Free tool
What's wrong with it?
Pick your gear and the symptom, and work through the likely causes, easiest and safest check first. We tell you when to stop and call a pro.
- 1. Your gear
- 2. What's wrong
- 3. Things to try
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. Check the free things first, and if you smell gas turn everything off, move away and follow your manual.
Why won't my pellet grill get hot?
Damp pellets, ash packed in the fire pot, a dirty temperature probe, or cold, windy weather are the most common reasons. Clean it out, use fresh, dry pellets, and shelter it from wind.
Why is my fire pit so smoky?
Wet or unseasoned wood is the most common cause. Dry, seasoned hardwood burns far cleaner, and on a smokeless pit you also need to keep the fire below the vent holes and clear the ash.
When should I call a professional?
Any time you smell gas, see damaged hoses or wiring, or the problem involves a hot tub's electrics or a gas line. Turn the supply off, step away, and call the maker, a licensed technician or your gas utility.
Read next
- Gas Grill Won't LightWhy 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.
- Pellet Grill Won't Heat UpWhy 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.
- Pizza Oven Won't Get HotWhy 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.
- 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.
- Hot Tub Water ProblemsFix 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.