Repairing Guides

how to repair propane patio heater

by Rhea Larkin Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Before attempting any repairs, make sure the Patio heater is turned off and disconnected from the power source.
  2. Check that the fuse or circuit breaker is not blown and replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker if it is blown.
  3. Remove the cover of the patio heater and check the pilot light. If it’s out, relight it following the instructions of manufacturers.
  4. If the pilot light is lit, check to see if the burner is clogged. ...
  5. If the burner is working properly, check the temperature control to make sure that it’s set to the correct level.
  6. Replace the cover on the patio heater and reconnect it to power.
  7. Turn on the patio heater and wait for it to warm up for a few minutes.

Part of a video titled How To: Repair a Propane Patio Heater - YouTube
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So the first thing we're going to do is take the finial off the top. Here. Not just unscrews by handMoreSo the first thing we're going to do is take the finial off the top. Here. Not just unscrews by hand and then you've got this little. Little doohicker thing up top decorative.

Full Answer

How do you clean a Propane patio heater?

mounted and portable patio heaters at NorthernTool.com - shop the latest deals on propane, gas and electric patio heaters Save up to 48% on patio heaters from Briza, Hiland, AmazonBasics & Dr ...

Are propane heaters better than electric heaters?

Propane heating is better than electric heat in many ways. Performance, efficiency, dependability and reducing the carbon footprint of your home are all ways propane heat is superior to electric heat. Not all heating systems deliver air at the same temperature.

How do you Purge a propane heater?

How to Purge Air From a Propane Gas Line

  1. Open the Propane Tank Valve. Open the propane tank valve. ...
  2. Light Your Stovetop. Next, simply light your stove burner. ...
  3. Watch the Burner Flame. Keep an eye on the burner flame. ...
  4. Test Your Other Propane-Powered Appliances. Lastly, light any other propane-powered appliances you have in your motorhome and ensure they are working properly.

What is the best propane garage heater?

Top-6 propane garage heaters | Reviews and recommendations

  1. MR. HEATER F272800 This 40,000 BTU natural gas garage heater offers an awesome heating efficiency to keep any workspace and the surrounding objects warm and comfortable due to the ...
  2. Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Propane Blue Flame Vent-Free Heater This propane vent free model runs using the principle of the hot air convection. ...
  3. MR. ...
  4. MR. ...

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

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.

Why is my outdoor propane heater not working?

You should replace or refill your propane tank. The problem may also be in the regulator. If the gas is on but there is no gas flow then replace the hose and regulator assembly. If your propane tank is new you will need to purge the air from the gas lines.

How do you troubleshoot a propane heater?

2:056:53Propane Patio Heater Troubleshooting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce again a shaded area this is the spark you want to make sure you got a spark first of all whichMoreOnce again a shaded area this is the spark you want to make sure you got a spark first of all which the spark ignites your pilot light.

Why is my patio heater not igniting?

Check for debris around the patio heater burner pilot and clean out insects and ensure the area is clean and dry. There may be low fuel pressure, ensure the gas cylinder has sufficient fuel and is turned ON at the regulator. Ensure the regulator is not worn and working OK.

Why would a propane heater stop working?

The most common reasons for a non-working propane heater are a dirty thermocouple, a thermocouple that is too far from the flame, a blocked pilot tube, an empty/overfilled gas canister, and drafts. Fortunately, the majority of homeowners will be able to take care of these issues on their own.

How do you clean a thermocouple on a patio heater?

Here Are the Steps for the Cleaning Procedure:Shut gas off.Locate the gas control box ( the fuel supply goes into it)Locate the thermocouple ( near the flame)Remove thermocouple for ease of cleaning.Clean by lightly sanding.Replace thermocouple as it was.Turn gas on.Light.

How do you clean a thermocouple on a gas heater?

In cleaning a thermocouple, you need some steel wool or 60-grit sandpaper, and a cloth. First, turn off the gas supply, unscrew the thermocouple and then clean it with steel wool or sandpaper then wipe down with a cloth to remove residue. I clean our thermocouple every six months to avoid getting it coated with soot.

How do I know if my propane regulator is bad?

How to Tell if Propane Regulator is Bad: 9 Major SignsYellow or orange flames instead of blue. ... Unusual sounds. ... Reduced or no gas flow. ... The smell of a gas leak. ... The automatic changeover isn't working. ... It's frequently freezing. ... It's been submerged in water. ... It has expired now.

How does a thermocouple work 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.

How do I reset my propane heater?

Relight the pilot light by holding a lit match to the pilot flame jet's opening. Turn the circuit breaker back on, and then turn the main gas supply back on. Press and hold the reset button for about 30 seconds and raise the temperature on the thermostat.

What causes a gas heater not to light?

If your gas furnace initiates the start cycle but does not fire up, it's likely because of a faulty, damaged, or dirty ignitor/sensor. This is a very common furnace problem—you can try to clean the sensor and replace the ignitor.

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.

Where is the thermocouple on my propane heater?

3:115:35How to clean Thermocouple in propane heater-How to ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd this is a close-up here. This is where the gas comes out there this is the igniter. And this isMoreAnd this is a close-up here. This is where the gas comes out there this is the igniter. And this is your thermocoupler right here this is what you need to.

Can you fix thermocouple?

Thermocouples are designed to detect a pilot light's loss of heat and close the gas valve to prevent a gas leak. Replacing a thermocouple is a relatively easy fix that can take less than two hours.

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.

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.

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 happens if a heater has a pilot light?

This issue is related to the thermocouple. If your heater has a pilot light, then the thermocouple may have failed, carboned up, or just got dirty or corroded. The thermocouple is usually cylindrical shaped and sits in the pilot light’s flame.

What happens when propane tank is low?

Air can become trapped in the gas line which can block the propane from flowing to the heater head combustion area. This usually only happens after a tank change, or a low tank.

Why does my gas heater stay lite?

The heater may stay lite, but not give off enough heat and not adjust above a low flame, this would most likely be caused by low gas pressure. If the outdoor temperature is lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.5C), and the tank is less than one-quarter full, it will result in a lower pressure and flame.

How to light a pilot light?

When lighting a pilot light you have to hold the pilot light button down or leave it on the pilot setting until the thermocouple gets warm enough to allow gas flow.

Do gas heaters work?

Gas Delivery. While several specific mechanisms allow them to function, the only elements that a gas heater needs to work are flame and fuel. Due to their straightforward design, on the rare occasion that one of these heaters does not work correctly, troubleshooting them is also straightforward.

Does propane heater work with no gas?

Here is a line from a manufacture…. The propane heater may not work as a result of no gas. OK, that always cracks me up, but it is a problem that can arise. Just go to the base of the heater and check the weight of the gas tank. Check the solutions area for more details.

Does a thermocouple work on a propane heater?

One could consider the thermocouple like a lightbulb, it either works or it doesn’t. As it ages it could actually produce voltage, but just not enough to engage the fail-safe solenoid. On a propane heater, the thermocouple will turn off the patio heaters gas supply, this is a safety on all gas appliances.

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.

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.

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 ...

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