Having Problems Lighting a Propane Fireplace

[vfem]

We refilled the 100lb propane tank today and set it all back up because we have some heavy snow and its freezing tonight. Around 6pm we turned on the fireplace no problem and warmed up the house for about 20 minutes and then shut it off leaving the pilot light on. I tried to turn the fire back up about an hour ago and the pilot light died along with the fire after it only half lit.

So now, I can relight the pilot light, and it will stay light but then die right away if I try to actually light the whole fire place?!

What could the issue be...? We keep trying, wait 5-10 minutes and try again... and it keeps dying!

I'm FREEZING!

 

[onedoodle3]

My parents had that problem. Mom called the gas company and they told her to turn off the propane, vacuum out the fireplace (for dust) and then try to light it again. She was told if the pilot light kept going out while trying to get the logs to light, it wasn't getting enough oxygen to make the flame. Hope this helps!

 

[debilorrah]

Check the tank. Sometimes when they refill it they turn the nozzle off and forget to turn it back on. Dont ask me how I know.

 

[PurpleChicken]

You may also have a frozen regulator on the tank. When it gets really cold out that can happen.

So the pilot will relight but it keeps going out when you turn it on?

On the top of the tank is the regulator. It's usually got a thin hose from the tank valve to the actual regulator. Soak a towel in HOT water and wrap the regulator until it works.

 

[Dar]

how long has the yank been empty?

be careful because if something made a nest in there even a spider it could be dangerous... as in kaboom....

 

[PurpleChicken]

Quote:
You are correct in the sense that a spider or other bug making a nest in the vent could cause regulator failure. A kaboom however, is not probable. It would take a heavy leak or a source of heat and ignition near the tank to do that.

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
You are correct in the sense that a spider or other bug making a nest in the vent could cause regulator failure. A kaboom however, is not probable. It would take a heavy leak or a source of heat and ignition near the tank to do that.

Don is right. Propane IS flammable but it takes a really good source to make it go off. I still think you need to check the tank, where the crank is. Been there done that.

 

[Dar]

Quote:
You are correct in the sense that a spider or other bug making a nest in the vent could cause regulator failure. A kaboom however, is not probable. It would take a heavy leak or a source of heat and ignition near the tank to do that.

Don is right. Propane IS flammable but it takes a really good source to make it go off. I still think you need to check the tank, where the crank is. Been there done that.

what about bbq's that go boom from the build up of pressure.. my friend blew off the back wall of the house and lost his life when the bbq went boom... FD said there was a faulty bbq tube most likely due to a partial blockage from a spider nest in the tube leading to the element

ETA: I know bbq and heating woth propane is 2 different things but since Jimmy died I get really nervous with propane

 

[Cindiloohoo]

Try to blow out any dust that may be in and around the pilot nozzle. This was an issue with ours not staying on. We tried EVERYTHING ELSE FIRST too..lol. I hope this is the problem! The dust will clog up the area around where the gas comes out like holding your finger on the end of a water hose. It needs to be clear to get the fuel directed toward the pilot to stay lit and burn correctly.

 

[Chick_a_dee]

Thats a pretty small tank eh, we have a propane insert and propane stove that runs off one of those gigantic tanks..