Uneven Flame Drama: Why Your Gas Fire Pit is Acting Moody—and How to Fix It
Uneven Flame Drama: Why Your Gas Fire Pit is Acting Moody—and How to Fix It
There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a fire pit do its thing. The steady flicker. The soft hiss of the flame. The way it turns even awkward small talk into something warm and magical.
But then…
You notice it.
The flame starts sputtering on one side like it's second-guessing its career in combustion. A strange gurgle. A droopy flame arm slouching out of one burner port. The ambiance is off, and suddenly your fire pit is behaving like a moody teenager—hot, unpredictable, and making weird noises.
Don’t panic. You’re not cursed, and your fire pit doesn’t need therapy (probably). What it needs is a little gas supply wisdom and maybe a nudge from someone who’s been around the burner a few times.
I’m going to walk you through the real reasons your flame pattern is uneven, inconsistent, or just plain disappointing—and how to fix it. No gimmicks, no generic advice, and no overly technical jargon. Just experience, good humor, and the occasional eyebrow anecdote.
Let’s troubleshoot this together.
🔧 1. Gas Pressure Problems: Too Much, Too Little, or Just Plain Weird
Let’s start with the backbone of any fire feature: gas pressure. If the supply isn't steady or properly regulated, your flame pattern will look like it’s trying to send you Morse code for “help.”
🔥 Symptom:
Flame is too tall and noisy, sounding like it’s jetting to the moon 🚀
Or flame is barely visible, flickering like a tired tea light 🕯
🔍 Diagnosis:
Gas pressure is either too high or too low
Regulators are missing, faulty, or sized incorrectly
Or—and this happens more often than you’d think—there’s no regulator at all 😳
✅ Fix:
Use a manometer to measure gas pressure at the appliance inlet (not near it, not guessing it—at it).
Check that the BTU requirements of your burner match the supply pressure
Add or adjust regulators as needed
🧠 Did you know? A 10% drop in gas pressure can result in up to 25% reduction in flame height. Yes, really.
🛠️ Pro Tip: If your flames sound like a blowtorch or barely survive a sneeze, start by checking pressure and regulation.
🪠 2. Blocked Burner Ports: Because Debris Has Opinions
Nature is great. Until it decides to leave gifts inside your fire pit.
Over time, wind can carry dust, soot, leaves, or even that one rogue peanut M&M straight into your burner ports. (Don’t ask.)
🔥 Symptom:
Flame is strong in one area, weak in another
You hear a gurgling noise like your fire pit is gargling mouthwash
Flames look choppy, low, or sporadic in sections
🔍 Diagnosis:
Burner ports are partially or fully blocked by debris, corrosion, or buildup
Burner may have collected water, especially after rain or snow
✅ Fix:
Remove all media (lava rock, fire glass, etc.)
Clean ports with compressed air or a soft brush
Inspect for cracks or rusted-out sections—if it’s cracked, replace it (no duct tape, please)
Check weep holes for drainage issues
🧽 Personal Note: I once found a wasp nest in a burner. I don’t know who was more surprised—me, or the wasps.
📏 3. Undersized Gas Line: The “Low Flow” Problem No One Wants to Admit
Let’s talk line sizing. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential.
🔥 Symptom:
Flames are weak and underwhelming
Flame height drops suddenly after ignition
Burner struggles to stay lit or keep even flow
🔍 Diagnosis:
Undersized gas line can’t supply enough volume to the burner
Pipe runs are too long, causing pressure drop
If using propane: small tank is too cold or too empty to keep up
✅ Fix:
Have your gas line sized by a licensed gas professional (they exist for a reason)
For propane, use a properly filled 100lb or larger tank
Inspect pilot orifices for blockage
🧠 Unique Fact: Gas loses about 0.3” WC per 10 feet of pipe—more if elbows or tees are used.
🧯 Nadia’s Advice: If your flame vanishes every time Aunt Marge opens the patio door, your gas line may be struggling to keep up.
🔮 4. Mixed or Misplaced Media: Don’t Choke the Flame
Lava rock and fire glass are beautiful, but too much of a good thing can bury your flame—literally.
🔥 Symptom:
Flame is struggling to rise above the media
Drops out after ignition
Flames appear "suffocated" or uneven
🔍 Diagnosis:
Too much media covering burner ports
Blow-out box (pilot assembly) is buried
Mixed incompatible media (lava + glass) can affect flow
✅ Fix:
Distribute media evenly and sparingly
For fire glass: keep it ¼”–½” above the burner ports
Keep pilot assemblies clear
Don’t mix media types unless manufacturer-approved
🧪 Fun Fact: Fire glass can hold heat for hours—too much of it traps heat and disrupts combustion.
📸 Subtle Icon Tip: I use a little 🔄 symbol on service reports to remind techs to “redistribute media evenly.”
🌬 5. Wind Interference: The Flame’s Worst Frenemy
Not all uneven flames are due to gas or hardware. Sometimes, it’s the breeze playing tricks.
🔥 Symptom:
Flame leans hard to one side
Flame blows out frequently
Intermittent behavior in open areas
🔍 Diagnosis:
No wind guard or baffle
Vent holes are misaligned
Burner not positioned correctly in wind-prone zones
✅ Fix:
Add a wind guard (clear tempered glass looks great)
Adjust venting or shield placement
Avoid installing in a corner without airflow
🌪 Nadia’s Reminder: Wind is the fire pit’s frenemy. It flatters your landscaping but bullies your flame.
💥 6. Flame Sensing Failure: When the Fire Pit Ghosts You
Let’s get nerdy for a second.
Most fire pits use a flame sensing system—usually via thermocouple, thermopile, or flame rectification. If this system doesn’t detect a flame, it shuts off the gas. Safety first.
🔥 Symptom:
Fire pit lights, then shuts off
Won’t stay lit
No clear cause after gas is verified
🔍 Diagnosis:
Thermocouple or sensor is covered, corroded, or misaligned
Sensor not in flame path
Gas flow drops below minimum for sensing
✅ Fix:
Clean or replace flame sensor
Align it directly in the flame
If using propane, ensure tank pressure is sufficient
⚙️ Fun Fact: Some flame sensors work by detecting microamps—they’re super sensitive and prone to false shutoffs.
🌧 7. Waterlogged Burners: Because Fire and Water Are Not Friends
When rain or sprinklers sneak into your fire pit without proper drainage, the results can be… dramatic.
🔥 Symptom:
Audible gurgling
Flames pop or sizzle
Only part of the burner lights
🔍 Diagnosis:
Burner has pooled water
Weep holes blocked
Drainage layer missing under burner pan
✅ Fix:
Clear weep holes and check for slope
Clean burner with air once dried
Add gravel or a drainage layer beneath burner pan
Use covers when not in use
🚿 Nadia’s Experience: One customer tried using a Shop-Vac to dry their burner. It worked… until they sucked up a fire glass marble.
🧩 8. Burner Misalignment or Damage
Sometimes, the burner just isn’t sitting right. Or it’s seen better days.
🔥 Symptom:
Uneven flames
One side not lighting
Burner rattles or sits at an angle
🔍 Diagnosis:
Burner shifted out of place
Pan warped from heat
Burner tubing cracked or bent
✅ Fix:
Realign and secure burner
Replace damaged components
Use mounting brackets to stabilize
🧱 Subtle Tip: Uneven footing under the burner pan can warp everything. Keep it level.
✨ Wrap-Up: Even Flames Are Happy Flames
A balanced flame isn’t just pretty—it’s safe, efficient, and tells you your system is working as it should.
Most uneven flame issues come down to a short list of culprits: pressure, blockage, misalignment, water, or poor setup.
Take the time to inspect your fire pit like a detective with a marshmallow fork.
Better yet—have it serviced annually, especially before heavy use season.
💬 Let’s Chat!
Had a wonky flame moment? Spotted your fire pit gurgling like it had soup for lunch? Share it in the comments—I’ve probably lived it, and I’ll bring snacks.
🔥 Stay cozy and confident,
