As the weather gets colder, many people turn to their outdoor propane fire pits to extend their time outside. However, a common problem that people run into is that their propane fire pit won’t stay lit. This can be a frustrating problem, especially when you’re trying to enjoy a warm evening by the fire.
Although propane fire pits are relatively easy to use in general, you need to have a thorough idea of how to properly start your fire pits. Because one mistake can put your life and property in the face of non-existence.
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Why Your Propane Fire Pit Won’t Stay Lit and What to Do?
There are several reasons why you may not have a propane fire pit light. Because whatever it is, you have to find it and fix it. It can be a complicated problem to diagnose, but if you suspect a leak, you should first turn off your gas and call a professional to help you fix the problem.
The Propane Tank Is Low on Gas
If your propane tank is running out or low on gas, this can be the reason why your fire pit won’t stay lit. The first thing you should do is check the level of your propane tank and see if it needs to be refilled.
The Burner Is Clogged With Debris
When trying to use a propane fire pit, one of the most common issues is that the burner is clogged with debris. This can be anything from dirt and dust to leaves and twigs. If the burner is clogged, the propane fire pit won’t stay lit. The good news is that this is an easy problem to fix.
The first step is to turn off the gas in the fire pit. Next, remove the burner from the fire pit. Once the burner is removed, take a look inside to see if there is any debris blocking the gas flow. If there is, simply remove it and clean out the burner.
Once the burner is clean, replace it in the fire pit and turn on the gas. The propane fire pit should now stay lit. If the burner is still clogged, you may need to replace it with a new one.
Leaks in the Propane Line
If there are any leaks in the propane line, this can also cause your fire pit to go out. There are a few reasons why your propane fire pit might be leaking gas. The first possibility is that the O-ring seal on the gas valve is damaged or worn out. This can happen over time with repeated use, and it can cause the gas to leak out when the valve is open. Another possibility is that the gas line itself is damaged. This can happen if the line is kinked or if there is a hole in it. If the gas line is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
To check for leaks, you can turn on the gas to the fire pit and then use a soapy water solution to check all of the connections. If there are any bubbles, this indicates a leak.
The Igniter Is Not Working
If your fire pit has an igniter, such as a piezo igniter, and it is not working, then this can be the reason why your fire pit won’t stay lit. To test if the igniter is working, you can try lighting it with a lighter. If it does not spark, then you will need to replace the igniter.
The Gas Valve Is Not Turned on
This may seem like a silly mistake, but if the gas valve to your fire pit is not turned on, then your fire pit will not stay lit. Make sure that the gas valve is turned on all the way before trying to light your fire pit.
There Is Not Enough Air Flow
If there is not enough airflow to your fire pit, this can also be the reason why it won’t stay lit. Make sure that there are no obstructions around your fire pit and that there is enough clearance for the smoke to escape.
There May Have a Kink in the Supply Hose
If your propane fire pit is not burning, the most common reason is the supply hose. This can reduce the flow of propane in the fire pit, making it harder to keep the fire burning. There may also be a blockage in the burner orifice. This can be caused by dirt or debris and prevent propane from burning properly. If you suspect a blockage, you can try cleaning the burner with a paperclip or other small object.
When the weather is particularly cold, the propane in the tank may become thicker and harder to evaporate. This can make the fire harder but can be solved by using a propane heater to heat the tank before use.
Read More: Fire Ring vs. Fire Pit: When and Which One Should You Have?
Tips to Start Your Fire Pit Successfully
1. Check the gas tank: Make sure that your propane fire pit’s gas tank is full. If it’s not, then your fire pit won’t be able to produce enough heat to stay lit.
2. Check flammable material around: Make sure there is no material within 20 feet of your propane fire pit area that could cause a fire in your home.
3. Check the regulator: Make sure that the regulator is turned on. If it’s not, then gas will not be able to flow to your fire pit.
4. Check the igniter: Make sure that the igniter is working. If it’s not, then you won’t be able to light your fire pit.
5. Check the burner: Make sure that the burner is clean. If it’s not, then the gas won’t be able to flow properly and your fire pit won’t stay lit.
6. Check the wind: Make sure that there is not a lot of wind. If there is, then the flames will be blown out and your fire pit won’t stay lit.
7. Try using a lighter: If you’re having trouble lighting your fire pit with a match, try using a lighter. This will help to get the fire going.
8. Try using a fire starter: If you’re having trouble getting your fire pit lit, try using a fire starter. This will help to get the fire going.
9. Be patient: It can sometimes take a few minutes for the fire to start. Don’t give up if it doesn’t start right away.
10. Enjoy your fire pit: Once your fire pit is lit, sit back and enjoy it. And make sure you put out your fire pit before you leave the place.
Related: 7 Common Propane Fire Pit Problems and How to Fix Them
Final Word
If your propane fire pit is still giving you trouble, there are a few things you can try to get it to stay lit. One option is to use higher-quality propane gas. This gas is less likely to vaporize, so it will flow to the fire pit more easily and keep it lit. Another option is to use a bigger propane tank. This will give the fire pit a steadier supply of gas, which can help it stay lit for longer.
If you’re still having trouble keeping your propane fire pit lit, it’s best to call a professional. They can help you figure out what the problem is and how to fix it. With their help, you can enjoy your fire pit all season long.
FAQs
Why does my propane fire pit flame keep going out? ›
When a fire pit keeps going out, the cause is almost always the flame-sensing thermocouple. If the flame goes out immediately after you light your fire pit, this is an indication that the thermocouple isn't sensing the flame and it's turning off your gas supply.
How do you troubleshoot a propane fire pit? ›Check all gas pipes for partial blockages. Use compressed air to clean the pipes. Check all connections for leaks. The gas supply pressure should within the range specified by the fire pit manufacturers specification.
How do you bypass a thermocouple on a propane fire pit? ›- Turn Off the Gas Supply To The Fire Pit. The first step in the process is the most vital. ...
- Remove The Thermocouple Access Panel. ...
- Disconnect The Gas Supply Lines. ...
- Remove The Thermocouple and Replace The Access Panel. ...
- Check For Any Gas Leaks.
The outdoor fireplace uses a safety valve, call a thermocouple, that will shut off the flow of gas if there is a loss of flame. When you turn the control knob to the “ON” position and push the control knob in, gas will flow to the burner and the thermocouple.
Why is my propane burner not staying lit? ›My propane tank is full, but my grill isn't staying lit.
A grill that won't stay lit for long could be caused by a clogged burner, a stuck regulator, or a faulty regulator valve or hose. To check for clogged burners, remove the grill grates and flavor bars or burner covers to expose the burners.
Problems with a gas fireplace continuing to go out are often the result of sensors that are faulty or dirty. In many cases, cleaning the pilot light, oxypilot, thermopile, or thermocouple can resolve the issue. It is often the case that these crucial parts do need to be replaced.
Why is my gas fire sparking but not igniting? ›If gas is coming out of the pilot but it still won't light, the spark igniter could be the problem. You should clear out any debris between the igniter and thermocouple. Blowing compressed air into the pilot area, waiting a couple of minutes, then trying again could help to fix the problem.
How do you troubleshoot propane? ›Check that the hose attachment is properly connected to the propane tank, and double-check that the screw-on valve is tightened. Some propane tanks have safety features that won't allow gas to escape from the canister unless the hose connection is tightly secured with the gas release mechanism.
Why does my propane fire pit ignite but won't stay lit? ›Your firepit won't stay lit if there is an obstruction in the burner. Sometimes, dirt, leaves, or even small insects will block the burner, which leads to an inconsistent flame. Take some time to clean the burner ring after the fire pit has cooled. This small effort may make all the difference.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad? ›- The first is signs of contamination on the tube, which can include discoloration, cracks, or pinholes.
- Next, check the wiring for any signs of wear or corrosion like missing insulation or bare wire.
Why does my thermocouple keeps burning out? ›
Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction. The fix here is as easy as removing the thermocouple, cleaning it with a wire brush or something coarse (even an ordinary dollar bill works), and replacing.
What happens when a thermocouple goes bad? ›Normally when the thermocouple malfunctions or isn't working, it simply shuts off the gas to your heater. This is important, particularly if the pilot light is out, because it prevents harmful gas from leaking into your home.
Should the pilot light touch the thermocouple? ›The pilot flame should touch the thermocouple at a specific level. If the flame is blue and weak, and barely reaches the thermocouple, it needs to be stronger. If it extends well above the thermocouple, it's too strong.
How do you clean a thermocouple on a propane stove? ›Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up. Cleaning a thermocouple is not a fix for an issue, such as inaccurate readings.
Why am I running out of propane so fast? ›The main cause of a propane tank run out is simply improper management. Perhaps sudden cold weather caused an unpredictable surge in your home heating, or the fuel supplier is unable to deliver due to bad road conditions or poor planning. In any case, a propane tank run out should not be taken lightly.
How do you fix a burner that won't ignite? ›Soak the sealed burner base in vinegar or warm water and use a stiff brush to remove any debris. Finally, clean any remaining debris out of the burner holes with a toothpick, sewing needle or compressed air. Reinstall the burner, cover and the grill, and try igniting the burner once more.
Why does my fireplace flame go out? ›Your gas fireplace could be turning off for several reasons. The most like culprits are likely tied to some kind of problem with your setup. Anything from issues with your pilot light, clogged ports on burners, damage to heating components, and thermocouple/thermopile malfunctions can be to blame.
Why does my fireplace fire keep going out? ›The wood is not properly seasoned or too big to create the heat necessary to produce draft. Air shutter was not open enough. Open the air shutter all the way to get the fire burning briskly before shutting it down.
Why won t my pilot light stay lit when I release the knob? ›If you're able to light the pilot light, but it goes out when you release the control knob, the thermocouple probably needs replacing. The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off gas flow if it senses the pilot light is out, but when damaged it loses its regulatory ability.
How do you increase the flame on a propane fire pit? ›For your safety, ensure your gas is turned off and then simply brush away some of the media from the holes in your burner. Once cleared, turn your gas back on and your flames should be vastly improved.
How do you check a spark ignitor? ›
Turn on the test power cord switch to power the ignitor. Check for spark across the ignitor clip ends (see Figure 1). If spark occurs, proceed the secondary coil test below. If spark does not jump the gap, or if the spark jumps intermittently, ignitor is defective and should be replaced.
Why won t my gas fireplace stay lit but pilot stays on? ›Faulty Thermopile/Thermocouple
If your pilot light is strong, but the fireplace still won't stay lit, you could have a malfunctioning thermopile or thermocouple. This component converts heat into electricity to open the gas valve when you hit the wall switch or remote control to turn on your unit.
The gas lines that run from the propane tank to the grill can be cleaned using a piece of thin but sturdy wire. To clean the gas lines effectively, you will want to try to find a piece of wire that is longer than the lines are. This will allow you to push the wire straight through without having to pull it back.
Why does my flame keep going out? ›Your furnace has a limit switch that keeps it from running if the heat exchanger is too hot. Dirty filters, closed or blocked vents and other blockages in airflow are common causes of an overheated furnace. A bad limit switch. The limit switch may be bad and need to be replaced.
Why does my burner keep going out? ›While the most common causes of log burners going out are insufficient oxygen, fuel or heat, stoves also rely on a properly functioning chimney. The purpose of this is to draw out exhaust fumes that could suffocate your fire.
Why does my heater flame keeps going out? ›If the flame sensor is dirty or has become corroded, the flame won't register and will turn off the gas valve, which, in turn, causes your system to shut down. You will need to contact a professional to check this, especially if your furnace is cycling on and off too quickly.
How do you know if a flame sensor is bad? ›Signs of a bad flame sensor
Furnace burners turn on but go out after a few seconds. Soot and other debris is covering the end of the sensor (cleaning the flame sensor may fix this issue rather than a flame sensor replacement) Tip of flame sensor is black. Porcelain/sensor casing is cracked.
- The first is signs of contamination on the tube, which can include discoloration, cracks, or pinholes.
- Next, check the wiring for any signs of wear or corrosion like missing insulation or bare wire.
Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up. Cleaning a thermocouple is not a fix for an issue, such as inaccurate readings.
Why is my gas heater flame not staying on? ›If your pilot light won't stay alight, it might be the thermocouple. Sometimes dust buildup collects on the thermocouple and blocks the sensor. Try cleaning the thermocouple and then relighting the pilot light. If it continues to go out, the thermocouple might need to be replaced.
Why does my furnace keep shutting off after a few seconds? ›
A common reason a furnace short cycles is because the heat exchanger, the part that heats your air, is getting too hot due to a lack of airflow. Once the heat exchanger overheats, it trips the high limit switch, which shuts the furnace down to protect it.
Why does my thermocouple keep going out? ›Changes in temperature can cause regular expansion and contraction in metal, which will cause thermocouples to weaken over time. After enough time, metal fatigue can cause a thermocouple to break.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my gas fireplace? ›Diagnosing a Thermocouple Problem
If your thermocouple is still in good condition, you should be able to read 25 millivolts of voltage or higher, but if it reads less than 25 millivolts, your thermocouple needs to be replaced.