Patio Heaters - Guide To Problem Solving

Patio heater pilot will not light?

1. Check the LPG gas cylinder to ensure it is turned on at the regulator and the gas cylinder contains fuel.
2. The patio heater may have a blockage preventing the fuel reaching the chamber. Remove the patio heater LPG hose and check for insect/debris blockage, if a blower is available try blowing through the LPG hose. Next, remove the patio heater flame screen by removing the 4 screws holding the flame screen in place. Lift the flame screen off to access the piezo igniter spark and patio heater thermocouple. Check the area for any signs of carbon build-up and clean. Look for any debris, insects and water within the area and remove/clean.
3. Loose connections on patio heaters need to be checked by using the procedure for a leakage test.
4. Patio heaters can be leak tested by making a soapy solution of one part liquid detergent (washing-up liquid) and one part water. The soapy solution is applied to patio heaters using a clean spray bottle or clean paint brush. Turn the LPG gas supply on to the patio heater but do not light the patio heater burner. Make sure the safety control valve on the patio heater burner is in the OFF position. If a leak is present, turn off the LPG gas supply. Tighten any fittings on the patio heater and re-test. Continue checking the patio heater until all leaks and connections are tighten according the manufacturer's instructions.

Patio heater pilot will not stay on?

1. Check for debris around the patio heater pilot and clean the area.
2. There may be low fuel pressure, ensure the gas cylinder has sufficient fuel and is turned on at the regulator. Avoid using butane (blue LPG gas cylinder) during the winter months, patio heaters will operate more effectively using propane during cold periods.
3. If the cylinder is full, check the patio heater for leaks - see above leakage test.
4. If points 1 to 3 are OK the probable cause will be failure of the patio heater thermocouple. To replace the thermocouple refer to patio heater spares and thermocouple AFX480 for commercial patio heaters and thermocouple AFX485 fitted to domestic patio heaters. A new patio heater thermocouple should be fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions - see thermocouple function page please read before placing an order.

Patio heater burner will not light?

1. Allow 30 seconds for the LPG gas to reach the chamber before trying to light the patio heater burner.
2. If the burner will not light and you cannot smell gas turn off the patio heater controls and check for blockages - see above.
3. If there are no blockages and the patio heater thermocouple is working OK (pilot lights quickly) remove the patio heater's electromagnetic valve (located at the rear of the gas control valve) and if worn or damaged replace with a new electromagnetic valve. 
4. If the patio heater burner will not light and you can smell gas, turn off and check for leaks - see above leakage test.
5. Next check the piezo igniter for a spark. If there is no spark remove the flame screen - see above. Turn the LPG gas supply to OFF position and check the piezo igniter. The piezo igniter should close to the patio heater thermocouple, if it has dislodged so the spark cannot reach adjust it until a spark can be seen. If the piezo igniter is failing to produce a spark check the igniter lead is connected to the rear of piezo igniter.
6. To test the patio heater piezo igniter is working OK remove the ignition lead at rear of the igniter, place thumb over end and press the red button - you should feel a small sting. A new patio heater piezo igniter, see piezo igniter AFX470 for commercial patio heaters, piezo igniter AFX475 for domestic patio heaters and piezo igniter AFX477 for electronic commercial patio heaters, should be fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions.
7. If you cannot smell gas and the pilot and burner will not light, check the tilt switch (if fitted) function. A failed tilt switch on patio heaters will prevent the LPG gas entering the gas control valve. Older patio heaters will have a factory fitted mercury tilt switch, newer patio heaters are fitted with mechanical tilt switch type A or mechanical tilt switch type B.

If the above patio heater's problem solving guide has not fixed the patio heater's problem see Patio Heaters - Top Repair Tips pages