how to repair outdoor heater

Steps

• Disconnect your heater gas line. ...
• Start removing the top cover from your patio heater. ...
• Locate the burner assembly.
• Open the rubbing alcohol bottle and soak the cotton swab end with it.
• Start rubbing the alcohol-drenched cotton swab over the burner assembly holes.
• Keep on rubbing until the grease, dirt, and debris get cleaned away.

More items...

Full Answer

How do you fix an Electric patio heater that won’t start?

Then connect both ends of the new gas line to the heater and tighten them with the wrench. Damaged or corroded wiring is one of the most common causes for electric patio heater problems. This includes everything from the heater not starting at all to a whole host of malfunctions while it’s running.

Can you leave a patio heater outside?

Give your patio heater room to breathe and leave it outside when you’re using it. As far as outdoor use goes, there are many more chances for you to use your patio heater. As long as the space is open and there’s proper ventilation, you should be good to use the patio heater.

How do I take care of my patio heater?

The first step to taking care of your patio heater problems is to diagnose the problem itself. Many issues can plague your patio heater and, without the proper care, could mark the end of it. Luckily, most of the issues you’re dealing with come with a simple fix, once spotted, that can be done without the help of a professional.

Are electric or gas patio heaters easier to fix?

While electric heaters are certainly easier to use and maintain, they do come with one problem that can be quite difficult to fix; faulty wiring. Gas and propane patio heaters have the advantage of most components being easy to access and fix, but electric heaters are much more intricate.

How to tell if a patio heater is damaged?

What happens when you stack a patio heater?

How to unclog a gas line?

What is a thermocouple on a patio heater?

Why won't my electric heater start?

How to replace spark igniter?

How to clean a gas burner?

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Why do patio heaters stop working?

One common issue that patio heater owners face is keeping their patio heater lit. The typical cause for this is that the pilot light flame has become too far away from the thermocouple. Thus, the thermocouple will turn off the patio heater as it tricks the gas value in to thinking that the pilot light is out.

Why will my propane heater not light?

When your propane heater's pilot light doesn't stay lit, it's most likely because of a dirty thermocouple, a dirty pilot, and a clogged orifice. The heater will also fail to work, in case it is placed in a windy area – a wind barrier will get the problem solved.

How do you fix a propane heater?

3:346:53Propane Patio Heater Troubleshooting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOff the propane tank and just tap it on your propane tank a couple of times believe it or not it'sMoreOff the propane tank and just tap it on your propane tank a couple of times believe it or not it's something a lot of time solves the problem it opens up that diaphragm releases the air pocket.

How do you clean a thermocouple on a patio heater?

You can simply use a can of compressed air and blow away any dust or dirt particles from the thermocouple. Once done, wipe away any remaining dirt or soot on the thermocouple using a separate clean cloth and rub until it's clean.

How do you manually light an outdoor propane heater?

0:081:18How To Start Your Dyna-Glo Patio Heater - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst access the propane tank inside the cylinder housing of the unit. Turn the propane cylinderMoreFirst access the propane tank inside the cylinder housing of the unit. Turn the propane cylinder valve to open the gas. Line. Then push the control knob in and turn it to the pilot.

How do you clean an outdoor propane heater?

0:412:32Patio Comfort Heaters - Cleaning The Pilot Assembly - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPoint your air source down into the pilot body as shown and engaged. You may have to do this aMorePoint your air source down into the pilot body as shown and engaged. You may have to do this a couple times to clear out some of the more stubborn debris.

How do I fix my outdoor gas heater?

3:264:28How to fix a tall patio heater that won't light (SOLVED) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut I think you can see a little bit of flame coming out of there now and it feels nice. Nice andMoreBut I think you can see a little bit of flame coming out of there now and it feels nice. Nice and hot so that's all it was was just a clogged tube. You get spider webs up in there and dirt and gunk.

Why does my propane patio heater keep going out?

If the thermocouple is too far from the flame, this can cause the pilot to go out and shut down the propane heater; you can fix this easily by moving the thermocouple closer to the flame. The thermocouple could also be worn out, in which case it needs to be replaced.

Do outdoor heaters come apart?

Yes, it is an unfortunate truth; you do need to take the heater apart before storing it. A propane patio heater cannot be stored while it is connected, as this can be a safety hazard.

How much should it cost to replace a thermocouple?

1 cause of pilot lights that won't stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. It's easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Rather than trying to unfasten the thermocouple inside the water heater's burning chamber, it's easier to remove the whole burner and thermocouple assembly.

Does cleaning a thermocouple work?

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.

Where is the thermocouple on a patio heater?

3:078:02Patio Heater Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit - DIY Thermocouple CleaningYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd remove the tank. And lay this whole thing over on its side so that you can gain access to theMoreAnd remove the tank. And lay this whole thing over on its side so that you can gain access to the top to the thermocouple.

How do you bypass a thermocouple on a propane heater?

3:556:48How to bypass your thermocouple on a propane heater - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMore waiting for the stupid thermocouple. To light now. That's how you bypass it oh and let me showMoreMore waiting for the stupid thermocouple. To light now. That's how you bypass it oh and let me show you which one this is just one of us here is let me show you the parts.

Where is the thermocouple on a gas heater?

Your furnace's thermocouple is usually located right in the flame of the furnace's pilot light. Its copper tubing makes it easy to spot. The thermocouple is made up of a tube, a bracket, and wires.

How do you change a thermocouple on a propane wall heater?

0:432:31How To Test and Replace a Thermopile: Wall Furnace Burner ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd let the new thermopile warm up for a few minutes i'll put my leads onto the new thermal pile.MoreAnd let the new thermopile warm up for a few minutes i'll put my leads onto the new thermal pile. And test it i'm now getting about 536 millivolts now let's try out the wall.

How do you fix a propane patio heater that won't stay lit?

Here are 6 fixes you can try to keep your patio heater lit:Check for air currents.Clean the pilot.Check the gas valve-pilot connection.Clean the thermocouple.Refill your propane tank.Replace your propane tank.

How do you unclog an outdoor heater?

The best way to unclog your heater is to use a can of compressed air and blow out the burners.

How much of a thermocouple should be in the flame?

The pilot flame should cover about ½ inch of the thermocouple.

How do you clean a thermocouple on a patio heater?

Start by turning off the propane heater and disconnecting the fuel supply. Use a screwdriver to unscrew it and remove it from the pilot assembly. R...

How long does a thermocouple last?

A properly functioning thermocouple should last at least a few years but will probably need to be replaced after 5 years.

How much does it cost to fix a thermocouple?

It will cost between $150 and $250 to replace the thermocouple within your patio heater.

Patio Heater Repair & Troubleshooting: The Ultimate Guide

Your pilot light is used so you can tell if the gas is flowing into your patio heater. You should typically be able to see your pilot light from the front of your heater, and if you can’t, then there is probably an issue.

Troubleshooting Your Gas Patio Heater | DoItYourself.com

Here are some reasons why your gas patio heater may not be heating your patio.

Signs of a Malfunctioning Patio Heater

Before you can go about fixing your patio heater, you need to understand if there’s an issue. Some problems can be easy to spot, whereas others are a bit more concealed. Here are the telltale signs that your patio heater is malfunctioning:

9 Most Common Patio Heaters Problems & Solutions

Every outdoor heater is different, and they can have very different problems, but you’d be surprised how many times it’s similar issues. Here are 9 of the most common problems and how to solve them:

How to Bypass Thermocouple on a Patio Heater

A thermocouple is a piece of metal tubing that controls the flow of gas into your heater. It’s designed as a safety component that only allows gas to go through if the pilot light is on and it’s going to be used.

Maintenance Tips For Patio Heaters

Preventative measures are always best. You can save yourself a lot of time and money by properly maintaining your patio heater and looking after it. This will also help to protect your device and keep it functioning properly for longer.

Conclusion

Your patio heater is a great asset to your home and can be used indoors and outdoors. But it can be frustrating if it suddenly stops working. Thankfully, there’s a lot of common issues which are easy enough to sort yourself at home.

What to do if your heater is not light?

If you have carried out all the checks and the heater will still not light, you can repeat all the checks more slowly and carefully or take your heater to a specialist for a service. Any other modifications that do not involve ignition issues on your individual heater will vary according to the manufacturer.

What to do if gas heater won't light up?

If there is a spark but the heater will not light up, try using a lighter or burning spill to light the gas. If you still can’t get it to light, verify the following parts are in working order so you can be sure the gas is making it to the burner.

How to tell if thermocouple is broken?

A good indication that the thermocouple has broken down is that the pilot light goes out when you try to turn the heater on.

What is the flip switch on a patio heater?

Some regulators have a flip switch that prevents the valve in the top of the cylinder from being depressed, effectively acting as an "off" switch. If you find such a switch on your patio heater, make sure that it’s set to the "on" position. Clear Gas Pipe.

Why does my gas heater not work?

As with other gas appliances, one obvious reason they fail to work is that there’s no gas. Look toward the base of the heater and take out the gas cylinder. If it’s light in weight, it may be empty, and you should replace it with a full one.

What is the regulator on a gas burner?

Check the Gas Regulator. The gas regulator is a connector that joins the gas tank with the gas pipe to be carried up to the burner.

Can a gas patio heater be used outside?

Gas patio heaters can be useful additions to yards or outdoor areas, but they’re also quite simple devices from a technological standpoint. While there are a number of specific mechanisms that allow them to function, overall the only elements that a gas heater needs to work are flame and fuel. Due to their straightforward design, on ...

Why is my propane patio heater not heating?

If your propane patio heater is experiencing a lower amount of heat, this could be due to a leak somewhere in the gas line process. While this might not be much of a threat to your patio heater, gas leaks should always be handled with caution for your own health and safety.

How do patio heaters ignite?

One common way that gas patio heaters ignite is through an igniter. Much like with a BBQ starter, it creates a spark that ignites the gas released by the tank which causes a controlled flame to shoot up through the tube. This controlled flame is what creates the heat and warms up the space around the patio heater.

What happens if you wire an electric heater incorrectly?

If the wiring is done incorrectly, your heater might not work properly, or it could become a ball of flames. Let a professional handle wiring issues on your electric patio heater. The best way to resolve this issue is to take preventative care to ensure it doesn’t occur in the first place. 5. No Pilot Light.

Why is it important to have a gas line on a patio heater?

It’s important to get the right size gas line, otherwise you might find yourself with a new leak or pressure failure. The reduced heat is caused by less gas being supplied, so the new, undamaged line should be enough to get your patio heater back to producing at full capacity. 3. Infestation of Bugs and Critters.

What are the problems with electric heaters?

4. Faulty Electric Heater. While electric heaters are certainly easier to use and maintain, they do come with one problem that can be quite difficult to fix; faulty wiring. Gas and propane patio heaters have the advantage of most components being easy to access and fix, but electric heaters are much more intricate.

Can a patio heater be fixed?

Here are a few of the most common issues with a patio heater that can easily be addressed and fixed on your own. These issues can certainly cause some headache, but shouldn’t be the end of the line for your patio heater. As long as maintenance is taken care of and your patio heater is properly cared for, then you should be good to go for years on end.

Can a patio heater be used for small animals?

When the weather is cold, small animals will look for a warm place to stay. In this case, the warm location maybe your patio heater, especially right after use. If you notice signs of rodents or small animals nearby, it’s a good idea to check your patio heater.

How to tell if a patio heater is damaged?

Signs of damaged wires include corrosion, frayed wire and broken wire insulation. Exposure to the elements, rodent infestation or simply age can lead to wire issues. A wall-mounted patio heater’s electrical wiring is especially prone to damage from birds if they build nests on top of them. Damaged wiring can’t be fixed.

What happens when you stack a patio heater?

When these elements stack up on a patio heater’s gas or electric heating element, the heater may have starting issues or reduced heat production. If your patio heater has these issues, cleaning it could be all you need to do.

How to unclog a gas line?

To unclog the line, start by removing the emitter screen with a screwdriver to expose the ignition assembly. Grab a small wrench and loosen the orifice from the gas line.

What is a thermocouple on a patio heater?

The thermocouple of a gas patio heater is a safety component designed to prevent gas leaks when the pilot goes out. It’s a copper rod that sits next to the pilot tube on the other side of the spark igniter; it allows gas to flow through the pilot tube when it detects heat from the pilot light.

Why won't my electric heater start?

Electric heater doesn’t start, or starts but doesn’t work right. Damaged or corroded wiring is one of the most common causes for electric patio heater problems. This includes everything from the heater not starting at all to a whole host of malfunctions while it’s running.

How to replace spark igniter?

To replace the spark igniter, note that it is usually secured to the ignition assembly by a single retainer nut that can be removed with a wrench. On the other end, it’s usually linked to the ignition switch wiring with a push-in connector that can be easily pulled out by hand.

How to clean a gas burner?

Reattach the screen. To clean a gas burner’s individual ports, remove the emitter screen and take a pipe cleaner or straw brush to remove dirt and debris. Once clean, reattach the screen.