Top 10 Gas Supply Mistakes in Fire Pit Installations—And How to Avoid Them
Top 10 Gas Supply Mistakes in Fire Pit Installations—And How to Avoid Them
🧯 Expert tips from someone who’s seen it all… and smelled worse.
So You Want a Fire Pit? Let’s Not Blow It (Literally).
Ah, the dream: a cozy, flickering fire pit, good friends, melted marshmallows, and not a single eyebrow singed. But let me tell you—nothing ruins the vibe faster than a sputtering burner, a silent ignition switch, or a roaring flame that makes your guests leap backward like startled cats.
I've spent years consulting on fireplaces and fire pits, and while I adore helping people make their backyards glow, I’ve also seen... things. Scorched patio cushions. Melted regulator covers. A poor guy using a garden hose as a gas line extension (yes, really).
So let’s get serious—for just a moment—about gas supply. Then we’ll get funny again.
Here are the 10 most common gas supply mistakes I see with fire pit installations and how to avoid turning your dreamy outdoor retreat into a cautionary tale.
🔥 Mistake #1: Undersized Gas Lines
Let’s start with a classic. People think, “Gas is gas, right? Just hook it up and let it rip!”
Wrong.
Using a gas line that’s too narrow is like trying to hydrate a bonfire with a drinking straw.
💀 What goes wrong:
Tiny lines = low volume = weak flames. Worse? Long runs of pipe or too many fittings choke your system before the fire even starts.
🛠 How to fix it:
Calculate your BTUs. Add up the demand from your burner and any other connected appliances.
Use a gas pipe sizing chart.
If you're stuck between two sizes, go bigger. Your fire pit will thank you.
And don't forget: every elbow fitting or valve adds resistance.
📝 Nadia’s Tip: The line might be hidden, but the flame will rat you out.
🔥 Mistake #2: Trusting a 20lb Propane Tank with Your Whole Setup
Ah, the ol’ BBQ tank. Faithful. Familiar. Inadequate.
If you’re running a 100,000 BTU fire pit and expecting that little metal donut to keep up—you’re setting yourself up for disappointment and a flame that peters out before the first s’more.
💀 What goes wrong:
These tanks can’t vaporize propane fast enough to meet the burner’s needs, especially in cooler temps.
🛠 How to fix it:
Upgrade to a 100lb tank or larger.
For higher-BTU systems, use a 250–500+ gallon ASME-rated tank.
Always use a proper regulator and keep tanks upright and ventilated.
🌡 Fun fact: Propane boils at –44°F, and your tank needs heat to vaporize. A cold tank is basically a heavy paperweight.
🔥 Mistake #3: Forgetting About Regulators... or Guessing
Would you ever install a bathtub without a faucet handle? No. You’d scald yourself.
So why do people think you can just wing it with gas pressure?
💀 What goes wrong:
No regulator? Too much pressure? Not enough pressure? It’s a Goldilocks nightmare of flickering flames or roaring infernos.
🛠 How to fix it:
For natural gas: Aim for 6”–7” WC (Water Column).
For liquid propane: You want 10”–11” WC.
Use a manometer to measure pressure—not your gut feeling.
Install dual-stage regulation when needed.
🧯 Nadia’s Reality Check: A regulator isn’t just a suggestion. It’s a requirement. Like pants.
🔥 Mistake #4: Ignoring Local Codes and Permits
Oh boy. Nothing gets my coffee mug slamming on the table like this one.
💀 What goes wrong:
No permit = unsafe setups, rejected home inspections, or worse—insurance won’t pay when your fire pit becomes a smoldering flowerbed.
🛠 How to fix it:
Call your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Learn what’s required: pipe depth, venting, materials, shutoff valves.
Don’t skip inspections. A certified contractor will handle this—or should.
📞 Hotline Tip: Most cities will give you the info for free. You just have to ask.
🔥 Mistake #5: Not Pressure Testing
If you skip a gas line pressure test, you're not brave—you’re gambling with safety.
💀 What goes wrong:
Leaks. Delayed ignition. Explosions. Burned-up ignition modules. Shouting “why isn’t this working?!” at a pile of lava rock.
🛠 How to fix it:
Use a manometer or pressure gauge.
Disconnect the burner before testing.
Follow NFPA 54 guidelines or your local code.
Document it. Even if you’re not required to.
🧪 Nadia’s Reminder: Your nose isn’t a gas detector. Test like your porch depends on it.
🔥 Mistake #6: Mixing and Matching Pipe Materials Like It’s a Game
I’ve seen setups using CSST, black iron, galvanized pipe, and—brace yourself—a flexible hose from a dryer.
💀 What goes wrong:
Different metals can corrode each other. Some materials aren’t even approved for gas. And don’t get me started on fittings held together with duct tape.
🛠 How to fix it:
Stick to approved pipe materials from one family.
Use correct transition fittings when changing materials.
Ask your AHJ what’s allowed in your jurisdiction.
🧠 Unique Fact: Galvanized pipe is prohibited for gas in many regions because it flakes inside—and no one wants metal confetti in their burner.
🔥 Mistake #7: No Ventilation in Sunken or Enclosed Spaces
Just because it’s outside doesn’t mean it’s ventilated.
💀 What goes wrong:
In sunken patios or partially enclosed structures, propane (which is heavier than air) can pool in low spots—like water in a kiddie pool... but flammable.
🛠 How to fix it:
Always provide ventilation at low and high points.
Add cross ventilation in fire pit enclosures or cabinets.
Leave access for shutoff valves and service areas.
🌀 Nadia’s Rule: If the fire pit can’t breathe, neither can you.
🔥 Mistake #8: No Bonding or Grounding
I know—gas and electricity seem like separate departments. But your fire pit is often wired for ignition, lighting, timers, or even Wi-Fi controls.
💀 What goes wrong:
Static discharge + unbonded metal gas line = not the kind of spark you want at a dinner party.
🛠 How to fix it:
Ground all metallic gas lines and components.
Use bonding clamps if required by your local code.
Don’t ignore CSST manufacturer instructions—some require bonding by default.
⚡ Fun Fact: One strand of unbonded CSST in a lightning strike has caused multiple house fires. Bonding is boring—but brilliant.
🔥 Mistake #9: Shutoff Valves Hidden Like Pirate Treasure
When I ask homeowners where their fire pit shutoff valve is, I often get a blank stare followed by “...I think under the deck?”
💀 What goes wrong:
If there’s an emergency, you need quick access. Not a scavenger hunt.
🛠 How to fix it:
Keep valves within 6 feet of the appliance.
Mount them above ground or in an access panel.
Use clearly labeled handles.
🔧 Nadia’s Advice: You don’t want to be yelling “turn it off!” while someone’s crawling behind the hot tub.
🔥 Mistake #10: Flexible Hoses Used as Main Gas Lines
I love flexibility—in life, in yoga, in negotiations. Not so much in buried gas lines.
💀 What goes wrong:
Those pretty bendy hoses aren’t designed for burial, heavy loads, or sharp bends. Some aren’t even rated for outdoor use.
🛠 How to fix it:
Use UL-listed flexible connectors rated for exterior gas appliances.
Never bury them unless clearly labeled for direct burial.
Replace old connectors every 5–10 years, or sooner if they show signs of wear.
🎯 Lesser-Known Fact: Many flex hoses are intended only for indoor, visible connections. When in doubt—go rigid.
✨ Final Thoughts From My Side of the Fire
Fire pits may seem simple on the surface, but behind every dancing flame is a whole ecosystem of pipes, valves, pressures, fittings, and (hopefully) logic.
Avoid these mistakes and your fire feature will:
✔️ Ignite reliably
✔️ Burn cleanly
✔️ Last longer
✔️ Make your neighbors jealous in the best way
💬 Have a story? A gas line mishap? A questionable DIY experiment?
Drop a comment or send me a message—I love hearing about close calls (that didn’t end in the fire department showing up).
🪵 Until then, keep it cozy, keep it compliant, and keep that fire burning bright.
—
Nadia
