Flat Rock's historic homes wear their character outdoors too, and the gas fire pits on their patios and gardens deserve careful winterizing. Shut off the fuel, let it cool, clear and dry the burner and media, and cover it snug. Most pits here tie into the natural-gas main, so close the appliance valve and leave the piping to us; store a portable tank upright outside.
Old estate, newer patios
Flat Rock's houses date back to the 1800s, with oversized open masonry fireplaces and aging clay flue liners indoors — but out on the grounds around Kanuga and Highland Lake, the fire features tend to be newer gas pits added to the gardens.
They still need the same winter discipline: standing water in the burner pan is what rusts the metal and corrodes the igniter, so the job is really about getting it clean, dry and draining before the cold sets in.
Draft and damp on the old grounds
The same cold-air drafts that pull through Flat Rock's old open hearths mean these shaded, historic lots stay damp, and a fire pit left uncovered collects leaves and moisture that hold against the burner.
Clear the pan, brush the media dry, and use a fitted breathable cover so condensation escapes rather than sweating against the metal through a wet valley winter.
Natural gas, licensed connection
On the Flat Rock mains, most pits are hard-plumbed, so your winter task is closing the appliance shutoff — not touching the gas line, which is licensed work we permit with Henderson County and pressure-test. We're about 30 minutes south for a spring relight. Call (828) 545-0525 if you're not sure how yours is fueled.
Fireplace help in Flat Rock
We install and service fireplaces throughout Flat Rock and the rest of Henderson County — just 30 minutes south from our Asheville-area showroom.