Fire Pit Repair

There’s nothing like the comfort of relaxing around the warmth and ambiance of a radiant fire after a long day’s work. But what to do when you plan to unwind in front of your fire pit, and it doesn’t light? The good news is, sometimes repairing it is easier than you can imagine.

 

Fire pit repair is easy once you identify the root cause of the issue and fix it. Most fire  pit problems are an outcome of overlooking the installation specifications or improper use and maintenance. Thus, proper handling and care are essential in keeping your fire pit in good condition.

 

In this article, I’ll discuss the common problems that can cause your fire pit not to work efficiently and how you can fix them. I’ll also take you through various ways of maintaining your fire pit to avoid future issues. Let’s begin.

Repairing a Fire Pit

You shouldn’t face a lot of complications when using a fire pit. The equipment should operate appropriately as long as there is a sufficient supply of fuel, oxygen, and fire. But if you encounter problems using it, you may want to check out these possible causes and their solutions. 

Insufficient Fuel

First things first. Before checking for any other cause of your fire pit not working, ensure that there is enough fuel. Insufficient fuel can make your fire quickly go out.

 

If you have a gas pit, check the gas level by lifting the tank and determining its heaviness. If it’s not hefty, replace the empty container with a full one.

 

If your fire pit uses wood, make sure to replenish it. You also want to avoid burning wet wood. 

Accumulation of Debris

If your fire pit doesn’t stay lit for long or produces a low-height flame, perhaps the burner or gas pipes are blocked with debris – leaves, dirt, tiny insects, or even rust flakes.

 

This can also be a reason for your fire equipment producing so much soot.

 

Check the gas line for blockages and use compressed air to blow out the dirt. Clean the burner too. The cleaner your fire pit is, the more efficient it will be.

Leaking Gas

Your fire pit may be faulty due to a gas leak. If you can smell gas when the fire is not lit or observe the flame not burning uniformly, there might be something that needs tightening or a pipe that needs to be replaced.

 

You’ll need to turn off the gas valve and examine the supply line for any breaks. A more straightforward method is to use a gas leak detector liquid to uncover leaks in the gas pipe, valve, or fittings.

 

When using the gas detector liquid, you’ll need to;

 

1. Apply a generous amount of the gas detector liquid to the supply pipe, valve, and fittings.
2. Gradually switch on the gas valve and observe the spots for bubbles. Whenever you see bubbles, that’s where the leak is.
3. Immediately turn off the valve to prevent more leakage.
4. Replace the faulty lines or valves, and tighten any loose fittings where the bubbles were observed.
5. Repeat the process until you cannot observe any more gas bubbles.

 

Consider ordering the Camco 10324 Gas Leak Detector from Amazon.com. It is a fast-acting formula that immediately alerts you of any propane leaks. It’s very pocket-friendly and comes with a sprayer too.

Damaged Control Valve

If you’ve checked the above probable causes but still can not find anything wrong, consider examining the gas valve. Is it completely open? Is it damaged? A partially open valve prevents sufficient fuel flow to the burner. 

 

Go through the manufacturer’s manual to confirm the proper operation of the gas valve. Better still, for safety purposes, consider reaching out to your local NFI Certified Gas Specialist for adequate inspection. 

Faulty Ignitor

Check whether the fire pit’s ignitor is working. Is it producing a spark? If not, perhaps it’s not correctly connected to the switch, or the battery is depleted. 

 

Check the ignitor compartment for the battery and replace it, ensuring the battery’s polarity is appropriately installed. Also, inspect the cable connecting the ignitor to the ignition switch. Ensure it’s also properly connected or replace it if it’s faulty.

 

It’s also best to clean the ignitor terminal to remove any blockages. You can scrub it using a soft wire brush or steel wool, taking care not to damage it.

Flexible Line Routing

Some people report hearing a whistling sound when using their fire pits. If you do too, there are three possibilities for this observation;

 

• There are bends in your gas pipe.
• The gas supply is in excess.
• The size of the gas pipe is incorrect.

 

Check the gas line and remove any twists or sharp bends. Also, measure the fuel supply pressure. It should be within the threshold stipulated by the fire pit manufacturer. Decrease the pressure if it’s too high to comply with the equipment’s requirements.

 

To check if your fire appliance’s gas pipe size is correct, consider comparing its size against this chart to ensure the fire pit receives the right fuel amount. If the result is a mismatch, it’s best to replace the pipe with one of the correct size.

Strong Breezes

I know it sounds ridiculous, but you may ignore the fact that your environment could be experiencing strong winds, making it impossible for your fire pit to ignite. The good news is, there is a solution for that.

 

Consider buying a wind guard for your appliance. If your fire pit is round, consider this Midwest Hearth Glass Shield from Amazon.com. You can also order this  GASPER Glass Wind Guard for a square fire pit table from Amazon too.

 

Both wind guards are made of hard tempered glass for durability and heat resistance. The metal parts provide sturdiness and are also easy to assemble.

 

Wind guards safeguard the flame against strong breezes and help improve the airflow.

Improper Maintenance and Care

Improper or lack of care can damage your fire appliance. Proper maintenance ensures your equipment looks its best and performs safely and efficiently. The level of maintenance will depend on various factors, like the type of material the fireplace is made from and the sort of fuel it uses.

Caring for Wood Burning Fire Pits

Wood produces a lot of ash when burned, and removing this regularly is crucial for your fire pit’s durability. This is because ash can be acidic; hence, it can corrode the metal work or destroy the masonry. Always clean up the residue left by wood fires after every use.

 

If you use your fire pit for barbecuing, clean the grills and keep them dry after every use. You can use water, soap, and a wire brush to wipe out the grease and meat remnants. After drying, coat the grills with cooking oil to protect them from corrosion.

 

Regarding corrosion, fire pits made of metal are highly prone to rust. You should deal with rust immediately as it can cause severe damage if left unattended, rendering your fire equipment useless. 

 

Fortunately, eliminating rust and reviving your fireplace to its glory days is easier than you think. You can apply protective coatings that are heat resistant. Nevertheless, this method is short-lived as the paint can wear off over time, leaving the pit vulnerable. Consider making it a habit to remove the rust regularly. 

 

Here’s how you can go about the process.

How to Remove Rust from a Fire Pit

You can remove rust using two ways;

 

• Using natural products. 
• Using commercial rust-removal chemicals.

Using Natural Products

There are various readily available natural substances that you can use to remove rust. Here are my favorites;

Using White Vinegar

White vinegar cleans almost everything. The acid in vinegar also dissolves rust.

 

1. Pour the vinegar directly into the metal pit.
2. Leave it to settle for about 20 minutes.
3. Scrub the surface with a soft brush, then wipe with a clean cloth.
4. Wash the surface thoroughly using soap and water and leave it to dry.

 

Note: Ensure not to leave any traces of vinegar as it can further corrode the metal.

Using Lemon and Salt

This method uses the acidity of lemon to dissolve rust. The salt acts as an abrasive.

 

1. Sprinkle the rusted surface with salt, then squeeze some lemon juice over it.
2. Leave the mixture to sit on the surface for about an hour.
3. Scrub the surface using a wire brush or steel wool.
4. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and leave it to dry.

Using Baking Powder

Another product with a broad spectrum of applications is baking powder, eliminating rust being one of them. 

 

1. Create a thick paste using baking powder and water.
2. Apply the paste to the rusted areas, ensuring the rusted spots are well covered.
3. Leave the paste to sit for about an hour.
4. Wipe the paste off using a clean cloth.
5. Clean the area thoroughly and leave it to dry.

Using Citric Acid

You can also use citric acid as it also works like a charm.

 

1. Add three tablespoons of the acid to a cup of warm water.
2. Pour the solution on the rusty spots and let it settle for about an hour.
3. Using steel wool or wire brush, scrub off the dissolved rust.
4. Clean the surface with clean water and dry thoroughly.

 

The only downside of using citric acid is that it can peel paint  and other coatings on your fire pit. Therefore, take extra care not to spill it on the unrusted parts. Also, consider reapplying the coat once the rust is removed.

Using Salted Potato

Believe it or not, you can also use a potato to remove rust from your fire pit. Potatoes contain oxalic acid, a vital component in numerous cleaning products. Like the acids in vinegar and lemon juice, oxalic acid also dissolves rust.

 

1. Cut a potato in half.
2. Sprinkle some salt on the cut part of the potato.
3. Rub the rust spots with the potato. The salt acts as an abrasive, scrubbing the rust as soon as it dissolves. 
4. Rinse the spots and dry thoroughly.  

Using Commercial Rust Removal Products

Apart from the naturally occurring products, you can opt for commercially formulated rust removal products. However, most of these chemicals are often toxic. It’s, therefore, crucial to take the necessary precautions. 

 

It’s best to read the product’s instructions carefully and adhere to them. You’ll also need to work in a space with free air flow, away from small children, pets, or anything that can be damaged by any runoff. 

 

Consider buying POR-15 Rust Remover from Amazon.com. This dissolving formula safely removes both light and heavy rust without affecting the unrusted and painted parts. It contains no fumes or bad smells and can work in as little as 20 minutes. It is also reusable and biodegradable.

 

Now that your firepit is free of rust, it’s essential to know how to prevent rust from developing. Prevention will help maintain your fire pit in good condition for years to come.

 

So, how can you prevent rust from occurring?

 

• If it’s a portable fire pit, store it in a dry place during rainy or winter seasons.
• If your firepit is not portable, consider purchasing a fire pit cover. You can get them in all shapes or sizes.
• Clean it regularly and dry it properly. Do not leave it wet as water causes rusting.
• Always be on the lookout for any rust that starts to form.

Caring for Gas Burning Fire Pits

A gas fire pit is somewhat easier to maintain since there isn’t a lot of cleanup needed. They also come with the manufacturer’s instructions, which you should adhere to for safety and durability. 

 

All in all, here’s an overview of the best practices for caring for your gas fire pit.

 

• Always leave your fire pit covered when not in use. This will keep out dirt, leaves, small insects, etc. Covers also shield it from the effects of harsh weather.
• Do not burn anything apart from gas unless the manufacturer indicates that the equipment is safely designed for such. It’s also best not to use any fire accelerant on your gas pit as it can destroy the unit’s structural integrity.
• Always check for debris blockages before igniting your unit. Remove the debris for the unit to work efficiently.
• Perform regular checkups. Inspect the ventilation, exhaust systems, gas lines, ignition, etc. If you notice anything not operating properly, turn off the system and immediately find a solution for it.
• Clean your fire unit regularly to prevent dirt build-up. Ensure to clean when it has cooled off to prevent cracking from the sudden temperature drop.
• Be vigilant about rust and cracks. Remove any rust spots as soon as you notice them. For a stone or concrete fire pit, repair cracks immediately they occur to prevent further damage.
• Have a professional inspect your fire unit annually. This will help ensure it’s always in the best condition.

Wrapping Up

A fire pit is a brilliant addition to your deck or backyard’s atmosphere. Being a focal point where you can relax with friends and family, it can be devastating when it fails to work. 

 

Check your fire pit for any possible issues and causes as mentioned here, and try out the solutions. Also, keep in mind that regular maintenance will mitigate any problems and lengthen your firepit’s lifetime.

Sources

• Family Handyman: How to Repair a Gas Fire Pit
• StarFire Direct: Why isn’t my Fire Pit or Fire Table Lighting?
• Hi-Tech Appliance: Get to Know the Common Problems with a Fire Pit
• The Magic of Fire: How To Maintain Your Fire Pit
• ALD: Fire Pit Care and Common Problems 
• Outdoor Elements: Troubleshooting your Gas Fire Pit
• The Magic of Fire: Gas Fire Pit TroubleShooting 101
• Outdoor Kitchen: Best Practices for Caring for a Gas Fire Pit
• Fire Pit: Removing Rust From A Fire Pit: Everything You Need to Know
• Dream Outdoor Living: Reasons Why Fire Pit Won’t Stay Lit And Troubleshooting Tips
• Bob Vila: The Best Fire Pit Covers of 2022
• The Magic of Fire: Gas Hard Piping Size For Fire Pits
• Star fire Direct: Find a Pro