How to Troubleshoot a Propane Fireplace
Propane fireplaces are acceptable alternatives to natural gas and wood, especially due to propane's availability in rural areas. Propane fireplaces heat up quickly and can be controlled either manually or with a remote control. Knowledge of how to troubleshoot your propane fireplace is vital as it can help you save money that you would otherwise be spent on a contractor, and also reduces your concern if your unit fails to work on cold days.
Item’s Needed:
- Gloves
- Spray bottle
- Dish soap
- Before you begin to check where the problem is make sure that the valves to the gas supply are turned off so as to insure your property and health during the entire process.
- Check whether you have sufficient gas. Most of the troubles that you will experience while starting your fireplace have to do with gas supply. This might seem as if it is simple but a limited supply of gas may be the only reason why your fireplace is not working.
- Ensure that the gas supply valve is turned on by turning its handle until it’s in line with the gas supply pipe. Check the fill level of your tank to see whether you have enough gas.
- Look up the temperature in your area. Propane needs pressure to escape and burn in your fireplace, if the weather is too cold, you may not have enough pressure in the propane tank outside of your home. There are blankets available that help to insulate the tank.
- Check your igniter. The igniter turns on the little blue flame of the pilot light on your fireplace. Sometimes the igniter can get damaged from overuse and require replacement. To check whether it has a problem, turn on the gas and press the button to see if there is a spark or a flame appearing. If there is no spark or flame then your igniter needs replacement.
- Replace your batteries. Most fireplaces are remote controlled. In case you simply have trouble starting your fireplace, try changing the batteries of your remote control.
- Check the gas lines. If your gas lines or propane gas is mixed with air then your fireplace won’t light for long. You can check this by testing your fireplace, if it’s going off after a few minutes then its time to examine the gas lines by pulling them apart and removing any trapped air.
- Use a spray bottle with a tablespoon of dish soap and water, spray the gas lines going from the fireplace to the tank in order to locate areas where there may be a propane leak.