Patio Heater - Top Repair Tips For Gas/LPG Patio Heaters.

1. First check our patio heater problem solving page - do not attempt a repair unless fully briefed on the likely cause of any fault. The most common mistake on heaters that fail to light is misdiagnosing the pilot has a blockage and drilling a small hole to fix the problem!!
2. Never, Never, Never drill the pilot light on the burner to repair. This results in a very high pilot flame that cannot be controlled. Once drilled the burner cannot be repaired and is a total write-off!
3. Before changing the piezo ignitor check to see if it works - just push the piezo red button and place your thumb on the other end. You should feel a sharp sting and hear it click, if not then the ignitor needs replacing to make a repair.
4. Always start with the most common problems and work through the list checking each consumable component fitted inside the burner - see below.
5. First consumable part to wear out on gas patio heaters is the thermocouple, see parts commercial thermocouples and domestic thermocouples. Thermocouples can last anywhere between one year up to five years depending on use, storage and type. Changing the thermocouple during repair fixes 90% of all firing problems - see thermocouple function page.
6. Second on a patio heaters consumables list is the electromagnetic valve. If a new thermocouple hasn't repaired or fixed the lighting problem take a look at the electromagnetic valve part number AFX496.
7. Third on the consumable list is the tilt switch . They can cause similar firing problems to mimic a worn thermocouple. Very easy to repair on most models, these are attached via two leads that push on to the tilt switch within the burner. Just unclip and swap for a new tilt switch to make a repair. On some heaters the tilt switch is soldered on via 2 leads, if your tilt switch has been soldered you will need to adjust accordingly to make a repair.
8. If all above components are working OK then you'll need more specialist help. Patio heaters within the Urban BFX patio heater range can be returned for repair outside the warranty by using our patio heater repair service. Generic heater models that do not carry the BFX logo and serial number cannot be accepted - there are many cheap and cheerful tin plated heaters on the market and these are non repairable. Due to high demand for burner repair on generic models we have made available replacement stainless steel burners for domestic patio heaters and some high end commercial burners. For those burners that cannot be repaired please see our domestic replacement burner.
9. Patio heaters with a damaged reflector are simple to fix. Please view our reflector information page before fixing and single piece reflector to order a new reflector.