Fix-It & Care: Troubleshooting, Cleaning & Seasonal Backyard Checklists
Why your grill won't light, why your pizza oven won't get hot, how to clean and cover your gear, and a winterizing checklist, with a symptom-first troubleshooter.
Most backyard gear does not fail, it gets neglected. A clogged burner, a damp bag of pellets, a regulator that tripped its safety valve and a grill that lived all winter without a cover account for a huge share of the 'it's broken' moments in a normal summer.
This is the help desk: start from the symptom, work through the cheapest checks first, and know when to stop and call the maker. Everything here is general guidance. Your manual and local codes come first, and anything involving gas leaks, electrical work or chemicals means turning it off and getting a professional.
Troubleshooting, cleaning and seasonal how-tos
Fix-It & Care
Gas Grill Won't Light
Why a gas grill won't light or has a weak flame, and how to fix it: tank, regulator reset, igniter, burner clogs and a safe soapy-water leak test.
Guide · 4 min read
Fix-It & Care
Hot Tub Water Problems
Fix cloudy, foamy, smelly or green hot tub water: test routine, filter care, shocking, when to drain and when to call the dealer or a pro.
Guide · 3 min read
Fix-It & Care
How to Clean a Grill
A simple routine to clean a gas, charcoal or pellet grill: quick scrape after every cook, a weekly tidy and a deep clean, without wire brush risks.
Guide · 4 min read
Fix-It & Care
How to Season a Flat-Top Griddle
How to season a new or rusty flat-top griddle with thin coats of oil, keep the seasoning going, and fix rust, sticking and uneven heat.
Guide · 3 min read
Fix-It & Care
How to Winterize Your Backyard
A complete fall checklist for winterizing your grill, furniture, hoses, sprinklers, hot tub, fire pit and more, with what to do before the first freeze.
Guide · 4 min read
Fix-It & Care
Pellet Grill Won't Heat Up
Why a pellet grill won't ignite, won't reach temperature, swings in heat or flames out mid-cook, and the fixes: dry pellets, clean fire pot and probe.
Guide · 3 min read
Fix-It & Care
Pizza Oven Won't Get Hot
Why an outdoor pizza oven won't get hot enough or the pizza burns on the bottom, and fixes for preheat, wind, gas pressure, fuel and stone temperature.
Guide · 3 min read
Fix-It & Care
Why Is My Fire Pit So Smoky?
Why a fire pit smokes and how to fix it: wet wood, the wrong species, overfilling, airflow and ash, plus what a smokeless pit really does.
Guide · 3 min read
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Fix-It & Care: quick answers
Why won't my gas grill light?
The usual causes are an empty or closed tank, a tripped regulator safety valve, a dead igniter battery, or blocked burner ports. Our gas grill troubleshooting guide walks through the safe checks in order, starting with the free ones.
Should I cover my grill in winter?
Yes, a snug, breathable cover keeps rain, dirt and critters out, and it is the cheapest way to extend a grill's life. Let the grill cool completely before covering it, and keep a propane cylinder outdoors and upright, never stored indoors.
When should I stop troubleshooting and call a pro?
Stop if you smell gas, see damaged hoses or wiring, or the problem involves a hot tub's electrical system or a gas line. Turn the supply off, step away and call the manufacturer, a licensed technician or your gas utility.