A question we often get at The Outdoor GreatRoom Company is whether or not gas fire tables need annual maintenance. We always recommend some maintenance to make sure your fire table is working at its most efficient level. Below are a few tips we recommend doing regularly throughout the summer and before or after you put it away for the winter.
A deep cleaning: A deep cleaning of your fire pit table will keep your table operating like it should. It will also help to identify any parts that need replacement. Refer to your OGC installation manual as a guide for maintenance.
Check the parts: Your fire table is made of a number of parts: the base (which may hide the LP tank), the table top, and the burner/gas train system. Look for any damage, rust, or debris. Remove the media if possible, to inspect the burner surface for any deterioration. Clean media prior to returning to the burner and remove dust, dirt, and debris. Check the burner and gas train for leaks and deterioration. The gas train starts at the source. Look for any damage to the supply gas line: dents, kinks, cuts, or abrasions that could lead to failure. Inspect the main control valve and the gas lines connecting it to the burner orifice. Check the orifice, air shutter, and burner manifold for rust damage, debris, and blockage. Clean and repair as needed. If uncertain contact an NFI-certified gas service person.
Spiders: Before any reassembly after cleaning, check for spider webs by inserting a pipe cleaner or similar-sized brush into the port holes of the burner and any openings to remove any webs. If you hear or smell gas and the burner isn't lit, turn the gas off immediately and check the burner ports and openings for spider webs.
Shine and seal: Give the burner itself a good cleaning to make the stainless steel shine. Seal the surface of the table as required. For helpful information regarding maintaining your Supercast tops, refer to our Supercast FAQ.
Clean out the base: Remove any leaves, dirt, or debris from inside the base. Use a vacuum, broom, or brush to remove. Large amounts of debris can create a fire hazard.
Check for any leaks: Re-assemble anything disassembled in cleaning and inspection and wipe down outside with stainless polish if you have a stainless finish or use mild soap and water to restore luster to the exterior. Before you fire up the unit check for leaks. This should be done by a qualified person using a soap and water solution. Any leaks must be fixed prior to the use of the table. Never operate if you can smell gas!
Light it up: Now it's time to fire up the fire table. It is important to make sure the ignitor is working. You should know where the spark electrodes are on the burners and be able to see if there is a good spark to ignite the gas before you turn it on. Always make sure all control knobs are in the off position and any burner covers are removed and the burner is open before attempting to ignite the fire.
Gas Flow Issues: Fire pit lighting but the flame is small? One safety feature in propane tanks is that they allow very little gas to flow if it senses a leak or an open valve. If you are experiencing this, make sure all your burners are turned off and find the source of the leak. To reset this safety feature in the tank, turn off all the valves on the fire table, turn off the valve on the tank, unhook the grill hose and regulator from the tank, then re-hook the tank back up to the burner, open the tank valve slowly, then try lighting the fire pit one more time. This is one way to troubleshoot the small flame issue. Propane tanks should always be turned off when the fire table is not in use.
Keep it clean: Clean your fire table at least a couple of times a year to keep your investment in tip-top shape for years to come!
