Do you have a gas fire pit table? Make sure it is ready to go this summer with some helpful tips and maintenance! As Spring arrives and we find the days are longer we have more time to enjoy our back yard havens. To do it safely this year and every year as part of an annual cleaning and preparations your gas appliances in the back yard need attention.
Follow this list to make sure you are ready for fire pit season!
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 are in need of 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 (may hide the LP tank), the table top and the burner/gas train system. Look for any damage, rust, debris. Remove the media if possible to inspect burner surface for any deterioration. Clean media prior to returning to the burner, remove dust dirt, 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, 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 a 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 any are present. 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 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, large amounts of debris may 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 a mild soap and water to restore luster to 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 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 your fire.
Gas Flow Issues: We get a lot of calls from customers who say the fire pit lights but has a small flame. 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 tank valve slowly, then try lighting the fire pit one more time. This is one way to trouble shoot 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 times a year to keep your investment in tip-top shape for years to come!
If you need parts, always know the model of the fire table you have. If you do not have model name or number, pictures will help us identify your fire table and which parts you will need. If you already know which parts you need, you can order select service parts here. You can also consult this list for spring maintenance for OGC's lines of pergolas, furniture, and outdoor kitchens.
Now it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your time by the fire!
