If you find your propane heater is shutting off, it is possible that there is a malfunction happening inside it.
There are various possible reasons that could be causing this problem, including faulty safety features, gas supply issues, or thermostat problems.
To fix the issue, troubleshooting may be necessary to determine the underlying cause and resolve it accurately.
If you possess a propane heater, you may have experienced an issue: upon igniting the heater for heating your house, it operates for a brief period before ceasing.
It is important to determine whether you need professional help or if you can fix the propane heater yourself. We will discuss some potential reasons why your propane heater is shutting off.
Related Reading: 10 Common Patio Heater Problems & Their Fixes
Table of Contents
Reasons Why My Propane Heater is Shutting Off
When troubleshooting your propane heater, these are the common issues to look for.
Insufficient Gas Pressure
A propane heater will automatically turn off if it lacks sufficient fuel.
This is due to the fact that contemporary furnaces are engineered to function solely when a specified gas pressure is attained.
There are a few reasons which can cause an insufficient gas supply, which include:
- Empty propane tank
- Blocked gas lines
- Leaking gas lines
An empty propane tank can be replaced by yourself, but for damaged gas lines, it’s recommended to seek professional help due to the high risk of danger.
Malfunctioning Electrical Connections
Sometimes a propane heater is shutting off for safety reasons involving loose connections. Loose connections can occur anywhere from the regulator to the spark plug.
This is an extremely dangerous issue that should only be handled by professionals. Turn off the heater and seek help.
The Pressure Switch May Be Off
Some propane heaters possess safety elements that can halt the gas supply in case of inconsistent pressure.
If the pressure varies frequently, the pressure switch might discontinue the gas supply to avoid problems related to venting.
Venting issues may come from a few sources:
- Blocked exhaust
- Cracked exchanger
It is not recommended to attempt to fix either of these issues on your own. Calling a professional is necessary for both, as they are too dangerous to be DIY projects.
Carbon Built Up Around the Thermocouple
Propane, a carbon-based component, produces carbon dioxide when burned. This can cause carbon buildup inside the heater and lead to malfunctions.
If carbon builds up on the thermocouple of your propane light, it can impede the transfer of heat to the thermocouple.
Consequently, the thermocouple will fail to signal the valve, which will cause your heater to malfunction and render it unable to perform effectively.
Related Reading: How To Clean A Thermocouple On A Patio Heater
It is technically possible to clean it yourself in approximately twenty minutes without professional help, provided you take a few precautions.
- Turn off the gas
- Take a picture before removing anything so you can put it back correctly
- Never touch the sensor
- Use an iron wool or abrasive side of a sponge to scour off any soot
- Never use any chemical cleaners
Corroded Flame Sensor
A flame sensor could be the reason your propane heater is shutting off.
The flame sensor is intended to remain active throughout the furnace’s operation, and it will discontinue the gas supply if it detects the absence of a flame.
If the sensor is malfunctioning, then even if a flame is there, it might cut itself off. There are a couple of reasons why this might be:
- A strong wind may cause trouble for the propane heater.
- A gas leak may cause the flame to struggle.
Distance Between Pilot Light And Thermocouple
As we’ve discussed before, the thermocouple is designed to operate at high temperatures.
If the distance between the flame and the thermocouple exceeds a certain point, the thermocouple won’t function properly, causing the pilot light to fail to ignite.
You can theoretically fix this problem yourself by:
- Use a plier to grab either the thermocouple or pilot light
- Make sure not to use too much pressure or you might break them
- Pull them closer
Those were some of the major reasons why your propane heater is shutting, so let’s look at some troubleshooting tips.
Troubleshooting Tips
Before calling a professional, there are a few things you can do to diagnose problems yourself. Here are our recommendations.
Replace The Propane Tank
This is the first and simplest step to take: replace the propane tank before attempting to open up the heater to ensure it’s not malfunctioning due to lack of fuel.
Pull The Pilot Light And Thermocouple Closer
This troubleshooting step involves pulling the pilot light and thermocouple closer to diagnose the problem. You can use a pliers to pull them closer.
Check The Gas Flow
Just to clarify:
- The gas pilot is the valve which controls the flow of gas
- The pilot tube carries the gas to the pilot
If the pilot tube is obstructed, the pilot light won’t work. Cleaning the tube can restore the light’s function.
There are a couple of ways to clean the tube, but the easiest way is to find some kind of long, thin cleaning device, such as:
- Piece of wire
- Stick
- Skewer
If the pilot light is a weak orange or yellow, it indicates that the tube needs to be cleaned.
Check For Loose Connections
You should visually inspect all electrical components of the heater to ensure that none of the wires are loose.
Use The Water And Soap Bubble Test For Leaks
One simple way to check for pipe leaks is by using the soap and water bubble test.
Follow a few steps to perform this test.
- Coat all the gas transmission equipment (hoses, pipes, valves, and so forth) in soapy water.
- Pressurize the system
- If you see bubbles forming on any part of the outside, then you leak.
Clean The Thermocouple
As mentioned, cleaning the thermocouple is a simple process that requires only an abrasive sponge or steel wool.
It is important to avoid using any chemical cleaners, as they may damage the thermocouple.
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Conclusion
To summarize, your propane heater is shutting off for one of three possible reasons.
Firstly, the fuel supply may be insufficient to allow it to function properly.
Secondly, there may be an obstruction or buildup of dirt preventing it from performing its function accurately.
Thirdly, there may be a malfunction or damage to one of its components.
Depending on the issue, you may be able to fix the heater by disassembling and cleaning it yourself.
Remember, some of the causes may be beyond your ability to do safely, so please contact a professional.
Be safe and enjoy living the outdoor life!!!