Troubleshooting Your Pellet Stove Auger

Consistent warmth and overall ease of use have made pellet stoves a popular option for home heating, but like most items in your home, regular maintenance and repairs are needed to keep the benefits coming.

One area of the stove you will need to revisit regularly is the auger, but thankfully the repairs and upkeep on them are pretty simple.

This blog post will look at what the auger is, how to troubleshoot it, and how to do any needed repairs. You'll also learn how to maintain it to limit repairs down the road.

What and Where is Your Auger?

The auger is a long, spiral-shaped piece of metal that sits inside the pellet stove. Its purpose is to move pellets from the hopper, where they are stored, to the fire pot, where they are burned. To do this, they work with an attached motor.

What Can Go Wrong With Your Auger?

A few things can go wrong with your auger:

1. The auger can become jammed

2. The auger motor may need replacing

3. There may be an issue with the pressure switch

Here are steps you can follow to address each of these issues. Note that these are a general guide, as many pellet stoves have varying assemblies, but you should still get a clear idea of how your stove parts work and connect based on these instructions.

How to Clear a Jam in the Auger

1. Turn off your fireplace and unplug the entire unit from the wall.
2. Next, locate the auger. It runs from the hopper to the fire pot. If you cannot see it clearly, you may need to release a panel on the back to view it from the side of your unit.
3. Look for the pellets lodged inside the auger. They may be difficult to see, but you should be able to feel them if you run your hand along the spiral.
4. Once you've found the pellets, use a wire or other small object to dislodge the pellets, or use a mallet to softly hit the auger to dislodge them.
5. If the above step doesn't work, try wiggling the auger back and forth. Do not turn it; otherwise, you may damage the motor.
6. If pellets haven't dislodged, you will need to disassemble the unit to gain better access. Unplug the electrical plugs to the motor and capacitor carefully using a set of pliers, and be sure not cut or damage the wires. Take an Allen wrench or standard wrench (fittings vary) and loosen the set screw holding the motor underneath. When this is done, slide out the motor and the set screw. You can then unscrew the plate that holds the auger and slide the auger out for cleaning.
7. At this time, it's a good idea to vacuum away any dust or debris from the area and the hopper itself to prevent the chance of any future jams or malfunctions.
8. Follow the above steps in reverse to complete reassembly.
9. Plug back in the unit to test it. If it doesn't work, it most likely is an issue with the motor and requires replacement.
10. If everything is working fine, make sure the electrical cords are stored away from the motor before closing the unit.

How to Replace an Auger Motor

1. Turn off your fireplace and unplug the entire unit from the wall.
2. Purchase a replacement motor by contacting the maker of your stove unit. They will be able to find the right model of the motor and may even sell it. If not, you can get the model number and order it from an outside vendor.
3. Once you have your new motor, locate the auger and motor by opening the back or side panel of your fireplace, whichever provides you the best access to the auger and motor.
4. Use pair of pliers to remove the wires connecting the old motor and capacitor (typically placed near the motor) from the pellet stove. Be careful not to damage the wires.
5. Use an Allen wrench (or standard wrench, whichever yours requires) to loosen the set screw holding the motor in place.
6. Pull out the motor, replace it with your new motor, and reset the screw.
7. Once the motor is in place, reconnect all the electrical wires and plug in the unit to test it.
8. If all is well, close the panel.

How to Fix a Failed Pressure Switch

A pressure switch (also called a vacuum switch or low draft sensor) is a switch that shuts off the power to the motor when issues arise, such as jams. This safety device pays close attention to any restrictions in exhaust from your unit as well as changes in pressure within your firebox. When issues arise, it shuts off the power to the auger.

If the pressure switch is activated, thoroughly check all elements of your stove to ensure adequate airflow throughout the unit. Also, check that your blowers are working properly and the flue is clean. Additionally, check that you have tight seals around the front glass.

If your stove is in good working order, there may be an issue with the hoses that feed to the pressure switch. The switch uses these hoses to gauge the air pressure. If the hoses are damaged, the switch can be triggered continuously. You can easily install new hoses by simply pulling them off and inserting new ones.

What If Your Auger Breaks?

If the auger or motor breaks, replacing them is still fairly easy. To do it, reference our article on How to Replace the Auger on Your Pellet Stove.

Proper Maintenance is Key

Once issues are fixed, you should check your auger at least once a year to keep it in good condition. Additionally, vacuum out the pellet stove regularly to prevent a build-up of dust and debris.

Your pellet stove auger is an integral part of your heating system, so it's important to keep it in good working order. If issues arise, use these tips to troubleshoot any issues and keep your stove running as it should.