Testing Procedures for Outdoor Gas Fireplaces

Installation Code

• Installation of outside gas fireplaces is governed by codes either at the local level or by the National Fuel Gas Code and the Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code. If the fireplace adheres to both of these, it should give you years of problem-free fires. With the system exposed to weather and animal life, though, it is a good idea to run tests on the system before starting it for the cold season.

Cleaning Hoses

• The two areas of most concern are the gas supply system and the burners. Fittings inside a home last for years, but outside fittings suffer from weather extremes, wind, and ground movement. Open the access panel to the gas connections and clean off any debris or dirt. The next step is to check the hoses and connections with a bubble mixture made from a quart of water and two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid.

Testing Connections

• Shut the gas off at the connection and brush the soapy water all along the hoses and fittings. Turn the gas back on and light the fireplace. Brush the fittings again with the mixture and see if any bubbles develop anywhere. If so, turn the gas off and tighten the fittings at that point. Retest to ensure that the leak is gone. If the leak does not go away, call a service technician. Always thoroughly rinse the soapy water off the hoses and connections.

Pipe Cleaners

• The burners make convenient homes for various insects, including spiders who think they've found the perfect little cave for themselves. If a spider web is blocking a venturi, then no gas will come out, resulting in a poor fire. At some point when the web is burned away, too much gas could rush out, leading to an unexpected flare-up. Test the venturi by using a pipe cleaner pushed down into the hole. Twist it around a few times and then pull it back up.

Gas Odors

• Natural gas is odorless by itself, which is why amendments are added to it to give it a distinctive and recognizable odor. If you notice a gas smell around the fireplace at any time, do not investigate or test it further. Call the gas company emergency line for assistance. Their gas-testing equipment is very sensitive and will soon tell if there is a problem and where it is coming from.