What is the gas starter pipe in my wood-burning fireplace and how do I use it?
A gas starter pipe — also called a log lighter — is a perforated steel pipe that runs across the floor of a wood-burning fireplace. You open the gas at a key valve in the wall or floor, light the row of flames, and it ignites your kindling and logs. Once the wood catches, you shut the gas off. It starts fires; it doesn't heat.
What it is and how it works
It's a drilled iron or steel pipe seated at the base of a masonry firebox, fed by a small gas line with a key valve — usually a recessed square nut in the wall or floor a few feet away, turned with a removable key. Open the valve and gas jets out the row of holes; touch a long match or lighter to it and you get a line of flame under your wood. As soon as the logs are burning on their own, you close the valve. The wood does the heating from there.
Using it safely
Always shut the gas off once the fire is established — a starter pipe is never meant to run underneath a burning wood fire, which wastes gas and can damage the pipe. Keep the damper open the entire time, same as any wood fire. And if the key valve feels stiff, won't seat fully, or you catch any smell of gas, stop and call us. That valve and line are licensed gas components, not something to take apart yourself.
Keeping it working
Starter pipes are simple and long-lived, but the little holes clog with ash and the key valve can seize up after years of neglect. We service the valve and line, check for leaks, and pressure-test as needed. And if yours is dead, or you've decided you'd rather have flame at the flip of a switch, we can convert the fireplace to a gas log set — every path here runs through the licensed gas line, which is our lane. Call (828) 545-0525.
Related questions
- Can I remove my gas logs and go back to burning wood?
- Can a gas line be added to an existing wood-burning fireplace for gas logs?
- Are gas log lighters (starter pipes) allowed with propane?
- Can I burn wood in a gas fireplace?
- What is the best firewood to burn in a fireplace or wood stove?
- How do I know if my house has natural gas or propane?
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