Patio Heaters - Top Repair Tips

1. First check our patio heater problem solving page - do not attempt a repair unless fully briefed on the likely cause. The most common mistake for patio heaters that fail to light is misdiagnosing the pilot has a blockage and drilling a small hole to fix the problem!!
2. Never, never never drill the pilot light on a patio heater. This will result in a very high pilot flame that cannot be controlled. Once drilled the patio heater burner cannot be safely repaired and is a write-off.
3. Before changing the patio heater ignitor check to see if it works - just push the piezo red button and place your thumb on the other end. You should feel a sharp sting and hear it click, if not then the patio heater ignitor needs replacing.
4. Always start with the most common problems and work through the list checking each patio heater component.
5. First consumable part to go on patio heaters is the thermocouple, see parts commercial patio heaters thermocouples and domestic patio heaters thermocouples. Thermocouples can last anywhere between 1 year up to 5 years depending on use, storage and type. Changing the thermocouple fixes 90% of all patio heater firing problems - see thermocouple function page.
6. Second on patio heaters consumables list is the electromagnetic valve. If a new thermocouple hasn't fixed the patio heaters lighting problem take a look at the electromagnetic valve part number AFX496.
7. Third on patio heaters consumable list is the patio heater tilt switch . They can cause similar patio heater firing problems to mimic a worn thermocouple. Very easy to change on most patio heaters, these are attached via two leads that push on to the tilt switch. Just unclip and swap for a new tilt switch on your patio heater.
8. If all above components are working OK on your patio heater then you'll need more specialist help. Patio heaters within the Urban BFX patio heaters range can be returned for repair outside the warranty by using our patio heaters repair service. Patio heaters outside our range cannot be accepted - there are many cheap and cheerful tin plated patio heaters on the market and these are not repairable. Due to high demand for burner repair on generic patio heaters we have made available replacement stainless steel burners for domestic patio heaters. For those burners that cannot be repaired please see our domestic replacement patio heater burner.