Patio Heater Guide to problem solving

Patio heater pilot will not light?

1. Check the gas cylinder to ensure it is turned on at the regulator and the gas cylinder contains fuel.
2. The patio heater may have a blockage preventing the fuel reaching the chamber.  Remove the patio heater hose and check for insect/debris blockage, if a blower is available try blowing through the hose.  Next remove the flame screen by removing the 4 screws holding the flame screen in place.  Lift the flame screen off to access the piezo ignitor and thermocouple.  Check for any carbon build-up and clean.  Look for any debris/insects/water within the area and remove/clean.
3. Loose connections on the patio heater need to be checked by using the procedure for a leakage test.
4. Patio heater leakage test can be done by making a soapy solution of one part liquid detergent (washing-up liquid) and one part water.  The soapy solution can be applied to the patio heater with a clean spray bottle or clean paint brush.  Turn the gas supply on to the patio heater but do not light the burner.  Make sure the safety control valve on the burner is in the OFF position.  If a leak is present, turn the gas supply off.  Tighten any fittings, turn the gas supply on and re-check.  Continue checking the patio heater until all leaks and connections are tighten according the manufacturer's instructions.

Patio heater pilot will not stay on?

1. Check for debris around the patio heater pilot and clean the area.
2. There may be low fuel pressure, ensure the gas cylinder has sufficient fuel. Avoid using butane during the winter months, patio heaters will operate more effectively on propane during cold periods.
3. Check the gas cylinder to ensure it is turned on at the regulator and the cylinder contains fuel.  If the cylinder is full, check for leaks - see above leakage test.
4. If points 1 to 3 are OK the probable cause will be failure of the thermocouple.  To replace the thermocouple refer to spares and thermocouple AFX480 and AFX485.  A new thermocouple should be fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions - see thermocouple function page.

Patio heater burner will not light?

1. Allow 30 seconds for the gas to reach the chamber before trying to light the patio heater burner.
2. If the burner will not light and you cannot smell gas turn off the patio heater controls and check for blockages - see above.
3. If there are no blockages and the thermocouple is working (pilot lights quickly) remove the electromagnetic valve (located at the back of the gas control valve) and if worn replace with AFX496. 
4. If the burner will not light and you can smell gas, turn off and check for leaks - see above leakage test.
5. Check the piezo ignitor for a spark.  If there is no spark remove the flame screen - see above.  Turn the gas supply to OFF position and check the piezo ignitor.  The piezo ignitor should be close to the thermocouple, if it has moved so the spark cannot jump across, adjust it until a spark can be seen.  If the piezo ignitor is failing to produce a spark check the ignitor lead is connected to the piezo ignition, if OK then remove and replace. 
6. A new patio heater piezo ignitor, see AFX470 AFX475 or AFX477, should be fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions.
7. If you cannot smell gas and the pilot and burner will not light check the tilt switch (if fitted) function.  A failed tilt switch on a patio heater will prevent the gas entering the gas control valve.  Older patio heaters will have a mercury tilt switch see AFX435C, newer patio heaters are fitted with mechanical tilt switches see AFX435A and AFX435B.