Why Is My Gas Fire Pit Not Lighting? 8 Common Problems

There's nothing more frustrating than settling in for a relaxing evening outdoors, only to find your gas fire pit won't light. Before you call a technician or start shopping for a replacement, the good news is that most lighting problems have simple fixes you can handle yourself.

Let's walk through the most common reasons your gas fire pit isn't lighting and how to get it working again.

1. The Gas Supply Is Turned Off

This is the most common problem – and the easiest to fix.

Check that:

• Your main gas valve is turned to the "on" position
• If you're using a propane tank, make sure the valve on top is fully open (turn it anti-clockwise)
• Any shut-off valves between your gas source and fire pit are open

It sounds obvious, but many people forget to turn off the gas after their last use. Always check this first before moving on to other troubleshooting steps.

2. Your Propane Tank Is Empty

If you're running on propane, an empty tank won't give you any flames.

How to check:

• Pour warm water down the side of your propane tank
• Feel the tank with your hand from top to bottom
• The tank will feel cool where there's still propane inside
• If the entire tank feels warm, it's empty

Most Australian households use 9kg or 8.5kg propane bottles for outdoor fire pits. Keep a spare on hand so you're never caught out on a chilly evening.

3. The Igniter Needs Replacing

If you hear clicking when you press the ignition button but don't see a spark, your igniter might be worn out.

Signs your igniter has failed:

• No spark when you press the button
• Weak or inconsistent sparking
• The button feels loose or doesn't click properly

Most igniters last 1-2 years with regular use. They're inexpensive and relatively easy to replace. If you're handy, you can do it yourself by following your fire pit's manual. Otherwise, a gas fitter can replace it quickly.

Temporary fix: Use a long lighter or match to manually light your fire pit while you wait for a replacement igniter.

4. Your Burner Ports Are Blocked

Over time, debris, spider webs, dirt, and rust can clog the small holes in your burner where the gas comes out. Even a small blockage can prevent your fire pit from lighting properly.

How to clean your burner:

• Turn off the gas supply completely
• Remove any decorative media (lava rocks, fire glass, etc.)
• Use a soft brush to clean the burner ports gently
• For stubborn blockages, use a straightened paper clip or a wire brush
• Wipe away any dirt or debris with a dry cloth
• Replace the media and try lighting again

Regular cleaning every few months will prevent this issue and keep your fire pit running smoothly.

5. The Thermocouple Is Faulty or Dirty

The thermocouple is a safety device that detects whether the pilot flame is lit. If it's dirty or broken, it won't allow gas to flow to your main burner.

What to look for:

• The pilot lights but goes out immediately when you release the control knob
• The pilot won't stay lit at all
• Visible dirt or corrosion on the thermocouple

Try cleaning the thermocouple with fine sandpaper or a cloth. If cleaning doesn't work, it may need replacing. This is a job for a licensed gas fitter in Australia.

6. There's Air in the Gas Line

If you've just connected a new propane bottle or your fire pit has been sitting unused for months, there might be air trapped in the gas line.

How to purge the air:

• Turn on your gas supply
• Hold down the ignition button for 30-60 seconds
• This allows gas to flow and pushes the air out
• Try lighting your fire pit again

Sometimes it takes a few attempts, especially if the line has been empty for a while.

7. Low Gas Pressure

If your flames are weak or your fire pit struggles to stay lit, you might have a gas pressure problem.

For propane tanks:

• Check the regulator isn't damaged or frozen (frost on the outside is a sign)
• Make sure you're using the correct regulator for your fire pit
• Ensure all connections are tight and not leaking

For natural gas:

• Check that other gas appliances in your home are working normally
• If multiple appliances have low pressure, contact your gas provider

Low pressure can also be caused by a partially closed valve somewhere in the line, so double-check all valves are fully open.

8. Faulty Control Valve

The control valve regulates gas flow to your burner. If it's damaged or worn out, gas might not reach your burner even when everything else is working correctly.

Signs of a faulty valve:

• You can smell gas, but the fire pit won't light
• The valve is hard to turn or feels loose
• Visible damage or corrosion on the valve

Control valve issues require a professional gas fitter to diagnose and repair safely. Don't attempt to fix this yourself.

Safety First: When to Call a Professional

While many gas fire pit issues are simple to fix, some situations require a licensed gas fitter:

• You smell gas when the fire pit is off
• You see visible damage to gas lines or connections
• The fire pit was damaged in a storm or an accident
• You're not confident working with gas appliances
• You've tried basic troubleshooting, and nothing works

In Australia, only licensed gas fitters can legally work on gas installations and repairs. It's not worth the safety risk to attempt complex repairs yourself.

Preventing Future Problems

Keep your gas fire pit running smoothly with these simple maintenance tips:

• Cover your fire pit when not in use to keep out dirt and moisture
• Clean the burner and ports every 2-3 months
• Check all connections at the start of each season
• Store propane tanks upright in a well-ventilated area
• Turn off the gas supply when not using your fire pit
• Have your fire pit professionally serviced annually

Get Back to Enjoying Your Outdoor Space

Most gas fire pit lighting problems have simple solutions. Start with the basics – check your gas supply, clean your burner, and inspect your igniter. These three steps solve the majority of issues.

If you've worked through this checklist and your fire pit still won't light, or if you're thinking it might be time for an upgrade, browse our range of premium gas fire pits designed for Australian outdoor living. Every fire pit we sell comes with clear instructions, and our team is always here to help if you need support.

Need help choosing the right gas fire pit for your space? Contact our team for personalised advice on the best options for your backyard.