How do I turn on a gas fireplace with a key valve, and which way do I turn the key?
Put the key in the valve socket in the floor or wall near the fireplace and turn it counterclockwise — to the left — to open the gas. Turn clockwise, to the right, to shut it off. Light your match at the burner first, before you open the valve. A quarter to half turn is usually plenty; open slowly so the flame catches gently.
Which way to turn: flame first, then left
Insert the key into the valve socket and turn it counterclockwise — to the left — to open the gas; clockwise, to the right, to shut it off. Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey, same as a garden spigot. But direction is only half of it. Because a key-valve log set has no pilot and no safety sensor, your match or lighter has to be at the burner before you open the valve, never after. Hold the flame at the burner ports, then ease the key open and let the fire catch as the gas arrives. If it doesn't light within a few seconds of opening the valve, close the key and wait five minutes before trying again.
Where the key valve lives, and how far to open it
The valve is a recessed socket in the floor or wall, usually within a few feet of the firebox, capped by a small escutcheon plate. The key itself is a short metal L that slips over the stem. You rarely need more than a quarter to a half turn — and how far you open it is your flame-height control, so open slowly and stop where the flame looks right. Crank it wide open and you get a taller, noisier flame than the set was ever meant to run.
Shut it all the way, every time
With no thermocouple standing guard, the only thing between off and a room full of gas is that key — so close the valve completely when you're finished, not just most of the way. Pull the key and keep it somewhere consistent so it's there next time. These vented sets run with the damper open, sending that tall, realistic flame up the chimney. If you ever smell gas, close the key, air the room out, and call us from outside at (828) 545-0525.
How we can help
Related questions
- How do I light a match-lit gas log set?
- How do I turn on my gas fireplace?
- Can I adjust the flame height on my gas logs?
- Does the damper have to stay open when I run vented gas logs?
- How do I completely shut off the gas to my fireplace, and where is the shutoff valve?
- How do I light the pilot light on my gas fireplace?
Still deciding? Talk to a real installer.
Free assessments across Western North Carolina — no pressure, straight answers.