There are a variety of ways to heat any area, but propane heaters are one of the most reliable and effective ways to do so.
One of the most common causes of the propane heater keeps shutting off or won’t stay lit after 5 minutes is a problem with the fuel supply line or debris in the thermocouple. You can easily diagnose the issue by inspecting the thermocouple and the fuel supply line and connecting it to a source of propane.
If you have a propane heater that will not stay lit, you will need to first check to make sure that the igniter is working properly. If it is, you will need to check the connections to the igniter and the regulator.
Reasons Why Your Propane Heater Keeps Shutting Off
A common problem with propane-fueled patio heaters is that the heaters can be turned off sequentially due to a number of reasons. The common issues are gas leak, gas leak sensor, gas line, orifice plate, pilot light, burner, and burner assembly. It is a smart move to have a clear understanding of the possible issues before trying to resolve the problem.
Gas regulator
Your gas furnace’s gas regular is an important safety device that keeps the gas flowing to your heater’s furnace. If it malfunctions or becomes compromised, it can prevent your furnace from running properly. It is best to have this checked by a professional.
Thermocouple Not Properly Cleaned
The thermocouple detects the presence of a flame and allows or shuts off gas supply depending on the presence of a flame. It also guards the home against the buildup of poisonous gas and prevents potential fires.
If your propane heater keeps shutting off, make sure you clean the thermocouple properly before you use the heater.
Distance Between Pilot Light and Thermocouple
Both parts of the heater need to complement each other. In fact, they work together to complete the whole operation of the propane heater. If the Pilot light and thermocouple are placed too away from each other it cause your heater won’t stay lit for a time.
So, make sure to check their distance and place them according to your user manual.
Gas Pressure
Improper or not sufficient gas pressure to the heater pilot light it also causes the heater keeps shut off in a few minutes.
Make sure to check proper gas pressure in your patio heater is enough of not.
Loose Gas Connections
It’s possible to encounter a leak in the gas transmission system, but you can prevent the leak with the use of a pressure regulator. And the loose connections can take place anywhere starting from the regulator to the spark plug.
Propane Heater Troubleshooting Tips For Won’t Stay Lit After 5 Minutes
We have identified some above-mentioned reasons why the propane patio heater keeps shutting off every few minutes now Let’s have a look at Propane heater troubleshooting tips:
#1. Put Thermocouple and Pilot Tube Closer
If the thermocouple is placed too far from the pilot light then you should place it close to the pilot light. To do this read the manufacturer’s user manual.
Before you do this make sure that your propane heater is turned off and cold enough to operate.
Make sure you use pliers to connect the thermocouple and pilot light together. You should also be able to withstand the pressure of the two objects. If you’re not careful, the thermocouple and pilot light may come off their places and ruin the entire patio heater.
#2. No Proper Gas Flow
The gas pilot is the gas valve that controls the flow of gas to the pilot light. The pilot tube is the tube that carries the gas to the pilot. If the pilot tube is blocked, the pilot will not light and the heater will not function. You have to clean the pilot tube to get it to work properly again.
There are a few ways to clean the pilot, but the best way is to poke a stick, skewer or a piece of wire through the pilot. If you can see the wood of the pilot, it is likely that there is a problem with it.
A pilot light that flickers or is on orange or yellow flames is a sign that the pilot tube needs urgent cleaning.
#3. Loose Connections
After that, you can run a thorough check to see if there are any loosen-up connections or not. If there are no loose-up connections, then you can run the water and soap bubble test to make sure that there is no leak.
The first step to fixing a leak is to locate the leak precisely. Once you have done that, you can use a plumber’s putty to fix the leak. It should be okay to go once the leak is repaired.
#4. Cleaning Thermocouple
If your outdoor propane heater is won’t stay lit after a few minutes there could be a reason that the thermocouple is not cleared properly or carbon build up around the thermocouple.
We have a detailed step-by-step guide on how to clean thermocouple properly.
Propane Torpedo Heater Keeps Shutting Off?
A propane torpedo heater is a good choice for heating specific areas because it can be adjusted to point the heated air in a specific direction.
Torpedo heaters are common to keep shutting off. These kinds of heaters are prone to shut down due to a number of issues. These include improper pump pressure, improper fuel, and defective control board.
You can fix those above-mentioned issues to prevent your propane torpedo heater keeps shutting off.
Why Does My Gas Wall Heater Keep Shutting Off?
If you are facing the gas wall heater keeps shutting off you are not alone. Gas wall heater installation can be costly, so homeowners may need to hire a professional to make sure their heater is working correctly.
Final Thoughts
I hope that you have understood the troubleshooting guide for Propane Heater Keeps Shutting Off And Won’t Stay Lit After A Few Minutes.
After you have done all the basic troubleshooting, you need to do some more advanced troubleshooting if the heater still doesn’t work. Read the manufacturer’s guidelines and follow them closely. If you are not confident to do any of the fixes, then it is advisable to hire a professional.
If you don’t want to get into any trouble you can also use electric heater over propane heaters.