Is It Safe To Use This Gas Fire Please?

[littleshirl]

We are having trouble lighting our gas fire -brrrr but unfortunately other half decided to clean it out as it seemed full of dust, but I'm afraid he was rather over zealous when doing this, so now all the back and sides are practically white instead of black :0( Can you get dye or black paint to cover it and if so would it be safe to do so? The pilot light just works when it feels like it too, but I do think we need new coals as they were causing the dust.I know we will have to call in a professional but thought I'd ask for advice here before we do that. Maybe it might be time to get a new fire tho' but it is a very good one (when it is working!) It is about 16years old now so probably outdated too.

[MargoTester]

Never mess about with gas - too dangerous! Call in an expert although I doubt very much if you can get spare parts for a fire that old.

[The Builder]

Plenty of high temperature paints are available, Shirl. B&Q will most likely have some.

http://shop.vitcas.com/vitcas-heat-resistant-paint-high-temperature-paint-spray-black-526-p.asp

As for the pilot light ... definitely a job for a "Gas-Safe" guy. I agree with Margo, though. It may well be more cost effective to buy a new one.

[littleshirl]

Thank you both for your replies. I am waiting for the 'gas safe' guy to ring me back to see what he suggests. I guess he will say a new one because of the age of it. I am wondering whether to replace it with an electric one,much easier but am not too keen on the fan heater they all seem to have, I love the realistic look the gas coals have - decisions decisions. Thank you too for the link Builder, the paint is a lot cheaper than I expected :o)

[PankySmooch]

I think the electric ones are a lot dearer to run than the gas ones

[hellywelly4]

Do you have a carbon monoxide detector? I think that gas fires need to be checked regularly. I'm quite worried about you and whether you are at risk. Please get it checked as soon as you can xx

[EDDIE51]

The dust may well have blocked the gas jets and caused poor combustion, that would account for the pilot light as well, that means it may be producing Carbon Monoxide which is poisonous. I expect the gas safe man will say 'bin it'.

[littleshirl]

Thank you all for your replies, and to hellywelly for your concern (x) Yes we do have CM detectors, (one in each of the two rooms which have gas fires, and smoke alarms too) and we will definitely have the 'gas safe' man' asap -shirl