Tips for Better Outdoor Fire Pit Flame and Maintenance
It is that time of year again. The days are crisp and cool, and the nights are cold. It is time to light that fire pit but is it ready?
Will you be disappointed when you light it, and you find it has a low flame?
We are going to provide you a few tips and guidance on maintenance to fix the fire pit low flame issue you may be having.
Pros and cons of a gas fire pit
The pros of a gas fire pit are:
- Instant on and off
- Easier to clean and maintain
- No ashes to remove
The cons are that they produce less heat than wood burning fire pits.
Tips for fixing your propane fire pit low flame
When it comes to your flame on your propane fire pit, it could be a disappointment when you turn it on, and it is too low. If that happens, how do you fix it?
Follow these tips, and you should be able to have that low flame back to normal in no time.
Check the media of your fire pit
First, check the glass or media in your propane fire pit. It may be blocking the gas flow in your burner. This blockage can restrict the flame height.
To check the media, make sure the gas is off. Then, brush the stones or pebbles off the burner holes so that the propane is able to flow. Now that the burner holes are free of obstruction turn the gas back on. Light your fire pit and see if the flame is higher; if it is not, proceed to the second tip.
Possible gas leak
If your flame is not as high as it was when you first installed your propane fire pit, you may have a gas leak.
Check your fittings to make sure they are tight. If you find that the fittings are tight, move to regulator issues.
Regulator issues
Your regulator may not be the correct one. It is possible you can replace your regulator with one that provides more gas flow. If you are unsure about your regulator, have it checked. What the regulator does, is a gateway that allows the fuel to pass through the line to the fire.
Watch this how to change the regulator video.
Gas line
Your gas line may need to be a larger diameter. If your line is small, it will not allow enough fuel to the fire giving you a low flame.
If you replace your line with a larger diameter, you may want to change your regulator also.
Cleaning your outdoor fire pit
If your fire pit is the focal point of your yard, you will need to clean it occasionally. It is easy to clean. Follow the steps below, and you will be done with cleaning quickly.
- Shut the gas valve or line on the fire pit off before cleaning.
- Remove any rubble, rocks, and leaves from the burner pan.
- Check the drains and vents to be sure they aren’t clogged, and there aren’t any bugs.
- Don’t put out the fire with water as the sudden change in temperature can cause breakage and deterioration of the metal.
- Cover it when it’s not in use; it must be completely cool before covering.
- You may want to clean your stones or glass beads from time to time, as they can become
These cleaning tips will help keep your propane fire pit and flame in good working order for years to come.
General maintenance for your propane fire pit and safety tips
With a gas fire pit, maintenance is simple and easy. Follow the tips below, and you will keep your gas fire pit in great shape for years to come.
- At the end of the season, make sure the gas is shut off
- Cover the fire pit with a tarp or cover even during burnings so that it keeps debris, leaves, and water out of the burner.
- Once a year, preferably at the start of the fall season, check your gas lines, fittings, and regulator for damage.
- Wipe any dirt, leaves, or other debris from the burner.
- Check the level of your gas tank if you are using propane.
Following these maintenance steps will help keep your pit in good working order for the times you wish to use it.
Safety tips
Safety tips for your gas fire pit include:
- Make sure it is in a space that will not cause damage or fire to the house, garage, or trees on the property.
- Make sure everyone knows where the main shutoff for the gas is in case of an emergency.
- Have fire extinguishers readily available and visible.
- Place seating at an appropriate distance from the pit.
- Do not go near the fire with blankets, loose sweaters, or clothing that could swing near the flame.
- Once a year, check your equipment to make sure it is in proper condition for a fire.
- If you notice any damaged lines, regulator, or burner, replace them immediately before burning the fire pit.
Choosing and installing the right fire pit
If you wish to make your backyard more usable during the fall months, a fire pit can provide some heat as well as a focal point.
But, you have to choose the right fire pit first. Second, you need to install it or have a professional install it. If you have no experience installing a gas fire pit, it would be wise to leave the installation to the professionals.
There are gas and wood burning fire pits to choose from. With gas, it can be natural gas or propane, depending on where you live.
Wood burning means you have to have wood, you need to remove the ash, and from time to time clean the soot and smoke from the pit itself.
With gas, you do simple maintenance and turn the gas on to light the fire pit. There are no ashes to take out, and cleaning is minimal.
Things to consider when it comes to choosing a fire pit. Where do you live? Is there a natural gas line that runs to your house? Could you use propane gas? Do you have plenty of wood to burn? Someone who does woodwork for a hobby may have plenty of kindling wood; however, people who live in the city or in town may not have much wood.
How large of a fire pit can you fit on your property? Size is another thing to consider. How many people will be around the fire pit when you light it? Is there room in the backyard for a fire pit to operate safely? What shape and style do you want?
All of these things must be considered when choosing a fire pit for your yard. For more help on types and styles as well as other questions, visit us.
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