Gas Fireplace Flame Too High [3 Easy Solutions]

Your gas fireplace flame is too high mainly because of the high gas pressure, wrong burner type, and faulty gas valve.

To fix all these issues, you need to adjust the gas pressure, replace the wrong burner type, install the right one, and replace the malfunctioning gas controller valve.

Throughout this troubleshooting guide, we presented not only the causes and solutions of too high a flame but also explained how to check the gas pressure and how to adjust the fireplace flame and gas regulator. 

Read this guide sharply, and you will instantly be able to solve your gas fireplace’s too-high flame issue by yourself.

Gas Fireplace Flame Too High [3 Easy Solutions]

The major causes of too high a flame in your gas fireplace and their effective solutions are explained below. Let’s start!

Note: You can also read how to fix the Gas Fireplace flame too low problem.

1. High Gas Pressure

High gas pressures are one of the main reasons why your gas fireplace pilot flame is too high. Due to the irregular gas pressure, the pilot flame became too strong, and it extended way over its level. The accountable factors behind it are:

• Bad gas regulator
• Clogged gas return line
• Open vent
• Unadjusted gas regulator

Solution:

The gas pressure directly affects the fireplace’s burner system and pilot flame. The flame becomes higher due to excessive gas pressure.

To fix this issue, you require a manometer. Using the manometer, you can easily check and adjust your fireplace’s gas pressure. The other solutions are:

• Check the gas pressure and adjust it
• Properly adjust the gas regulator
• Replace the faulty gas regulator
• Remove the gas return line’s blockage
• Close the vents
• Properly adjust your fireplace gas regulator

2. Wrong Burner Type

Installing the wrong type of burner is another reason your gas fireplace flame is too high on one side. Not all burner types are the same. Some are suitable for liquefied propane gas, while some are made for burning natural gas.  

For burning different types of gas, not all fireplaces are suitable. For example, you require an LP-suitable stove to use a high-pressure gas like LP.

Otherwise, the burner will send gas at very high pressure, and it will lead to too high a flame in your fireplace.

Solution:

Check your fireplace’s burner type and ensure the correct burner is installed. Make sure the burner is suitable for burning gas in your fireplace.

3. Defective Gas Valve

The faulty gas valve is responsible for which your fireplace’s flame getting progressively larger and longer, and it is stuck on too high a flame that you cannot adjust with the knob.

The gas valve regulates your gas fireplace to ensure its functioning properly. The causes of it are:

• Faulty gas controller
• Unadjusted control valve
• Worn-out or damaged gas valve
• The gas valve is close
• Leaked gas valve

Solution:

The fireplace’s gas valve directly controls the gas flow from the gas supply line to the heating unit. A faulty gas valve causes irregular pressure and too high a flame.

Thus, first, you need to test the main control valve using a digital multimeter and check whether it is the culprit or not.

You should replace it if it is responsible for too high a flame on your fireplace. The other solutions are:

• Replace the defective gas valve and gas controller
• Ensure the gas valve is open
• Properly adjust the control valve

How High Should Gas Fireplace Flame Be

Your gas fireplace flame should be as high as 3.5 inches, and the ideal flame color is blue. Sometimes with small tips, it could be orange and yellow.

But if for the above reasons your gas fireplace flame becomes too high than the normal 3.5 inches, then you should adjust it.

Can You Adjust The Flame On The Gas Fireplace

Yes! You can adjust your gas fireplace flame. If the height of your gas fireplace flame is too high or more than 3.5 inches, you should follow the steps below to fix it:

• Open your fireplace’s control panel
• Find out the central gas valve, and it contains the “High – Low” indication
• For adjusting your fireplace’s high flame, rotate the dial towards the low point. And your fireplace flame will decrease.

Note: If your fireplace has a low flame, then you should rotate the dial at the “High” point, and the flame height will go up.

How To Check The Gas Pressure

To check your fireplace’s gas pressure, you require two tools: a flathead screwdriver and a manometer. Now follow the steps below to check it:

• First, turn off your fireplace’s gas switch. Near the gas valve, look for “In” and “Out,” two screws marked tap.

For Inlet Tap

• First, loosen the screw. The gas pressure manometer tube’s end is firmly placed over the inlet tap screw.
• Now take the pressure reading by turning on the gas. For natural gas, the inlet tap’s ideal pressure is 8 inches.
• After measuring the gas pressure, turn off the fireplace’s gas.
• Then from the inlet tap, remove the tube and tighten the screws.

For Outlet Tap

• Again loose the screw but don’t remove it.
• Over the outlet tap screw, firmly place the manometer’s tube end.
• Now turn on the fireplace’s gas and light the pilot and measure the gas reading
• For the outlet tap, the ideal gas pressure is 3.5 inches
• After taking the reading, turn off the gas and burner and again tighten the outlet tap screw

How To Adjust The Fireplace’s Gas Regulator

For adjusting your fireplace’s gas regulator, follow the steps below:

• Near the gas meter, you will find the gas regulator. first, locate it
• Turn off your fireplace’s gas pressure
• Attach the gas pressure gauge to the regulator’s outlet tap
• Now turn the gas on and read each appliance’s pressure
• Loosen the regulator cap and find the underneath screw
• The gas pressure will be adjusted or changed by turning this screw

FAQ:

Do gas fireplaces have dampers?

Yes! One of two types of dampers is available in a gas fireplace. Over the firebox and at the chimney’s base, you will get the throat dampers. The Throat damper is installed in the main chamber in your gas fireplace, where the fire burns.

How do you fix a yellow flame on a gas fireplace?

Open your fireplace’s damper to allow proper and adequate ventilation, and it will control the flame’s color. Lower the air input to adjust your gas fireplace’s yellow flame. You can reduce the air input by closing the air shutter or r.

What does a blue flame mean in a gas fireplace?

Your gas fireplace’s blue flame means complete combustion. This implies that your fireplace burns gas efficiently without any wasted or unburned gas. Complete combustion ensures the highest heat output and less use of gas to produce heat.

What happens when a gas regulator fails?

When your fireplace’s gas regulator fails, it leads to stopping or blocking the gas flow. Sometimes the lousy regulator increases the gas pressure also, and it causes high flame.

What kind of regulator do I need for a gas fireplace?

A single-stage regulator is required for your gas fireplace since it is a low-pressure appliance.

Final Words

The gas fireplace’s crucial part is its flame. High flame in your fireplace can lead to several dangerous situations. So, now after going through the above explanation, you know why your gas fireplace flame is too high.

You will now optimistically detect your fireplace’s flame issue and resolve it by yourself. Still, if you need any help, comment in the comment section. We are always here to help you.