Step-by-step guide on how to fix your fire pit's low flame

Noticing a low flame on your fire pit usually means there’s a restriction in the gas flow. The good news is that Outland Living fire pits are designed with only a few key components, so the issue is often easy to fix with a little guidance. Below, we’ve outlined simple steps to help you identify the cause and solution. For more in-depth information, feel free to download or print the PDF attachment. Let’s give it a go!

Our troubleshooting steps apply to Outland Living fire pits only. We cannot provide guidance on products manufactured by other companies. Before reading through our steps, please confirm your fire pit’s model number and name. Your Outland Living model number will start with the letters ‘FMP’ for reference.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Normal Operating Conditions Checklist

It is best and recommended that troubleshooting be completed under normal operating conditions. The points below outline what normal operating conditions look like, and correct the low flame in most cases. Please test the fire pit within these parameters before troubleshooting:

1. Use a 20 lb or 15 lb propane tank. Anything smaller will result in performance issues.
2. Ensure the propane tank is full! If you noticed the low-flame issue started after you replaced your tank, test another one to be sure.
3. Operate the fire pit between sea level and 300 feet above sea level.
4. Ensure the propane tank valve is fully open during operation. Always turn to the open position until you reach a positive stop.
5. Only operate the fire pit between the 12 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions on the control knob (high and low flame settings).
6. Be mindful of temperature! At cool temperatures, propane may have difficulty vaporizing and cause tank freeze, which in turn, causes a low flame.

Part 2: Perform a Leak Test

A gas leak can cause reduced gas flow, resulting in a low, bluer-coloured flame. It is often accompanied by a hissing sound and strong smell of propane. Perform a leak test to rule it out as the cause of your low flame:

WARNING: DO NOT USE OR PERMIT SOURCES OF IGNITION IN THE AREA WHILE DOING THE LEAK TEST. THIS INCLUDES SMOKING!

1. Prepare a leak test solution of half dish soap and half water in a glass or bowl.
2. Ensure the propane tank valve is closed and the fire pit’s control knob is at the ‘Off’ position.
3. Align the brass nipple located inside the black handwheel to the propane valve and hold in place. Using the other hand, turn the handwheel clockwise until there is a positive stop – this ensures the connection isn’t cross-threaded. Hand-tighten only!
4. Open the propane tank valve all the way until resistance is felt.
5. Apply the soapy water solution to the three connection points illustrated below:
   1. Fire Pit Valve Coupling
   2. Gas Hose Regulator
   3. Propane Tank Valve Coupling

6. If bubbles are continuously produced, a leak is present at the connection point. Close the propane tank valve immediately.

The table below outlines possible solutions, depending on the confirmed leaking connection point. Please let one of our customer support representatives know if the leak test is positive for further assistance.

Part 3: Resetting the Regulator

The purpose of a regulator is to control the pressure and flow of gas from a propane tank to the burners of a gas appliance. The regulator ensures that the gas is delivered at a safe and consistent pressure, which is necessary for the appliance to operate properly. The regulator also contains an EFV (Excess Flow Valve). This safety mechanism is designed to automatically shut off the flow of gas when an anomaly is detected. In this part, we are going to reset the EFV in case it has tripped.

1. Ensure the propane tank valve is closed and the fire pit’s control knob is at the ‘Off’ position.
2. Disconnect the hose and regulator from the propane tank.
3. Inspect the propane tank’s valve opening for any debris or obstructions, such as dirt or sand. If there is an obstruction, please clean and clear the valve opening before moving forward.
4. Locate the regulator (silver piece directly behind the black handwheel that connects to the propane tank) and tap it on the ground three times. See image below for reference:

5. Reconnect the hose to the propane tank. To do so, align the brass nipple located inside the black handwheel to the propane valve and hold it in place. Using the other hand, turn the handwheel clockwise until there is a positive stop.
6. Slowly open the propane tank valve (turn all the way open until resistance is felt) to avoid tripping the excess flow device.
7. Follow the ignition instructions for your fire pit to ignite the flame.
8. Let the fire pit run for approximately five minutes to allow the rocks to warm up. Adjust between the high and low flame settings to confirm the flame height changes.

Part 4: Cleaning your Outland Living Fire Pit

Sometimes a low flame may be caused by blockages in the burner or orifices. Dust, insects, or other debris can obstruct the gas flow. A simple cleaning may solve the problem.

1. Ensure the propane tank valve is closed and the fire pit’s control knob is at the ‘Off’ position.
2. Disconnect the hose and regulator from the propane tank.
3. Remove the lava rocks from the fire pit and keep them somewhere dry.
4. Locate the four screws securing the control knob/gas valve assembly to the fire pit base. You do NOT need to remove the knob as seen in the image below. 

5. The four screws are secured with nuts and washers. Use a wrench to hold the nut securely in place while you turn the screwdriver counter-clockwise to loosen the screw. Once the screw is loosened, you should be able to remove it by hand. Continue until all four screws, nuts, and washers have been removed. NOTE: KEEP THE SCREWS, NUTS, AND WASHERS IN A SAFE PLACE.
6. The control knob/valve assembly will free from the fire pit base. Please note, you may need to disconnect the auto-igniter cable if your fire pit is equipped with one. To do so, simply grip the silicon sleeve and pull the cable.
7. Using a small tool, such as a paperclip or needle, clean out the gas valve orifice. It may be difficult to see an obstruction in the gas valve orifice, but small enough critters can nest in there. We do not recommend using compressed air, as it can push the obstruction further into the valve.

8. Moving on to the burner tube, use a flashlight to look inside this part. Use a long flexible pipe cleaner, or a long small utensil to clean out any debris or nests. Even if you cannot see an obstruction, please clean the burner tube. For reference, an insect and nest blockage may look like this:

9. Ensure the bug screen isn’t dented inward and is molded to the diameter of the burner tube. If the bug screen is dented or out of place, use a tool of choice to push the screen back into place. It should look like this:

10. When the burner tube is determined to be clear, align the gas valve and burner tube. If your fire pit is equipped with an auto-igniter, ensure to reconnect the cable before affixing the assembly to the fire pit base. Use the screws, nuts, and washers from step 5 to complete the re-assembly.
11. Connect the hose to the propane tank.
12. Slowly open the propane tank valve (turn all the way open until resistance is felt) to avoid tripping the excess flow device.
13. Follow the ignition instructions for your fire pit to ignite the flame.
14. Let the fire pit run for approximately five minutes to allow the rocks to warm up. Adjust between the high and low flame settings to confirm the flame height changes. 

For the most accurate assessment, check your flame height in the evening when it is easier to see and the flame appears at its best.