have tightened the fitting completely, you may want to have a gas professional inspect your setup.

Effective Ways to Clean Your Fireplace Starter Pipe

1. Before attempting to clean your fireplace starter pipe, make sure that the fireplace log lighter system has cooled down completely, and then simply turn off the gas supply.
2. Remove the ashes on your fireplace using a vacuum.
3. Gently remove the starter pipe or cast log lighter out of the firebox, and make sure that the ash will not be able to have contact with any exposed gas supply lines or valves.
4. Once the fireplace log lighter is removed, you can put some masking tape onto the area of the gas supply or valve to avoid scattered ashes from entering inside.
5. When cleaning the fireplace starter pipe, scattering of ashes would most probably happen, so you are advised to put on a mask to help protect your respiratory system. It is also advisable to clean your fireplace starter pipe outdoors or inside a well-ventilated place.
6. You can carefully hit the fireplace log lighter against a wall or any surface to remove the ashes from the interior. To release any internal buildup, it is sometimes advisable to use a piece of heavy wire.
7. After thoroughly cleaning the interior, immediately inspect the holes in the starter pipe. Sometimes, debris can be seen and it clogs the hole. You can use a piece of wire, wooden skewer, or any type of pipe cleaners to remove the debris.
8. Make sure that there are no ashes left in the holes or the fireplace log lighter itself before repositioning it.
9. Gently pull out the masking tapes from the gas supply. Connect them back together and check the fireplace log lighter operation.

Determining What Size Gas Log Lighter You’ll Need

Please know that it is important to place a wood grate over your log lighter. This will keep the firewood and flames away from the starter pipe and avoid damage.

Typically, a gas log lighter is between 12" and 17" in length.

But we do have sizes up to 36" available for those that would like a long log lighter. Some people suggest that the log lighter should be the same length as the width of your fireplace log grate. Again, this depends on the customer's choice. However, even a small log lighter will do the trick, since its sole purpose is to assist in lighting firewood.

Once the flames are going, the gas flow should be shut off.

PLEASE NOTE:

Gas log lighters are not meant to be used as a decorative gas appliance. It is simply intended to ignite fireplace logs and should be shut off once your wood is burning.

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Check out this video! How to install your gas log lighter in a fireplace!