April 25, 2025

How to Light a Gas Fire Pit with a Lighter: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to light up your gas fire pit or fire table? It’s as simple as turning a valve and striking a lighter—if you know the steps! In this guide, we’ll walk you through lighting your gas fire pit safely, with tips to keep the flames roaring and your gathering worry-free. Keep reading for the how-to!

Safety Precautions Before Lighting

Before you dive into lighting your gas fire pit, a little safety prep goes a long way. It’s important to check a few things to ensure everything runs smoothly. Trust me, a little caution now saves a lot of hassle later!

Checking for Gas Leaks:

Using a Soap Solution

First things first: we need to make sure there’s no gas leak in sight. It’s an easy task, and it could make all the difference. Mix a small amount of dish soap with water in a spray bottle. Then, spritz this solution onto your gas connections and hoses. If you see bubbles, you’ve found your leak! Tighten the connection, or call in a pro to fix it.

Smelling for Gas

It’s always good to use your senses, so give your fire pit area a quick sniff. If you can smell gas, that’s a red flag! Turn off the gas supply immediately, ventilate the area, and check the connections for any leaks.

Ensuring Proper Ventilation:

Outdoor Use Only

Gas fire pits are made for the open air, so make sure you’re using yours in a well-ventilated outdoor space. Never use them indoors—you could be creating a dangerous situation with carbon monoxide building up in an enclosed area.

Avoiding Enclosed Spaces

Even outdoors, avoid placing your fire pit too close to walls, fences, or anything that could block the airflow. A good flow of fresh air is essential for keeping the flames steady and the gas flow consistent. Think of it as giving your fire pit room to breathe!

Lighting Procedure (Match Lit)

With safety sorted, it’s time to get your fire pit lit! Follow these simple steps for a quick and easy ignition process.

Preparing the Fire Pit:

Removing Debris and Ensuring Clear Burner Area

Before you even think about lighting your fire pit, have a quick look around. Clear away any leaves, sticks, or bits of garden clutter from around the burner. You don’t want anything blocking the flow of gas or interfering with the flames. A clean fire pit is a happy fire pit!

Turning on the Gas Supply:

Slowly Opening the Gas Valve

Now, it’s time to get the gas flowing. Turn the gas valve slowly—this isn’t a race! Let the gas flow gently into the burner for about 30 seconds. This ensures the gas lines are properly filled before you try to ignite them.

Lighting with a Long Lighter:

Holding the Flame Near the Burner

Grab your long lighter and hold it near the burner—at a safe distance, of course. Flick the lighter to generate a flame, and you’re ready to go! Once the flame catches, it should spread across the burner evenly.

Adjusting the Flame Height

Once the fire is roaring, you can adjust the flame to your liking. Whether you want a cosy, low flame or a tall, fiery blaze, simply adjust the gas flow accordingly. It’s all about setting the perfect atmosphere for your gathering.

Safety Tips for Using a Lighter

Lighting a gas fire pit with a lighter is easy, but there are a few tips to keep you safe and make things go smoothly. Here are some simple but effective safety tips to keep in mind.

Using a Long Lighter:

Keeping Hands Away from the Burner

The long lighter is your best friend here. By keeping a safe distance, you’re reducing the chance of burns or accidents. Plus, the extra length gives you more control when igniting the burner.

Avoiding Direct Contact with Flames:

Lighting from a Safe Distance

Remember: always light your fire pit from a safe distance. Don’t lean over the burner. Lighting from a distance not only keeps you safe but also gives you more time to react in case something goes wrong. A few seconds of caution can prevent a world of worry!

Troubleshooting Lighting Issues

Every now and then, you might run into a little hiccup when lighting your fire pit. Don’t worry—most of the time, it’s easy to fix! Here’s how to troubleshoot a few common issues.

Checking Gas Supply:

Ensuring Propane Tank is Full or Natural Gas is On

If your fire pit’s not lighting, the first thing to check is the gas supply. For propane models, make sure your tank isn’t empty. If you’re using natural gas, check that the supply is turned on and flowing properly. It’s a simple step, but sometimes the simplest solutions are the best.

Inspecting Burner and Ignition System:

Cleaning and Checking for Damage

If the gas is flowing and the fire still won’t start, it’s time to inspect the burner and ignition system. Check the burner for any debris or blockages, and give it a good clean if needed. Look over the ignition system to make sure it’s free from dirt, moisture, or damage. A quick clean can make a world of difference in getting your fire started!

Conclusion

And there you have it—lighting your gas fire pit with a lighter is quick and straightforward when you follow the right steps. By keeping safety top of mind, checking your equipment, and following the step-by-step process, you can enjoy your fire pit with confidence.

Remember, regular maintenance and troubleshooting can prevent most issues, ensuring your fire pit stays in great shape for years to come. With a bit of care and preparation, you’ll have many cosy evenings spent by the fire, making memories with friends and family. So go ahead, strike that lighter and get the flames going—you’re all set for an unforgettable night outdoors!