How to Repair a Propane Fire Pit

A propane fire pit is a great addition to any backyard landscape. Sitting around a fire in the evening is a great way to unwind after a long day, or sit with friends for some after hours conversation and entertaining. Installing a propane fire pit is a straightforward process, but does require a lot of labor and time. Once the propane fire pit is installed, and working, there are countless hours of enjoyment.

What happens if the propane fire pit does not work properly? Many people will call the service repair man, but that can be costly if there is a lot of work involved. Here are some simple repair steps to take if your propane fire pit is not working like it should. Not only can you do this yourself, but you will also save money in the process.

Step 1: Inspect Propane Fire Pit

Before you get to work on repairing your fire pit you must inspect the entire area first. Check each of the components that make up your fire pit. By doing so you may be able to find an easy repair that includes a blocked port, or a loose connection. This does not take much time and can save you plenty of money in wrong repairs.

Step 2: Check for Leaks

One of the more common problems with a propane fire pit is it will start to leak the gas. You will know this by the constant propane smell, even after the fire pit has been turned off. Check areas like fittings, valves, and tubes for any signs of leaking. If you find a leak you can repair it easily.

Step 3: Shut off Propane

Before fixing any leaks, or doing any repairs, on the propane fire pit you need to shut off the propane supply. If you have a portable tank connected to the system, you can even remove it in case it does not seal tight enough.

Step 4: Disconnect Fitting

If you notice that a leak is coming from a fitting, or other connection, disconnect it and see if it is warped or corroded. If so, then replace it with a new part. Wrap the threads of the fitting with plumber's tape and tighten it again.

Step 5: Replace Damaged Piping

For propane fire pits that are outside in ground that goes through a freezing and thawing cycle, there can be damage to the supply pipe. Replacing this will require digging it up and finding the broken piece.

Step 6: Clean Burners

When the propane fire pit is not burning as it used to, there is usually a problem with the burners being clogged. You will need to remove the burner system from the pit and set it in some cleaner. As it sits, the residue will dissolve in the cleaning solution. After 30 minutes, remove the burner and dry it off. Set it back into the fire pit and connect it to the supply lines.

Step 7: Test Fire Pit

After these repairs have been made you can then turn the gas back on. Try to light the fire pit to test it and make sure that everything is working like it should.