Faulty Ignition in Gas Patio Heaters: A Troubleshooting Guide

Gas patio heaters are extremely popular for extending the outdoor living season. However, they can develop issues with ignition that prevent them from working properly. This comprehensive guide covers all the possible causes of faulty ignition in gas patio heaters and provides detailed troubleshooting steps to get your heater working again.

Read More: Patio Perfection: Discovering the Best Appliances for Your Outdoor Living Space

Common Causes of Faulty Ignition

There are five main issues that can cause problems with gas patio heaters ignition:

• Dirty or damaged igniter
• Improper gas pressure
• Clogged burner ports
• Faulty thermocouple
• Damaged control module or wiring

Dirty or Damaged Igniter

The igniter is an electrical device that creates a spark to light the pilot flame. Over time, dirt, debris, moisture, and corrosion can build up on the igniter preventing it from sparking properly. If cleaning doesn’t restore function, the igniter will need to be replaced.

Troubleshooting Steps

• Remove the igniter from the gas valve manifold
• Clean with a soft brush and compressed air
• Check for cracks or damage
• Ensure connections are clean and tight
• Replace the igniter if cleaning doesn’t help

Improper Gas Pressure

Insufficient gas pressure will prevent the burner from receiving enough fuel to ignite and sustain a flame. Low pressure can result from empty propane tanks, damaged supply lines, faulty regulators, or undersized supply components.

Troubleshooting Steps

• Confirm propane tank contains sufficient fuel
• Inspect the condition of gas supply lines and fittings
• Check for blockages/kinks in the gas supply line
• Examine regulator for damage or defects
• Verify recommended supply pressure to manifold
• Replace faulty regulator or supply components

Clogged Burner Ports

The small burner ports are easily blocked by spider webs, dirt debris, and calcium deposits from water, which restricts gas flow. Use a pipe cleaner to clear obstructions.

Troubleshooting Steps

• Remove the emitter screen/burner cap
• Examine burner inlet and ports for blockages
• Clean ports and inlet with pipe cleaners
• Compressed air can help clear away debris
• Use mild acids to dissolve mineral deposits
• Replace damaged/deteriorated burner components

Faulty Thermocouple

The thermocouple is a safety device that cuts off the gas supply if the pilot light is extinguished. If the thermocouple malfunctions, the pilot won’t remain lit.

Troubleshooting Steps

• Confirm thermocouple tip extends properly into the pilot flame
• Check thermocouple connections at the gas valve for tightness
• Look for cracks/damage on the thermocouple tubing
• Ensure the thermocouple generates a minimum 15mV closed circuit voltage
• Replace the thermocouple if cleaning contacts doesn’t resolve the issue

Damaged Control Module or Wiring

Exposure to elements and normal wear and tear can damage the gas valve, control module, switches, or ignition wiring. Module failure is common after several years.

Troubleshooting Steps

• Check wire insulation for cracking/peeling
• Confirm tight, clean connections between wires
• Test switches/modules for proper operation
• Repair/replace damaged wires and connections
• Replace the gas valve or igniter module if found defective

Step-by-Step Ignition Troubleshooting

Use this complete troubleshooting checklist to methodically diagnose any patio heater ignition problems:

Is the propane cylinder filled?

• Confirm cylinder valve is ON
• Weigh the cylinder or measure the fuel level
• Fill if needed

Is the ignition sequence functioning?

• Turn ON heat/ignite control knob
• Listen for igniter sparking
• Smell for gas
• Adjust if not sparking or emitting gas

Is the igniter in good condition?

• Disconnect igniter wire
• Remove igniter assembly
• Clean contacts with emery cloth
• Look for cracks in ceramic insulator
• Ensure tight insertion into bracket

Are burner ports clogged?

• Remove emitter screen
• Examine ports for debris/obstructions
• Clear ports fully with pipe cleaners
• Reinstall screen securely

Is there a pilot flame?

• Ignite pilot per lighting instructions
• Adjust pilot gas screw if needed
• Verify flame extends properly onto thermocouple tip

Is the thermocouple functioning?

• Allow pilot to run for 3 minutes to thermally activate
• Extinguish pilot flame
• Re-ignite while listening for gas supply click
• If no click, replace thermocouple

Is there an obstruction in the gas line?

• With all gas valves OFF, disconnect the fuel line
• Blow compressed air backward through the fuel line
• Listen for any whistling/hissing
• If the blockage is found, replace the damaged section

Is the gas pressure within specifications?

• Install pressure gauge port connector on manifold
• Ignite heater on HIGH setting
• Verify pressure reading matches rating plate
• If not, replace adjustable regulator

By methodically working through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to diagnose and repair any issues with gas patio heaters ignition failure.

Cleaning and Maintenance to Prevent Ignition Problems

Performing regular patio heater cleaning and maintenance can prevent many ignition problems:

Keep Exterior Surfaces Clean

• Wipe down cabinet, reflector, and emitter screen
• Remove dirt, grime, salt, and mineral deposits
• Prevent buildup of debris than can clog burner ports

Cover When Not in Use

• Install weatherproof cover when heater is not being used
• Protect components from rain, snow and windborne particles
• Help reduce corrosion and weather-related damage

Inspect Fuel System

• Check propane cylinder, hoses and fittings for damage or leaks
• Ensure cylinder is always securely locked into cradle
• Keep all connections clean and tightly sealed

Check Ignition System

• Verify igniter, thermopile and thermocouple are undamaged and wires are intact
• Clean all electrical connections to remove corrosion and salt deposits
• Replace battery in ignition module every year

Clear Burner Ports

• Remove obstructing dirt, insect nests or other debris
• Carefully insert pipe cleaners into the burner ports
• Compressed air can help clear away persist debris

Making patio heater maintenance a regular habit will add years of life to your appliance and prevent many frustrating ignition problems.

Gas Patio Heaters Ignition Components

Understanding how the various heater ignition components function and interact is helpful when troubleshooting.

Ignition Control Knob/Switch

Turning the control knob activates the ignition module allowing voltage to flow to the igniter and gas valve. It also adjusts heat settings.

Ignition Modules

These devices manage the ignition sequencing and safety shutoff systems. Most contain a thermocouple amplifier and converter to power the gas valve relay.

Battery Packs

Internal batteries provide the initial power to energize the ignition sequence. Most models use AA or D-sized batteries that require annual replacement.

Igniters

Igniters generate intermittent high-voltage sparks to light the pilot when powered by the ignition module. It may be piezoelectric or electronic spark types.

Thermocouples

The thermal-reactive tip of the thermocouple sits in the pilot flame path. Heat generates a small voltage sent to the module verifying pilot is lit for gas flow.

Thermopiles

Thermopiles generate greater voltage than thermocouples from the standing pilot flame, providing continuous power to the ignition control module.

Pilot Assemblies

The pilot contains a small spud burner connected to the gas supply. The pilot flame ignites the main burner and also provides an input signal to the thermocouple.

Gas Control Valves

These specialized valves manage propane flow to the spud burner and main burner. An electrical signal from the module relay activates the valve operator.

Main Burner

Propane flows from the valve to the main burner through a venturi tube and out ports on perforated ceramic emitter or mesh screen surfaces to combust and generate heat.

While all models vary somewhat in components and configurations, understanding the core ignition related pieces will aid any troubleshooting.

Replacing Ignition Parts on Gas Patio Heaters

When troubleshooting identifies worn out or defective ignition components, follow replacement procedures properly for safe operation:

Thermocouple

1. Turn OFF the gas at the propane cylinder or inlet
2. Disconnect the thermocouple tip from pilot bracket
3. Loosen the connection at the gas valve
4. Feed new part from valve end and finger-tighten
5. Insert tip fully into pilot bracket
6. Ignite the heater and verify several relights

Igniter (piezo)

1. Turn OFF the gas at the propane cylinder or inlet
2. Remove the top heater cover
3. Detach igniter switch wires
4. Unscrew retaining nut
5. Install a new igniter and reconnect wires
6. Verify spark before replacing cover

Igniter (electronic)

1. Turn OFF the gas at the propane cylinder or inlet
2. Disconnect the igniter wire from module
3. Remove retaining screws and extract igniter
4. Install replacement igniter and reconnect wire
5. Carefully replace any protective covers

Battery Pack

1. Turn control knob OFF
2. Slide out ignition module
3. Disconnect battery wires or harness plug
4. Match polarity and connect replacement battery
5. Insert module and verify ignition sequence

Replacing damaged or expired ignition components requires care when handling wiring connections. Refer closely to the patio heater manufacturer instructions provided.

Final Gas Safety Tips

To prevent future ignition failure or dangerous gas leaks:

• Have patio heaters installed and serviced by qualified professionals
• Perform leak checks on all new gas connections
• Conduct periodic leak inspections on supply lines
• Always turn OFF gas valve when not in use
• Replace old plastic supply lines with newer metal-lined type
• Install anti-insect screens on burner vents and ignition components

Carefully following patio heater lighting, use and maintenance directions will provide years of warm and relaxing outdoor enjoyment.

This comprehensive troubleshooting guide covers all the likely ignition issues you might encounter with your gas patio heater. Methodically working through the outlined steps will allow you to accurately diagnose and repair ignition problems due to dirty or damaged igniters, gas pressure deficiencies, clogged burner ports, faulty thermocouples, or issues with electronic control modules or wiring. Combine with robust preventive cleaning and maintenance and your heater will provide many seasons of reliable operation.