Patio Heaters - Guide To Problem Solving for gas/LPG patio heaters.

Pilot lights but will not stay on?

1. Check for debris around the burner pilot and clean out insects and ensure the area is clean and dry.
2. There may be low fuel pressure, ensure the gas cylinder has sufficient fuel and is turned ON at the regulator. Ensure the regulator is not worn and working OK. Avoid using butane (in UK 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 for leaks - see item 7 below for details on how to conduct a leakage test.
4. If points 1 to 3 are OK the probable cause will be failure of the thermocouple. If the pilot on the patio heater lights up and then goes out when the gas control knob is turned on full then this is most likely a worn thermocouple. To replace the patio heater's thermocouple refer to patio heater spare parts page and thermocouple AFX480 for commercial patio heaters and thermocouple AFX485 fitted to BFX branded domestic patio heaters. New thermocouple should be fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions - see thermocouple function page, please read before ordering spare parts.

Pilot will not light?

1. Check the LPG gas cylinder is turned ON and contains fuel. Ensure the regulator fitted is working and the correct type for the cylinder. A butane cylinder will struggle to work during the winter, always use propane with patio heaters if the weather is below 6 degrees.
2. Allow 30 seconds for the LPG gas to reach the chamber before trying to light the burner. The latest European patio heaters are factory fitted with pulse pilots that give a lower pilot flame. EU regulations changed in 2009, if you have the latest patio heater it can be difficult to smell or hear gas due to improved gas valve technology. If the patio heater is a newer type and not lighting quickly try venting before making a repair. Hold the pole at an angle to loosen any air pockets trapped inside the hose, you may have do this several times.
3. The patio heater may have a blockage preventing the fuel reaching the chamber. Remove the LPG hose and check for insect/debris blockage, if a blower is available try blowing through the LPG hose. Next, remove the flame emitter screen by removing the screws holding the flame screen in place. Lift the flame screen off the patio heater burner to access the piezo igniter spark and 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.
4. Test the piezo is sparking, turn the gas OFF and push the piezo ignitor, you should see a spark. To test the piezo igniter is working OK remove the ignition lead at rear of the igniter, place your thumb over the end and press the red button - you should feel a small sting. The piezo igniter should be close to the 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. A new 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.
5. Check the tilt switch (if fitted to the patio heater) function. A failed tilt switch will prevent the LPG gas entering the gas control valve. Older patio heaters will have a factory fitted mercury tilt switch, newer models are fitted with mechanical tilt switch type A or mechanical tilt switch type B. These are very simple to replace on patio heaters.
6. If there are no blockages and the thermocouple is working OK on the patio heater remove the electromagnetic valve (located at the rear of the gas control valve) and if worn or appears damaged replace with a new electromagnetic valve. These can fail due to frost and weather but often there is no visible sign of wear, the only real test is to exchange for new.
7. Loose connections on patio heaters need to be checked by using the procedure for a leakage test. 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 using a clean spray bottle or clean paint brush. Turn the LPG gas supply on but DO NOT light the burner. Make sure the safety control valve on the burner is in the OFF position. If a leak is present, turn OFF the LPG gas supply at the cylinder. Tighten any fittings, use plumbers tape to seal and re-test. Continue checking until all leaks and connections are tighten according the patio heater's manufacturer's instructions.

If the above problem solving guide has not fixed the problem see Gas Patio Heater Top Repair Tips help pages.