Fixing Your Propane Heater: A Step-By-Step Guide For Tank Tops

Tank top heaters are a convenient way to heat outdoor spaces, but they can sometimes run into problems. The most common issues with tank top heaters include burners that won't light, propane tanks freezing, heaters giving off flames instead of a glow, heaters shutting off when the valve button is released, heaters backfiring, malfunctioning thermocouples, and spark ignition issues. While some of these problems may require professional assistance, many can be easily fixed by the user with the right tools and knowledge. Keeping the tank top heater clean and well-maintained is essential to ensuring its proper functioning.

Burner won't light: check gas line, valve, thermostat, furnace filter, burners, flame sensor, igniter

If your tank top propane heater's burner won't light, there are several things you can check and try to fix the issue.

First, check the gas line and valve. Ensure the gas valve handle is in line with the gas line, which means it is in the “on” position. If it is perpendicular to the line, the gas has been shut off.

Next, check the thermostat. Make sure it is turned to "heat" and set to your desired temperature. If the thermostat is not working, you may need to replace it.

Now, check the furnace filter. A dirty or clogged filter can restrict airflow, preventing the heater from igniting. Replace the filter if it is dirty or try operating the heater without the filter to see if that resolves the issue.

If the above steps do not work, the issue may be with the burners. Check for any blockages in the gas valve or burner orifices. A partial blockage in the gas line or valve may allow the burner to light but not provide enough fuel to keep it lit. You can try to clear any blockages with a straightened paper clip or a small piece of wire.

Another component to check is the flame sensor. This sensor detects the flame and keeps the gas line open to feed fuel to the burner. If the sensor is malfunctioning, it may not detect the flame, causing the gas line to close and the burner to go out. The flame sensor should be cleaned annually.

Finally, check the igniter. If the igniter is not glowing or you don't hear a clicking noise when the heater is turned on, it may need to be cleaned or replaced. Gently clean the area around the igniter and try again. If it still doesn't work, you may need to replace the igniter.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, you may need to call a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.

Propane tank freezing: wrap in electric blanket, set to medium, slowly open regulator valve

Propane tanks are a reliable source of energy, but they can freeze, especially when temperatures fall below -44 degrees Fahrenheit. This is usually a sign that the regulator is feeding the propane too quickly or that there is a high level of humidity. While this is not dangerous, it can be alarming and inconvenient as you will not be able to use the propane until the tank is unfrozen.

To prevent your propane tank from freezing, you can wrap it with an electric blanket. Make sure to keep the regulator and the valve exposed. Secure the blanket to the tank with duct tape, covering the entire tank if possible. Set the blanket to a medium temperature. Once the tank is warm, remove the blanket.

Additionally, slowly open the regulator valve, only as much as you need to. Leaving the valve completely open makes it more susceptible to freezing. If you require more gas pressure, consider connecting multiple gas tanks together to spread the pressure.

Another way to prevent freezing is to keep the tank full, which means refilling it more frequently. Alternatively, you can remove frost from the tank's surface using a soft broom. It is also recommended to keep the tank indoors and in a warm room when not in use.

Heater gives off flame: clean burner orifice

If your propane heater gives off a flame, it may be time to clean the burner orifice. This is a necessary part of normal maintenance, especially if you live somewhere with spiders, as they can cause blockages by spinning webs in the burner opening.

To clean the burner orifice, start by shutting off the gas supply to your heater. The shut-off valve on the gas line should be marked or coloured red and should be easy to find. Turn it clockwise to stop the gas flow. Next, use an adjustable wrench to gently remove the thermocouple and pilot tube from the gas supply valve. Be careful not to use a wrench that is too big, as this could cause damage to the tube.

Once the pilot tube is removed, you can begin cleaning the orifice. Use fine-grit sandpaper to clean off any oxidation buildup or mineral deposits from the tip of the orifice. Then, take a water heater cleaning brush and push it up into the narrow pilot opening to remove any clogs. You can also use compressed air to blow out any dust or debris that may have been dislodged during the cleaning process.

After cleaning, gently return the pilot tube to the orifice and reattach the entire pilot assembly to the heater. Reconnect the tube and thermocouple to the gas supply valve. It should now be safe to turn on the gas supply and relight the pilot light if needed. Remember to check the gas pilot orifice occasionally for any buildup and perform regular maintenance to keep your heater in good working order.

Heater shuts off: squeeze connections with pliers

If your propane tank top heater shuts off when you release the valve button, it could be because the connection on the Tip-Over switch has come loose. This can happen because the glue that helps keep the connection firm can loosen when the heater leaves the factory. To fix this, grab a pair of pliers and squeeze the connections tight. Then, try starting the heater again. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support for further troubleshooting.

• Locate the Tip-Over switch on your heater. This is usually found near the valve button that you release.
• Adjust your pliers to the appropriate size for the connection. You want a snug fit that will allow you to apply pressure evenly.
• Firmly grip the connection with the pliers. Make sure that the pliers are securely in place and won't slip.
• Squeeze the handles of the pliers together to tighten the connection. Apply firm and steady pressure. Avoid using excessive force, as you could damage the connection or the surrounding components.
• Once you have squeezed the connection tight, release the pliers and check that the connection feels secure.
• Reassemble any parts that you had to remove to access the connection.
• Try starting the heater again to see if the issue has been resolved.

If your heater is still shutting off after performing these steps, there may be another issue at play. Contact the manufacturer's Technical Support for further assistance in troubleshooting and resolving the problem.

Heater backfiring: check pilot light, gas pressure, draft, burners

A backfiring heater can be caused by a number of issues with the pilot light, gas pressure, drafts, or burners. Here are some detailed steps to help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem:

Check the Pilot Light:

• Inspect the colour of the flame: A proper pilot light flame should be blue with perhaps a hint of yellow at the tip. A bluish-green flame could be caused by rust or dirt.
• Adjust the flame: If the flame is too strong, it may be noisy and lift off the thermocouple, causing improper operation. Adjust the flame using the screw on the pilot valve body.
• Clean the pilot tube: A yellow flame or a split flame can be caused by a dirty pilot tube tip or dirt inside the pilot tube. Carefully clean the debris with a small screwdriver, nail tip, needle, or small nail.
• Check for drafts: A flickering or wavering flame may be caused by a draft. Identify any sources of drafts in the room and remedy them.

Check Gas Pressure:

• Ensure the supply tank valve is open: Confirm that the supply tank valve is open and allowing gas to flow to the heater.
• Check the regulator setting: Verify that the regulator is set at the medium setting. If it is set too low, it may not be providing enough gas to the heater.

Address Draft Issues:

• Block direct wind flow: If your heater is exposed to wind or drafts, block the heater from direct wind flow to prevent the wind from affecting the flame.
• Check for nearby vents or openings: Ensure there are no nearby vents, windows, or openings that could be directing a draft towards the heater.

Inspect the Burners:

• Clean the burners: Dust, dirt, or debris on the burners can affect their performance. Carefully clean the burners and the area around them.
• Check for proper burner alignment: Ensure that the burners are correctly positioned and aligned. If they are misaligned, adjust them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Inspect for any damage: Visually inspect the burners for any signs of damage, corrosion, or blockage. If any issues are found, the burners may need to be replaced.

If you have checked and addressed these potential issues and the problem persists, it is recommended to contact a qualified technician or a local plumber for further assistance and a more thorough diagnosis.

Frequently asked questions