How to Use a Gas Lamp in a Front Yard

Turning On the Lamp

• 1

  Open the gas halfway to light the flame. Sometimes this will involve turning a valve, other times there may be a screw slot valve.

• 2

  Turn on the igniter, if there is one. In some models, the igniter may be controlled by a switch that looks like a light switch, other models may have a button to depress. If there is no igniter, you will need to light the lamp manually. Open the glass door to access the burner tip. Strike a match and hold the match near the burner tip, then close the glass door again when the burner is lit.

• 3

  Adjust the flame by turning the gas valve. For a smaller flame, turn down the gas. For a larger flame, increase the amount of gas reaching the burner tip. The flame may go out during this process; if so, repeat Steps 1 through 3 again to relight.

• 4

  Turn out the flame when it is done by turning off the gas. Your gas lamp may take several seconds to turn out while the gas from the line clears. If your gas lamp will not turn off, you will need to locate the gas supply shutoff valve for the lamp, or the shutoff valve for your entire house. Either way, you'll need to call the gas company and the person who installed your gas lamp to resolve this problem.

• 5

  Look out your front window on windy nights to check that your gas light is still lit. Most gas lights are designed to withstand wind to a point, but during storms and times of high wind your light may go out. If your light does not stay lit during this weather, you will know not to turn it on during a windstorm or rainstorm in the future.

Cleaning Your Lamp

• 6

  Pour a small amount of a mild dish detergent or household cleaner into a bucket of water. Dip a soft cloth rag into the bucket. Remove the cloth rag and wring it twice to remove the excess water.

• 7

  Wipe down the gas lamp with your damp rag. Rinse the rag in the water and wring it twice. If you clean the interior of the globe of your gas lamp, be careful not to damage the burner with your hand.

• 8

  Wipe down the gas lamp again, then rinse and wring it. Continue this process until the rag no longer wipes away dirt from the gas lamp.