Patio Heater Won't Light: Fixes (2027)

Check the tank weight by lifting it, and check the valve is fully open before lighting. A tank that feels light is empty even if the gauge, if fitted, still moves. Swap in a known full tank before suspecting the heater, and check the tank connection with soapy water after fitting, watching for bubbles that indicate a leak.

Electronic and pulse igniters need a battery, often a AA or AAA cell, and the battery dies in storage without warning. Replace it with a fresh cell, check the battery contacts for corrosion, and listen for a sharp click when pressing the igniter. A weak click or no click at all points to the battery before it points to the igniter unit itself.

Hold the control knob in for the full pilot delay the manual specifies, often 10 to 30 seconds, so the thermocouple warms enough to hold the gas valve open. Releasing early is the most common pilot failure, especially for first-time owners. If the pilot still drops out after a full hold, the thermocouple may be dirty, misaligned or failing, and the manual's thermocouple position should be checked before parts are ordered.

After storage, spiders, dust and pollen block burner ports and pilot orifices, which shows up as a weak, uneven or yellow flame, or no light at all. Let the heater cool, brush the burner gently, clear the pilot area with compressed air if the manual allows it, and never poke ports with a wire that can enlarge them. A clean burner lights evenly across its surface.

A regulator that has tripped its safety flow limiter, or a hose that is cracked, kinked or chewed, starves the burner of gas. Reset the regulator by closing the tank valve, disconnecting the hose, waiting a minute and reconnecting slowly, then opening the valve slowly. Replace any hose with visible cracking, stiffness or damage, and never use a heater with a suspected gas leak: ventilate the area and keep ignition sources away.