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 in Marshall, where the terrain adds a wrinkle. When gas is shut off for service or a hillside propane tank runs dry, the pilot drops and must be relit once supply's back, with air in the line to clear first — and the cool, damp French Broad gorge here can make a freshly relit pilot fight downdraft before it settles.
A Gorge That Complicates Draft
Marshall's homes cling to steep hillsides and its downtown is built in narrow multi-story blocks against the mountainside — geometry that already complicates chimney routing and draft. Add the cool, damp air that pools in the French Broad gorge and a relit pilot can struggle against downdraft on a still evening while the burner tries to catch. Follow the unit's lighting steps, hold the knob through each attempt, and give it extra patience: you're waiting out both the trapped air and the cold, heavy air sitting in the flue.
Two Kinds of Interruption
Marshall runs on a mix of fuels. If yours is a natural-gas line that was briefly shut off for service, relighting usually takes only a few tries — the closed line held little air. If it's a propane tank up one of these hollows that ran empty, stop before relighting: your supplier must leak-and-pressure-test the system first, because a dry tank can draw air and moisture back into the lines.
Help That Knows the Roads
We're a licensed gas contractor 25 minutes north of Asheville, and tight mountainside lots are our normal working conditions. We pull the permit with Madison County on any line work and pressure-test what we run. If the pilot won't hold after honest attempts, or the draft's fighting you, call (828) 545-0525.
Fireplace help in Marshall
We install and service fireplaces throughout Marshall and the rest of Madison County — just 25 minutes north 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?