I think you will find that the gas is off, or the gas lines have water in them preventing gas from moving through.

Since both are doing the same thing, I don't suspect mechanical issues such as defective valves / thermocouple, Also, since they are sparking, that leaves out electrical.

Thanks Jake.

The gas shut-off valves at the meter and at the firebowls are all open. I went to the fireplace, took the key that turns the gas on/off and turned the gas on at fireplace. I could hear the gas coming out...went to the back of the firebowl columns where the gas shut off-valve is located and turned to the on position or the same as the fireplace. checked both units and the same thing on the gas lines.

There are three gas lines: gas grill [used the most], fireplace [didn't use one time this "winter" bc Houston didn't have one], and firebowls. Gas to f-place and grill all work fine, no issues. Never had one either. All three gas lines were installed in fall of 2014, and everything was activated in winter/spring of 2015...this is the first issue w any other them.

BTW, if the gas lines are all sealed, how would water get in them?

Thanks and let me know if there is anything I can do to troubleshoot for gas lines?

regards, tstex

Ok, so if it were me, I'd turn the gas off the the fire bowl, loosen the gas line before the fire bowl control valve (should be a union, a flex line, or similar right there) and then would crack open the gas shutoff to see if I could hear /smell gas coming out. That's the best test I know to see if there's gas to the appliance.

If there is gas, then you have two control valves that have an issue (could be the valve, the thermocouple, or whatever mechanism proves that there is a flame.

Here is the troubleshooting guide for the burner (making a guess here).

Thank you very much Jake - Sounds like a plan - I will post back w the news of what is the issue when I determine it - thanks again

I don't know how complex the valves are for these burners, so troubleshooting will vary depending on how they work.

For example the igniter area on a gas grill is just a tube with holes in it, and its very common for insects (spiders mostly) to crawl in and make a nest. This blocks most of the gas flow, which sometimes makes the flame go the wrong way, back toward the supply pipe and controls. On a gas grill that usually leads to a fire under the control knobs (an exciting event when you see the flames come up around the knobs).

If its more like the valve for a water heater, then the thermocouple is a common failure point. The thermocouple detects heat and will cut the gas flow if it does not get hot enough from a flame. This prevents gas from continuing to flow if the burner fails to start. On a water heater you bypass the thermocouple safety by pushing a button while lighting the pilot light. Once the pilot flame is on, it provides enough thermocouple heat to let the gas flow.

Bruce

Thanks Bruce - I should have thought about cobwebs...

Our pool manufacturer states that we need to run the heater once per week or every 10days at the latest to make sure we "burn-up" anything that is forming inside: spider webs, nests, rodents, etc., We have not run the firebowls in a long time, so all what your saying makes a lot of sense.

I pulled up the Op's manual and here is what I found for pilot light working but firebowl not lighting:

Spark (but no pilot)

1) Remove rock/glass away
from pilot area.

2) Remove pilot hood. (Look
for small pieces obstructing pilot.)

3) Confirm if gas is coming
out of pilot. You can hear it. (Use BBQ lighter to determine if gas is coming
out of pilot).

4) If no pilot gas, check
that the gas is turned on.

5) Pilot orifice may be
plugged. Replace orifice or complete pilot assembly.

6) If still no gas, pilot
valve may not be opening. Turn gas off and confirm if pilot solenoid is
energizing.

7) If not energizing, replace
the control module. If it is energizing, clean out pilot solenoid.

Does any of this help refine the troubleshooting process?

Thanks, tstex

If you have gas to these units as per the previous post, then step through the troubleshooting in the manual - I don't think there are any tips that we can offer you other than It does seem suspicious that both of them would fail at the same time.

Hello TJ, I am having the same issue but with only one out of the 2 firebowls from Grand Effects. I tested and gas is coming to the bowl, the igniter is trying but the gas doesn't come out. You ever figured out the issue? and if yes, how did you fix it?

I have the same issue. Did you ever figure out how to fix it?

Me too….. any answers?