How to Fix a Patio Heater

• Make sure there’s fuel in the cylinder
• Ensure that the regulator is fitted correctly and that it’s the right type for the cylinder
• Note: Cold weather (below 6° Fahrenheit) requires use of a propane cylinder, as butane struggles at low temperatures

• Turn the gas cylinder ON, turn the gas knob to “pilot” and hold for 90 seconds
• Turn the gas knob to “On” but don’t light it, then turn to “Off”
• Finally, turn back to “Pilot,” click on the ignitor and hold for 30 seconds.
• Slowly release the button and try not to shake the pole (on some heaters this is an issue)

• Remove the LPG hose and check for a blockage
• If you can, use a blower to blow through the LPG hose to be sure it’s clear
• Remove the flame emitter screen (remove the screws holding it in place)
• Check the piezo ignitor spark and thermocouple for signs of carbon build-up
• Clean any carbon build-up, debris, insects, or water from the area

• Test that the piezo is sparking properly
• Turn the gas OFF and push the igniter, you should see a spark
• Test the piezo by removing the ignition lead at the rear of the ignitor, place your thumb over the end and press the red button… you should feel a small sting. Replace the ignition lead
• Igniter should be close to the thermocouple. If it has become dislodged adjust it until the spark is closer to the thermocouple
• If igniter isn’t sparking, a new igniter should be ordered from the manufacturer and replaced in the unit (universal patio heater ignitors are also available)

• If your heater has a tilt switch, it is intended to prevent the LP gas from entering the control valve if it senses that the unit has tipped
• Older heaters have a factory fitted mercury tilt switch, while newer models have a mechanical tilt switch type A (very simple to replace)
• If found to be faulty, replace the tilt switch

• Remove the electromagnetic valve (typically at the rear of the gas control valve)
• Inspect for damage
• There is no real test; these valves can be damaged by frost and weather
• Replace the valve with a new one

• Make a soapy solution of one part dishwashing soap and one part water
• Apply the solution (with a clean spray bottle or a clean paint brush)
• Turn on the LP gas supply, but DO NOT light the burner (make sure the valve is OFF on the heater)
• If a leak is found, tighten any fittings and use plumber’s tape to seal
• Retest the newly sealed fitting until no leaks are present
• Make sure the gas is OFF, push the igniter… you should see a spark
• No spark? Remove the ignition lead on the rear of the ignitor and place your thumb over the end of the igniter and push the ignite button… you should feel a little sting
• Make sure that the igniter is close to the thermocouple, use some pliers to move it closer if it seems to be dislodged
• If still not igniting, a new igniter should be purchased (either from the manufacturer directly or by purchasing a universal patio heater igniter)

• Turn OFF the gas
• Remove the emitter screen (typically a few screws hold it on)
• DO NOT USE WATER or a damp cloth to clean your heater; use compressed air or a pipe or straw brush
• Clean off the emitter screen and the ignition element

• Make a soapy solution of one part dishwashing soap and one part water
• Apply the solution (with a clean spray bottle or a clean paint brush)
• Turn on the LP gas supply, but DO NOT light the burner (make sure the valve is OFF on the heater)
• If a leak is found, tighten any fittings and use plumber’s tape to seal
• Retest the newly sealed fitting until no leaks are present
• If you have damaged gas lines, replace them

The table is set, your guests are arriving, your patio heater is warming the area nicely… wait… it just shut off. There’s propane in the tank, so what’s going on?



If your patio heater shuts down after running a little while, the typical cause for this is that the light flame has become too far away from the thermocouple unit. The thermocouple will turn off the gas because it thinks that the pilot light is out.

• Many electric patio heaters come with built-in fuses to protect the system from accidental overloads
• Check the fuse and replace it if necessary
• If your heater blows fuses frequently, there is an underlying problem that needs to be fixed (or it’s time for a replacement heater)

• Some electric patio heaters have reset buttons (think of a circuit breaker reset) …
• Push it and restart your heater

• Heating elements in electric patio heaters aren’t meant to last forever – for most heaters, the expected lifetime is up to 5,000 hours
• Check your element to see if it is damaged
• No physical damage? Switch off the power and check the connections of the element
• If you have the ability, check the resistance of the element (should be around 10 ohms)
• If not functioning at this point, replace the element with a new one from the manufacturer

Patio heaters are our friends, and like any friend when they’re not feeling well, we want to help. Following many of these easy fix-it methods will help to ensure that your patio heater lives a long, happy life consistently warming your family and friends when they need it the most.



You can always rely on Patio Heat and Shade to provide you with tons of patio heating options, and we’re got experts on our end of the phone ready to help you whenever you need it. We love matching up the perfect patio heaters with the needs of our customers, and when your heaters need a little TLC we’re there for you.