What do I need to do to get my gas fire pit running again after it sat unused all winter?
Clear spider webs, leaves, and debris out of the burner ports and the venturi tube, check the propane tank level and inspect the hose and regulator for cracks or rodent chew, re-seat any lava rock or fire glass that's covering the ports, then light with the lid or cover off. A quick soapy-water test on the connections catches leaks.
Bugs and rodents are the winter problem
A fire pit that sat through a wet mountain winter is a magnet for spiders — they love the gas-scented venturi tube — and for mice that chew hoses in the off-season. Blocked ports give you weak, uneven, or yellow flames; a chewed hose is a leak. Clear the burner ports with a soft brush, blow out the venturi, and look over every inch of the flexible line before you trust it with fuel.
Check the fuel and the connections
On propane pits — which is most of them out in Fairview, Candler, Brevard, and the cabins — check the tank gauge and look at the regulator for cracking or corrosion. Brush a little soapy water on the tank connection and hose fittings, open the gas with no flame, and watch for growing bubbles. Bubbles mean a leak: shut it off and don't light it. Make sure the fire glass or lava rock is spread evenly and not piled over the burner ports, which chokes the flame.
Light it safely, or let us check it
With the pit clear and leak-free, light with the lid off and the area ventilated, following your igniter's instructions. If the flame stays stubbornly yellow, sooty, or won't hold, or you found a damaged hose or regulator, stop — we'll service the gas side and replace worn components. Any hard-piped or buried gas line to an outdoor pit is licensed work and ours to handle. Call (828) 545-0525 or see [gas fire pit installation](/services/gas-fire-pit-installation).
Related questions
- What should I check before lighting my gas fireplace for the first time each fall?
- How do I winterize my gas fire pit at the end of the season?
- How do I light the pilot on my gas fire pit?
- Should I leave the propane tank hooked up to my fire pit between uses?
- How do I use the push-button or electronic ignition on a gas fire pit?
- How do I light the pilot light on my gas fireplace?
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