How do I use the push-button or electronic ignition on a gas fire pit?
Open the gas supply, then press and hold the ignition — on a push-button (piezo) system you'll hear it click a spark until the burner lights; on an electronic system you turn the control knob to the spark or ignition position and hold. Keep holding a few seconds after it lights so the flame sensor stays satisfied, then release and set your flame height.
Know Which System You Have
Most modern gas fire pits use one of two spark ignitions. A piezo (push-button) system generates a spark mechanically each time you press it — no batteries, just click-click-click until the burner catches. An electronic ignition uses a AA or AAA battery pack, or 120-volt power, to throw a continuous spark, usually engaged by turning a control knob to a spark symbol or holding a separate button. Both do the same job: create a spark at the burner while gas flows, so you never introduce an open flame by hand.
Why You Hold It a Few Extra Seconds
The most common complaint we hear — "it lights, then dies when I let go" — is almost always the flame-sensing safety at work. These systems have a thermocouple or thermopile, a sensor that has to get hot enough to prove the flame is really burning before it lets the valve stay open. Light the burner, then keep the knob or button held for another five to ten seconds so that sensor heats up. Release too early and the safety shuts the gas off, exactly as designed. Hold, confirm a steady flame, then let go.
When It Sparks But Won't Light
If you get a spark but no flame, the usual suspects are a dead ignition battery, a closed or empty propane tank, air in the line after the pit sat idle, or debris in the burner ports from a WNC off-season. Swap the battery, confirm the tank valve is open, and try again after letting any gas clear. If it clicks with no spark at all, the electrode or igniter may need service. Don't keep mashing the button with gas flowing — shut it off, wait, and if it still won't cooperate, call us. We service and convert outdoor gas fire features throughout the mountains. Call (828) 545-0525.
Related questions
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- What do I need to do to get my gas fire pit running again after it sat unused all winter?
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- How do I light the pilot light on my gas fireplace?
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