A fire pit is one of the best additions to your outdoor space.
Do you need a spot to install an outdoor seating area? A place where your kids and their friends can enjoy a board game?
It will be the center of summertime gatherings and winter drink nights as it provides light and warmth. You can also use it to cook food, and it adds to your property’s value.
But you might need to know a few things before installing one in your backyard.
So, can a gas fire pit get rained on? Will the rain damage it?
I’ll answer this question in detail, so keep reading.
Can a Propane Fire Pit Get Wet?
Gas fire pits are designed to be placed in your backyard to create a focal point where you can host dinners or create a conversational area. Some homeowners also install a fire pit next to the swimming pool for extra warmth.
But as it’s left outside, should you provide protection from the elements? What happens if it rains on your fire pit?
It’s pretty normal for propane fire pits to get wet. A little bit of rain won’t damage it.
These fire pits are designed to be left outside, and snow, wind, hail, or rain won’t ruin them or affect their functions.
However, the excess moisture from the rain will build up around the gas burners and can damage the pipes. Proper care and maintenance will protect your fire pit from damage.
What Happens When My Gas Fire Pit Gets Wet?
After it rains, your fire pit can still function normally.
But without proper cleaning and maintenance, you’ll start to see rust signs on your fire pit.
You might notice that the fire pit takes time to light up, and it might suddenly turn off. Even if it turns on, you’ll notice annoying popping sounds showing that your fire pit doesn’t work how it should.
This happens when the fire pit is exposed to extended periods of rain or you accidentally hose it while watering your plants.
How to Protect Your Gas Fire Pit From the Rain
A little bit of moisture won’t damage the fire pit. But if you live in a cold climate where it rains regularly, you can take some precautions to protect your gas fire pit from damage.
1 – Buy a High-Quality One
First, you should ensure you’ve bought and installed a high-quality fire pit. Pay attention to the design and materials, and ensure that the manufacturer provides adequate warranty against the elements.
Check the user’s manual to see if the fire pit can handle snow, hail, and rain. Otherwise, the warranty won’t have you covered.
Ideally, you should get a stainless steel fire pit. These are more tolerant of the elements and won’t rust as easily.
Yet, you should still pay attention to its cleanliness and maintenance.
If you have a metal fire pit, you can season it by applying a thin layer of vegetable oil to protect it from moisture damage.
Brick and stone fire pits won’t rust but can corrode and get damaged if left in the rain. The freezing and thawing cycle causes minor cracks in the fire pit’s body, eventually leading to significant damage.
2 – Check the Drainage
Some fire pits come with installed drainage pipes that allow the water to drain when it rains. This drainage system will protect your fire pit from moisture buildup that can lead to rust and damage.
If your fire pit doesn’t have drainage pipes, you can ask a professional to dig holes around the fire pit.
3 – Pick the Right Location
Although it’s not necessary, choosing a protected spot to install a fire pit is highly recommended.
If you live in an area where it always rains, I recommend installing the fire pit under a patio as it provides protection from the elements.
4 – Cover the Fire Pit
If your fire pit doesn’t come with a cover, you can buy one. A plastic cover will protect your fire pit from the rain and ensure it functions properly.
Even if it doesn’t rain, a cover will protect your fire pit from bugs and dust, which can accumulate and affect its function.
After the rain, remove the cover and leave it in the sun for a few hours until it completely dries. I wouldn’t recommend constantly covering the fire pit because the trapped moisture can also damage it.
If you don’t want to buy a cover, you can buy a plastic tarp from the hardware store, and it will work just fine.
Final Thoughts
Gas fire pits are designed to be left outside, and a little rain won’t damage yours.
But excess moisture buildup will cause rust and eventually damage your fire pit. This is why I recommend choosing a high-quality one, picking the right spot to install it, and covering it when it rains heavily.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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