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, and in Fairview — propane country on these wooded lots — the empty-tank version is the one to plan around. When a tank runs dry or the gas is shut off, the pilot goes out and must be relit once the system's refilled and tested, and there's air in the line that has to purge before the burner will settle in.
Propane on Wooded Rural Lots
Fairview sits on large wooded lots out Cane Creek and Garren Creek, and most gas hearths here run on propane, with the tank often set well back from the house. Two things follow. First, if the tank ran completely empty, your supplier must run a leak and pressure test before you relight anything — a drained tank can draw air and moisture into the lines, and that's code, not a formality. Second, those longer buried runs hold more air, so even after a proper refill, expect the pilot to sputter through more attempts than a short hookup as the line clears.
Wood Heat Is a Fairview Habit
Plenty of Fairview homes also lean on wood — it's natural on lots like these — which is worth remembering when a propane hearth is down and cold. Just don't let a creosote-heavy chimney become the fallback without a fall sweep; buildup is the leading cause of chimney fires out here. On the gas side, if the relit pilot won't hold past a dozen honest tries, the cause has moved past air to a clog or a tired thermocouple. Stop forcing it and let the firebox air out.
Fifteen Minutes East, Licensed
We're a licensed gas contractor just 15 minutes east, and we pull the permit with Buncombe County on any line work and pressure-test every run. If your fireplace won't light after a proper refill and test — or you'd rather not sort the propane side yourself — call (828) 545-0525.
Fireplace help in Fairview
We install and service fireplaces throughout Fairview and the rest of Buncombe County — just 15 minutes east from our Asheville-area showroom.
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?