Enjoying the outdoors isn’t just for sunny days.
Even when the temperatures start to drop, you can still cozy up outdoors with a patio heater.
But what if your patio heater won’t stay lit? Don’t worry, because in this article, we’re giving you the answers you need to get your patio heater up and running again.
We’ll cover topics such as checking the fuel supply, ensuring the fuel line is connected properly, troubleshooting other issues, and replacing the spark plug and thermocouple.
So, if you’re ready to get your patio heater working again, keep reading!
Short Answer
There could be a few reasons why your patio heater won’t stay lit.
It could be due to a faulty thermocouple, a clogged gas line, or a loose connection.
It’s also possible that the gas pressure is incorrect or the pilot light is not adjusted properly.
It’s best to consult a professional to diagnose the issue and provide a solution.
Problem Overview
Patio heaters are wonderful appliances that make it possible to enjoy the outdoors even in the cooler months.
However, it can be frustrating when your patio heater won’t stay lit.
This can be especially disheartening if you’re trying to keep guests warm and comfortable on a chilly evening.
Fortunately, there are usually some easy solutions to this problem which can help you get your patio heater back up and running.
The first thing to consider when your patio heater won’t stay lit is the fuel source.
Patio heaters typically use either propane gas, natural gas, or electricity as a fuel source.
If you’re using a propane or natural gas heater, check the connection between the fuel tank and the burner to ensure that the fuel is reaching the burner.
If there is a blockage or the connection is loose, the fuel won’t be able to reach the burner and the patio heater won’t stay lit.
Additionally, make sure that the fuel tank isn’t empty and that the tank has enough fuel for the patio heater to operate.
If the fuel is reaching the burner and the tank isn’t empty, the problem may be with the spark plug or thermocouple.
The spark plug is what ignites the fuel and the thermocouple is responsible for keeping the fuel burning.
If either one of these components is malfunctioning, the patio heater won’t stay lit.
In this case, you’ll need to replace the spark plug or thermocouple in order to get your patio heater working again.
Check the Fuel Supply
When it comes to patio heaters, a steady fuel supply is essential for them to remain lit.
If your patio heater won’t stay lit, the first step is to check the fuel line to make sure it is properly connected and that the fuel is actually reaching the burner.
A common cause of a patio heater not staying lit is due to an issue with the fuel supply.
If the fuel line is connected properly, the next step is to ensure that the fuel tank is full and that the fuel is not empty.
If there is still fuel in the tank, then it is possible that the fuel is not reaching the burner.
If this is the case, it is important to check the fuel line for any kinks, blockages, or other issues that could be preventing the fuel from flowing properly.
It is also possible that the fuel line is not connected securely, so it is important to check the connection and make sure it is secure.
If all of the above checks do not resolve the issue with your patio heater not staying lit, then it is possible that the spark plug or thermocouple needs to be replaced.
These are both essential components of a patio heater, and if they are malfunctioning, it can prevent the heater from staying lit.
It is important to take the time to inspect both the spark plug and thermocouple to make sure that they are in good working order and that they are functioning properly.
If either is not working, then it is best to replace them with new ones.
Ensure the Fuel Line is Connected Properly
When troubleshooting why your patio heater wont stay lit, one of the first things to check is the fuel line.
If the fuel line is not properly connected, or there is a leak in the line, it can cause the patio heater to not stay lit.
Make sure the fuel line is securely connected to both the fuel tank and the burner, and that there are no visible signs of any damage or leaking.
If the fuel line has been damaged or is not properly connected, it will need to be replaced before the patio heater will work correctly.
Additionally, you should check the fuel tank to ensure it is full and that the fuel is reaching the burner.
If the fuel tank is empty or the fuel is not reaching the burner, the patio heater will not stay lit.
Check Fuel Level
When a patio heater wont stay lit, its often due to an issue with the fuel supply.
Before attempting any other repairs, its important to check the fuel level.
Youll want to make sure that the fuel tank is full and the fuel line is properly connected.
If the fuel line is not connected, its likely that the fuel is not reaching the burner, which is necessary for the patio heater to stay lit.
Youll also want to check that the fuel is not empty and that the tank is full.
If the fuel is low, the patio heater wont be able to stay lit.
If these checks do not resolve the issue, then the spark plug or thermocouple may need to be replaced.
Troubleshoot Other Issues
When it comes to getting your patio heater to stay lit, its important to consider all possible causes.
Aside from an issue with the fuel supply, there could be a few other issues to consider.
The first thing to check is the spark plug or thermocouple.
These parts are what actually ignite the fuel, so if theyre not working properly, your patio heater wont stay lit.
If youre experiencing frequent lighting issues, you may need to replace these components.
It could also be an issue with the air supply.
Patio heaters require a steady supply of air to function correctly.
If theres not enough air, the fuel wont burn correctly.
This could be due to clogged air vents or a blockage in the fuel line.
Make sure to check for any blockages in the air vents and fuel line before attempting to light the patio heater.
Finally, you may need to adjust the settings on your patio heater.
Many patio heaters have adjustable settings, so you may need to tweak them in order to get the heater to stay lit.
Make sure to read the manual and adjust the settings accordingly.
If youve tried all of these steps and your patio heater still wont stay lit, it may be time to call a professional.
A technician can help you identify and resolve any underlying issues with your patio heater.
Replacing the Spark Plug
When it comes to diagnosing why your patio heater wont stay lit, you should start off by inspecting the spark plug.
A faulty spark plug can be the culprit for a patio heater not staying lit.
If it is worn out, corroded, or damaged, it wont be able to generate the spark necessary to ignite the fuel.
To replace the spark plug, first make sure the power is off and that the heater is cool to the touch.
Then, remove the spark plug from the patio heater and inspect it for signs of damage.
If it is worn out or corroded, it will need to be replaced.
You may need to refer to the owners manual to determine the exact type of spark plug your patio heater requires.
Once youve acquired the correct type of spark plug, install it and reconnect the power source.
Then, try lighting the patio heater again.
If it still wont stay lit, then you may need to move on to the next step in troubleshooting.
Replacing the Thermocouple
Replacing the thermocouple is one of the most common causes of a patio heater not staying lit.
The thermocouple is a small metal device that senses heat and signals to the gas valve to stay open and keep the gas flowing.
If the thermocouple is not functioning properly, the gas valve will shut off and the heater will not stay lit.
Fortunately, its relatively easy to diagnose and replace a malfunctioning thermocouple.
First, youll need to locate the thermocouple and remove it from the patio heater.
Then, youll need to use a multimeter to measure the voltage output of the thermocouple.
If the voltage output is below the minimum level required for the patio heater to stay lit, then you will need to replace the thermocouple.
When replacing the thermocouple, youll need to make sure it is securely fastened to the patio heater and that the connection is tight.
Youll also need to ensure that the thermocouple is the correct size for your patio heater model.
Once everything is in place, turn the gas back on and test the heater to make sure it stays lit.
Replacing a malfunctioning thermocouple is a relatively simple process and should resolve the issue of a patio heater not staying lit.
However, if the problem persists, you may need to contact a professional to inspect the heater and diagnose the issue.
Final Thoughts
No one wants to be stuck in the cold, so if your patio heater isn’t staying lit, you don’t have to worry.
By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly and easily troubleshoot and resolve the issue, ensuring your patio heater will stay lit and keep you warm.
Check the fuel supply, make sure the fuel line is connected properly, and ensure the fuel level is full.
If these checks do not resolve the issue, you may need to replace the spark plug or thermocouple.
With the right tools and knowledge, you can get your patio heater back up and running in no time.