Do I need to relight the pilot after my propane tank runs empty or the gas is shut off for service, and is there air in the line to work through?
Yes on both counts. Any time the propane runs out or the gas is shut off, the pilot goes out and has to be relit once supply is restored. And there's air in the line that has to purge before gas reaches the burner, so expect the pilot to take several attempts — hold the knob a little longer, wait, and try again as the air works through.
Yes, and Yes
Any time the gas supply is interrupted — the propane tank runs dry, or a tech shuts it off for service — the pilot goes out and has to be relit once supply is back. On a standing-pilot unit that means going through the OFF, PILOT, ON lighting sequence again. And yes, there's air in the line now where gas used to be, so it takes a little patience: the pilot may sputter and refuse to catch for the first several tries while that air purges out and gas works its way to the burner.
Purging the Air
Follow your unit's lighting instructions, hold the pilot knob down through each attempt, and give it a few tries. As the trapped air clears the line, you'll usually see the pilot finally catch and hold. If you've gone well past a dozen attempts with no success, stop — something else is going on, like a clogged pilot orifice, a weak thermocouple, or a supply that isn't actually restored — and forcing it just floods the firebox with unburned gas. Let it air out and call us.
The Propane-Country Catch
Here's the part specific to Fairview, Candler, Brevard, and the cabins on propane: when a tank runs completely empty, code — and every reputable supplier — requires a leak and pressure test on the system before appliances go back into service. That's not a formality; an empty tank can let air and moisture into the lines. Your propane company handles that test, then you relight. If the fireplace still won't light after a proper refill and test, or you're not comfortable with any of it, we'll handle the relight and check the unit. Call (828) 545-0525.
Related questions
- How do I light the pilot light on my gas fireplace?
- How long do I hold the pilot knob down when lighting it, and why won't it stay lit if I let go too soon?
- How long should I wait before trying again if the pilot doesn't catch on the first try?
- Is it safe to relight the pilot myself, or should a professional do it?
- How do I turn the pilot light off completely?
- What do the OFF, PILOT, and ON positions on my gas fireplace control knob mean?
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