
By Sara from GA on March 31, 2013
We just bought a house with 2 gas fireplaces that require a key to ignite, but there's no key is in sight! How can we determine what type and size key we need?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on April 1, 2013
Answer:
The type of key will depend on the gas valve that you have. Does the gas valve have a round, decorative cover with a small hole in the center? If so, this type of valve likely requires a 1/4 inch key. The decorative cover can be unscrewed and removed to allow access to the valve stem for measurement.By Kevin from Philadelphia, PA on March 1, 2013
I have a gas shut off for a fire place and it measures 3/8" x 3/8"
By Kevin E. - Fireplace Specialist on March 1, 2013
Answer:
Unfortunately, this is a rather uncommon size. All of our keys fit 1/4" to 5/16" valve stems. A specialty plumbing shop may have a key for your application. By Martha from Kentwood, LA on May 13, 2013
Do you have an escutcheon that fits a 1/2" male thread?
By Tyler M. - NFI Certified Specialist on May 14, 2013
Answer:
Unfortunately, no. Our decorative valve covers are designed to thread onto any standard, 1-inch gas valve body.By Bruce on November 9, 2012
I have a manual gas valve at my fireplace. Usually they only rotate a quarter turn. The one I have turns six complete revolutions from stop to stop. I have a gas log set and am not able to light the pilot. I have never seen a manual valve that was more than a quarter turn. Is there something wrong with my shut off valve?
on November 9, 2012
Answer:
While many gas valves are of the quarter-turn variety, there are still many multi-turn gas valves available in the market as well. On average, these valves can turn 4-8 times between fully open and fully closed positions. When the gas valve is completely open and you are attempting to light the pilot on your log set, is the smell of gas present? If so, it is possible the pilot thermocouple is simply defective.By Lee from USA on November 9, 2012
I need to order a new fireplace key but don't know what size to order. Can you help?
By Staff on November 9, 2012
Answer:
Just to clarify, are you referring to a key for a manual gas valve, such as this item?
Gas Valve Manual Key.
If so, the key that is pictured is the most common type and measures 3 inches in length, with a 1/4" socket end. My recommendation would be to use a small tape measure to determine the depth to the gas valve's shutoff. You may need to measure the depth using a pen or screwdriver. You can insert the pen into the shutoff channel and measure off of the pen, if you do not have a tape measure small enough to fit.
The more difficult thing is determining the size of the shutoff itself. 1/4" is by far the most common, but 5/16" has been manufactured as well. This is really a guess, unless you are able to unscrew the decorative trim collar, shown in the picture of the kit I mention earlier. This is the only way to gain access to and measure the shutoff stem.
By Matt on November 9, 2012
Is it a minor, medium or major project to move a gas fireplace shut-off valve about two feet closer to the fireplace? How much can I expect to pay to have someone relocate it? Is there a major difference between the new valves that you sell?
on November 9, 2012
Answer:
Assuming that the current valve is located within a standard sheet rock wall, this would be a medium difficulty project. If the gas piping runs in a fairly straight line towards the fireplace, a plumber could remove the current valve and couple the piping together. The piping could then be cut closer to the fireplace and threaded to receive a new gas valve. The more labor intensive part of the project would be to have the wall patched after it has been cut open to gain access to the piping. Total cost for a project of this size would vary based on your location and any unforeseen issues.
Most of our gas valves are similar in construction. The main differences would be if the valve is straight or angled and if the valve is a standard multi-turn or a one quarter turn valve. Your plumber would be able to tell what type of valve would be needed. If the gas line is running horizontally in the wall, a straight valve is most likely needed.By Judy from Atlanta, GA on April 23, 2013
Do you have a black fireplace key and valve set?
By Tyler M. - NFI Certified Specialist on April 23, 2013
By steffen from California on December 13, 2012
Do you know if the keyed gas valves are certified / compliant?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on December 13, 2012
Answer:
The maker of the Dante gas valves does have a certification for their products. As such, the Dante valves on our site will carry the CSA certification, which is usually the required certification for use in California, Massachusetts, and Canada.By Lydia Kennemore from Godley, Texas on October 30, 2012
I need to replace the shut off valve for my fireplace. How will I know what size to get?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on October 30, 2012
Answer:
This will depend on the diameter of the gas pipe that is feeding the fireplace. You will need to measure the exposed end of the pipe to verify if the inside diameter is 1/2" or 3/4", as both sizes are commonly used.By Jay from TX on March 21, 2013
Do you carry a 3/4" valve for 3/4" supply pipe?
By Magan B. on March 21, 2013
By Tim from Memphis TN on January 22, 2013
I can smell gas when I pass by my shut off valve for my non vented gas fireplace. It shows that it is a Dante shut off valve. Is there a rebuild kit for this type of valve or would I have to replace the entire valve? I need to get this fixed pretty quickly to stop this leaking gas.
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on January 23, 2013
Answer:
I'm afraid that Dante does not offer a rebuild kit for their gas valves. However, one option is to purchase the same style of Dante valve and replace the internal ball or globe mechanism from the front, as many of the Dante valves can be accessed by removing the lock nut. If the valve is a sealed type, with no lock nut, the entire assembly would need to be replaced.By Steve from Cleveland on December 28, 2012
My gas valve shutoff is a larger size, and the local fireplace shops do not carry the bigger key. How do I know what size to order?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on December 28, 2012
Answer:
The largest standard size used in gas shutoff valves is 5/16 of an inch. Are you able to unscrew the gas valve cover and measure the stem?By Marlo from San Diego, CA on March 7, 2013
My fireplace gas valve has a very slight leak whether the valve is on or off. The gas is leaking through the hole where the key is inserted. Is there some packing that can be inserted to eliminate the leak?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on March 7, 2013
Answer:
Unfortunately, no. Most valves have a male threaded bushing that holds the gas stem in position. The female threads inside the valve will come factory sealed with teflon tape, pipe sealant, or may use a gasket of some sort.
After removing the decorative valve escutcheon, use a deep well socket of the appropriate size to tighten the male bushing. This bushing can often become loose with repeated on/off cycles and will cause the leak you are experiencing. If you cannot tighten the bushing and the leak remains, the sealant may have dried or the internal gasket is failing. This would require replacement of the valve. By Josh from TN on April 10, 2013
I'm refinishing my floors and I want to know if I can safely remove my valve floor plate myself? Do I need to get a plumber to remove it and come back and replace it?
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on April 10, 2013
Answer:
The floor plate/escutcheon is a purely decorative piece that can be unthreaded and then rethreaded without an issue. It has no direct contact with the seal in the gas valve, so a gas leak will not be an issue. By scott from San Diego on December 30, 2012
What size key does a Majestic fireplace manufactured from 2006 or 2007 use? It seems that both 1/4 inch and 5/16 inch do not fit!
By Collin C. - NFI Master Hearth Professional on December 31, 2012
Answer:
The key required will depend on the fireplace. Do you have the model number of the fireplace installed? Is this a wood-burning unit with a gas starter or a gas unit? By Joe from Florida on January 16, 2013
Can the valve for the fire log starter be inside the firebox?
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on January 16, 2013
Answer:
The shut-off valve can be close to the firebox, but not inside it. Usually it is placed on the wall next to the fireplace opening in the floor on the hearth of the fireplace. By Shawn from Kansas City, MO on February 26, 2013
I have a gas starter for my wood fireplace. The valve is mounted in the floor. We're about to get new hardwoods and don't like the look of the valve in the floor. Can it be mounted in the wall next to the fireplace?
By Tyler M. - Fireplace Specialist on February 26, 2013
Answer:
Yes, our valves and covers can be installed in a wall next to the fireplace. By Bryan from Buffalo, NY on November 25, 2012
Can a vent-free propane fireplace be converted to natural gas?
By Magan B. on November 26, 2012
Answer:
Vent-free fireplaces cannot be converted.