What do I need to do to get my gas fire pit running again after it sat unused all winter?
In Mills River, the open valley is made for outdoor living, so plan your pit's spring startup in late spring before entertaining season rather than the day of the cookout. Most rural large-lot homes here run propane, so gauge the tank, inspect the hose and regulator for winter rodent chew, and clear the spider-nested burner and venturi first.
Time it for entertaining season
Mills River's open valley suits outdoor living, and the smart move is to service the pit in late spring, before the entertaining season, not on the afternoon guests are arriving. A clogged burner or a dead igniter always seems to reveal itself at the worst moment. While you're at it, plan a light once-over in late summer or early fall too, since that's when spiders and dust have had the whole season to work into the burner assembly.
Rural propane, rural rodents
Amid the farmland and forest here, many homes run propane, and rural properties come with more field mice hunting a dry, gas-scented hose to chew through the off-season. Inspect the full flexible line and the tank connection closely, gauge the tank, and look the regulator over for cracks. Brush soapy water on the fittings, open the gas with no flame, and watch for bubbles. Re-spread the lava rock or fire glass evenly so the ports run clean.
25 minutes south, licensed
A buried outdoor line to a built-in pit is licensed work in North Carolina, permitted with Henderson County and pressure-tested. A landscaper can set the stone; we make it burn. We're 25 minutes south. Call (828) 545-0525 or see [gas fire pit installation](/services/gas-fire-pit-installation).
Fireplace help in Mills River
We install and service fireplaces throughout Mills River and the rest of Henderson County — just 25 minutes south from our Asheville-area showroom.
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?