We rely on fire pits in our backyards for their ambience and practical service. We take the modern-day convenience of our gas fire pits for granted until something goes wrong. Gas fire pits keep you warm outside in cold weather. You can roast smores and socialize around them through the seasons. So, it can be very upsetting when gas fire pit problems happen - like a gas fire pit not igniting.
Gas fire pit maintenance is essential. And you must take swift action once you notice something is amiss with your gas fire pit. If it won't light, or it keeps going out, troubleshooting your gas fire pit is imperative. With the number of components in these units, it can be difficult to narrow down the cause, unless it's one of the most common problems.
A gas fire pit failing to light is a commonly reported problem. If you're facing that issue or another type of gas fire pit malfunction, the following information may help you more quickly accomplish the task of troubleshooting your gas fire pit.
Common Malfunctions of a Gas Fire Pit
Gas fire pits are especially prone to a few common types of malfunctions. The problem of a gas fire pit not igniting is annoying when you're looking forward to enjoying an evening with friends or family. But addressing frequently occurring issues can be fairly simple. The following are some things that can go wrong with home fire pits and how to fix them.
There is no Spark in the Igniter
A frequent trouble spot with gas fire pits is failure of the igniter. Batteries are used to power most igniters. So if there is no spark in the igniter, the first thing to do is to open the igniter and make sure it contains a battery. Make sure that the battery still contains a charge. Check the connections before changing the battery, as the problem may simply be that they are loose or disconnected.
Your Gas Fire Pit Takes a Long Time to Ignite
When lighting your fire pit, you should immediately see a spark, following ignition. There is likely a problem in the fuel pressure or the supply of fuel if it takes several minutes to ignite.
If this should happen, conduct an inspection of the valves to ensure they're in proper working condition. If the fuel flow is disrupted, replace any valves that are defective. Ensure burner ports are clean and clear from blockages. It's essential to remove every trace of debris from burner ports to prevent backfires.
You Light Your Burner but it Keeps Going Out
Keeping your gas fire pit components clean is important for preventing your burner from failing. Dirty ports or valves can cause that to happen. Check them if your flame keeps going out.
Another potential cause could be your fire pit's location. Is the location susceptible to wind? If so, you could potentially construct a temporary or permanent shelter as a solution.
Your gas Fire pit Makes a Whistling Sound
What should you do if the pilot and burner of your fire pit light, but a whistling sound is heard? There are a few common reasons this may occur:
- Bends in the flexible gas lines
- Too much gas supply
- The wrong size gas line
You may try to straighten the lines to solve the first problem. For the latter two, you should enlist the help of an expert.
Components That Often Cause Gas Fire Pit Malfunction
As we have noted, the igniter, the burner, the gas lines, and other fuel supply components are responsible for the most frequent gas fire pit malfunctions. If something goes wrong when you try to light your gas fire pit, you should now be prepared to address basic problems.
About Gas Fire Pit Do-It-Yourself Maintenance or Simple Part Replacement
What kind of do-it-yourself maintenance can you tackle yourself? Can you replace simple parts on a gas fireplace? When must you contact a professional?
In general, a gas line or fuel supply issue, or serious problem with a component, requires professional service. But you can clean and troubleshoot the basic parts of your gas fire pit's igniter, battery, and burner.
If troubleshooting your gas fire pit doesn't result in an easily enacted solution to a common gas fire pit problem, you may need to need to buy a new fire pit. If that's the case, Appliances Connection has a large selection from which to make a choice.
Related Questions
What's one of the most common, yet often forgotten, conditions to check when a gas fire pit's burner keeps going out?
It may seem too simple - but be sure to check the fuel level in the tank. Turn the valve off and verify the level. A low level can hinder a strong flame or cause a flame to sputter. Additionally, the pilot tube could be blocked with dirt or debris, A thorough cleaning is often all that's needed to solve the problem.
What if there is spark but no pilot light?
If you face this issue, which can cause your burner to keep going out, the cause can often be related to the thermocouple - the tiny electrode that tells the gas valve to stay on.
To troubleshoot, tighten all the connections with a wrench. Take a close look at the thermocouple and gas valve. If you still have a problem with your pilot light, the valve may be faulty. In that case, it's time to call a professional service technician.