A crackling fire is a perfect focal point for your outdoor lounging area. Not only does it create an excellent atmosphere by providing warmth, but it’s also a valuable aesthetic addition to your backyard.
But what happens when you try to light your fire pit and nothing happens? That’s where this brief guide comes in handy!
In today’s article, I’ll help you troubleshoot your fire pit by walking you through some of the most common reasons why it won’t ignite and stay lit. Let’s jump right in!
8 Reasons Why Fire Pits Won’t Ignite
Different fire pits light up using a variety of ignition systems, which typically depend on the fuel source. Here’s a quick look at the top reasons they don’t ignite and what you should do in those situations.
1 – Empty Fuel Tank
One of the simple reasons why a fire pit won’t ignite is due to lack of fuel. If your fire pit uses propane or gas, give it a gentle shake and listen for liquid sloshing inside.
If the tank is silent, you’re simply out of fuel. In that case, you need to refill the tank and try again.
2 – Moisture Issues
If your fire pit uses logs, you need to check the quality of the firewood you’re using.
Wet firewood won’t catch a spark, so you’ll need to replace it with a dry batch with fresh kindling to make it easier for the fire to start.
An uncovered fire pit can still hold a lot of moisture after heavy rain, so you’ll need to remove any standing puddles and moisture before it’s ready to light up again.
Remember to also store your logs in a sheltered, dry spot to protect them from rain and humidity.
3 – Blocked Fuel Supply
Besides empty tanks, partial blockage in the fuel supply could also prevent the fire pit from lighting up.
For instance, the air vents, typically located around the burner’s base, are essential for providing oxygen to keep the fire going. When these vents are blocked, the fire won’t start, so clear them out and try again.
Similarly, the burners could get blocked by dust particles, rust, and debris, which prevents the fuel from coming in contact with the sparks.
In that case, consult the manual for maintenance instructions or seek professional help to clear up the fuel line.
4 – Windy Environment
Strong wind can easily extinguish flames and prevent them from igniting, especially if they carry a lot of moisture or rain droplets.
You can solve this problem in various ways, including boosting the fuel supply to overcome the strong wind or installing a wind guard around the ignition point.
5 – Gas Valve Is Closed
Double-check that your gas valve is open all the way to provide a continuous flow of fuel to the burner.
In some cases, a partially open gas valve would be enough as well, but see if opening it all the way fixes the problem, which indicates a partial blockage in the gas valve.
6 – Incorrect Assembly/Installation
Most fire pits are fairly easy to put together, and it’s quite a rewarding experience to assemble your own amenities in your backyard.
However, you have to be extra careful while following the assembly instructions because missing even a single crucial component or skipping a seemingly unimportant step can prevent the fire from igniting.
7 – Safety Features Are Triggered
Modern fire pits are equipped with various safety features that automatically shut off the gas supply if certain conditions are met, like excessive wind or tilting, so you have to check for the different features and ensure that their conditions aren’t met.
8 – Malfunctioning Igniter
If all else fails and your fire pit is usually an electronic igniter, it might be malfunctioning. In that case, you’ll need to replace it with a new one or seek the help of a professional for further troubleshooting.
Additional Reasons Why a Fire Pit Won’t Stay Lit
In some cases, the fire pit does light up, but the flames can’t stay lit for long. While some of the previous factors could also lead to that situation, here are some additional causes for it:
There’s a Leak in the Fire Pit
A leak in certain parts may not prevent the fire pit from igniting, but the low pressure will make the fire die out pretty easily after some time.
If you’ve recently filled it up and you smell gas near the tank, it could indicate a leak. In that case, immediately shut off the valve and evacuate the area, then contact a professional for repairs.
The Fuel Tank Is low on Gas
Before the fuel tank runs out of fuel completely, the supply of fuel would be inconsistent. As a result, the fuel pressure can get too low that it can’t sustain continuous fire pit flames.
This also happens when air pockets find their way into the gas supply line. A good way to solve this problem is to purge the supply line.
Most propane fire pits have a purge valve. Open it for a few seconds before attempting to light to push out any air in the hose, allowing pure gas to flow through.
Faulty/Loose Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a safety sensor that detects the presence of fire through heat. If the sensor is malfunctioning and it doesn’t sense fire, it will shut off the gas supply and the light goes away. This one simply needs to be replaced.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there’s a wide range of factors that could prevent a fire pit from lighting up, but luckily, most of them are easy to troubleshoot.
Remember to follow the instructions manual while setting up the fire pit for the first time or seek the help of a professional to avoid most of these problems later on.
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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