Is your fireplace no longer performing as it should? Whether you’re dealing with a broken gas unit, looking to install a brand-new wood-burning setup, or want to modernize your home with an electric fireplace—Major Appliances Repair is the name Kensington residents trust.
With over 16 years of hands-on experience, we deliver high-quality fireplace installation and repair services in Kensington and surrounding areas like Bezuidenhout Valley, Kensington South, Malvern, Bruma, and the wider Johannesburg East.
Gas Fireplaces: Safe, efficient installation of vented, vent-free, or direct-vent gas units.
Electric Fireplaces: Sleek and modern installations tailored to fit into your wall, cabinetry, or freestanding design.
Wood-Burning Fireplaces: Classic fireplace setups with flue installations, chimney connections, and safety compliance.
Fireplace Conversions: Upgrade from wood to gas, or switch to an electric unit for cleaner heating and less maintenance.
Gas Fireplace Repairs: Ignition problems, pilot light issues, gas leaks, and burner faults—handled with precision.
Electric Fireplace Repairs: Heating element repairs, lighting effects, circuit board replacements.
Wood Fireplace Servicing: Damper fixes, firebox repairs, creosote cleaning, and draft troubleshooting.
Chimney Repairs & Flue Servicing: Resealing, cleaning, blockage removal, and complete flue system upgrades.
No matter your fireplace type or brand, we’re qualified to install, service, or repair it. We handle:
Wood-burning fireplaces & stoves
Gas fireplaces (including vented and ventless models)
Electric built-ins and inserts
Pellet stoves
Popular brands we service in the Kensington area include:
Jetmaster, Home Fires, Chad-O-Chef, Calore, Dovre, Valor, Heat & Glo, Morso, Faber, Dimplex, and many others.
16+ years of trusted service in Johannesburg East
Same-day and emergency fireplace repairs available
Friendly, certified technicians who respect your space
Affordable rates and upfront pricing
Full compliance with SANS safety standards
If you’re searching for affordable fireplace repair in Kensington, gas fireplace installers near Bruma, or electric fireplace technicians in Malvern, you’ve come to the right place. Contact Major Appliances Repair today and let us bring warmth and peace of mind back into your home
Here are common fireplace issues that Major Appliances Repair frequently diagnose and repair, covering wood-burning, gas, and electric units:
Smoke Coming Back into the Room (Wood-Burning):
Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit (Gas Fireplace):
Gas Fireplace Won’t Ignite (No Spark or Flame):
Gas Smell from Fireplace (When Not in Use):
Electric Fireplace Not Heating:
Electric Fireplace Flame Effect Not Working:
Wood-Burning Fireplace Damper Stuck Open or Closed:
Excessive Creosote Buildup (Wood-Burning):
Cracked Firebox or Refractory Panels (Wood-Burning):
Loose or Missing Mortar in Chimney/Fireplace:
Water Leaking into Fireplace:
Noisy Fireplace Fan/Blower (Electric or Gas):
Gas Fireplace Remote Control Not Working:
Pilot Light Goes Out Frequently (Gas Fireplace):
Gas Logs Don’t Look Realistic/Flame is Poor:
Electric Fireplace Making Clicking Noise:
Soot Stains Around Fireplace Opening:
Sparks or Embers Escaping Chimney (Wood-Burning):
Fireplace Draft Issues (Too Much or Too Little):
Cracked Chimney Crown:
Gas Fireplace Produces Yellow/Orange Flame (Should Be Blue):
Odor from Fireplace (Musty/Smoky):
Broken Glass Doors (Wood-Burning):
Fireplace Control Panel Not Working (Electric/Gas):
Pellet Stove Not Feeding Pellets:
Pellet Stove Not Igniting:
Wood-Burning Stove Door Not Sealing:
Fireplace Has Animal or Bird Nesting:
Discoloured Fireplace Mantle or Wall:
Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarms (Gas Fireplace):
For any fireplace issue, especially those involving gas or chimney structure, it is highly recommended to contact a qualified professional technician to ensure safety and proper repair.
I. Fireplace Safety Tips (Crucial for All Types, Especially Wood & Gas):
Professional Inspections & Sweeping (Wood-Burning):
Install & Test Detectors:
Use a Fire Screen or Glass Doors (Wood-Burning):
Clear Combustibles:
Proper Fuel Only (Wood-Burning):
Extinguish Fires Completely:
Safe Ash Disposal (Wood-Burning):
Know Your Gas Shut-Off:
Never Use Accelerants:
Child & Pet Safety:
II. Fireplace Maintenance Tips (Regular Care for Longevity):
Clean the Firebox/Ash Pan (Wood-Burning):
Inspect & Clean Gas Logs:
Check Damper & Flue (Wood-Burning):
Inspect Gaskets & Seals (Wood Stoves/Inserts):
Clean Electric Fireplace Vents:
Check for Masonry & Mortar Damage:
Examine Chimney Cap/Spark Arrestor:
Clean Glass Doors (Wood-Burning & Gas):
Test Remote Controls (Gas/Electric):
Address Water Leaks Immediately:
III. Fireplace Operation Tips (For Optimal Performance & Enjoyment):
Pre-heat the Flue (Wood-Burning):
Open Damper Fully:
Build a Proper Fire (Wood-Burning):
Monitor Flame Colour (Gas Fireplace):
Don’t Over-Fire (Wood-Burning):
Control Airflow (Wood Stoves/Inserts):
Mind the Heat (Electric Fireplace):
Allow for Adequate Venting (Gas Fireplaces):
Store Wood Properly (Wood-Burning):
Trust Your Instincts:
A fireplace is a significant investment in comfort and ambiance. Whether you’re considering a new installation or need to fix an existing unit, understanding the process and common issues is key. At Major Appliances Repair, we provide expert fireplace services, ensuring safety, efficiency, and lasting warmth.
I. General Fireplace Installation & Planning
Q: What types of fireplaces can I have installed?
Q: What are the main considerations before installing a new fireplace?
Q: Do I need a chimney for all types of fireplaces?
Q: What are the benefits of a gas fireplace over wood-burning?
Q: Are electric fireplaces efficient for heating?
Q: What building codes apply to fireplace installation?
Q: Can I convert my wood-burning fireplace to gas?
II. Wood-Burning Fireplace Installation & Repair
Q: Why is smoke coming back into my room from my wood fireplace?
Q: How often should a wood fireplace chimney be cleaned?
Q: What is creosote, and why is it dangerous?
Q: My fireplace damper is stuck. How can it be fixed?
Q: My fireplace has cracked refractory panels. Do they need replacing?
Q: Why are there soot stains around my fireplace opening?
Q: Water is leaking into my wood fireplace. What’s the cause?
Q: What type of wood should I burn in my fireplace?
Q: Can I install a wood stove or insert into an existing fireplace?
Q: My wood stove door gasket is worn. Can I replace it?
Q: What is a chimney liner, and why is it important?
III. Gas Fireplace Installation & Repair
Q: My gas fireplace won’t turn on (no flame). What’s the common problem?
Q: Why won’t my pilot light stay lit on my gas fireplace?
Q: I smell gas near my fireplace, but it’s off. What should I do?
Q: Why are my gas fireplace flames yellow or orange instead of blue?
Q: My gas fireplace makes a popping or banging noise when operating.
Q: Can I install a gas fireplace without an existing chimney?
Q: What is a direct-vent gas fireplace?
Q: What is a vent-free gas fireplace, and are they safe?
Q: My gas fireplace remote control isn’t working.
Q: Why does my gas fireplace produce soot?
Q: Can I install a gas log set into any wood-burning fireplace?
Q: What’s the difference between a thermocouple and a thermopile?
Q: How do I clean gas logs?
Q: My gas fireplace makes a clicking sound but doesn’t light.
Q: What’s an ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor) on a gas fireplace?
Q: How often should I service my gas fireplace?
IV. Electric Fireplace Installation & Repair
Q: My electric fireplace isn’t turning on. What should I check?
Q: Why is my electric fireplace not producing heat?
Q: The flame effect on my electric fireplace isn’t working.
Q: My electric fireplace makes a strange noise (e.g., clicking, rattling).
Q: Can I install an electric fireplace insert into an existing wood fireplace?
Q: Do electric fireplaces require any special wiring?
V. General Fireplace Repair & Maintenance Questions
Q: How do I know if my fireplace needs professional repair?
Q: What is a “fire-rated” wall, and why is it important for fireplace installation?
Q: Can a fireplace be installed in any room?
Q: What is flashing, and why is it important for a chimney?
Q: What is a chimney cap, and why do I need one?
Q: How often should I have my fireplace inspected?
Q: Can I use my fireplace if it has a cracked chimney flue?
Q: What safety precautions should I take if I suspect a gas leak from my fireplace?
Q: What does a “draft test” involve for a fireplace?
Q: Why is professional installation and repair crucial for fireplaces?
We specialize in fridge repair, freezer repair, air conditioner repair (split, window, ductless, portable & central), cold room repair, HVAC repair, washing machine repair, dishwasher repair, oven and stove repair, extractor fan repair and installation, ice maker repair, and fireplace repair and installation. Based in Modderfontein, we serve Greenstone, Edenvale, Sandton, Midrand, Johannesburg, Centurion, and all areas of Gauteng.
Major Appliances Repair @2025. All Rights Reserved.
8 Greenstone Place, Modderfontein, Lethabong, Gauteng