1. Check Controls

• Burner knob = OFF
• Tank valve = OFF

2. Connect & Open Tank

• Attach propane cylinder
• Slowly open tank valve

3. Light the Burner

• Push in & turn knob to LIGHT/IGNITE
• Hold knob IN (5 sec if new tank)
• Press igniter until flame lights
  (or use long BBQ lighter)

4. Hold & Release

• Keep knob pressed 5–10 sec after ignition
• Release and adjust flame height

⚠️ Safety:

• If not lit after 30 sec → turn knob OFF, wait 5 min, try again.
• Always light outdoors in a ventilated area.

Regular maintenance helps keep your fire pit safe, efficient, and looking great. Follow these steps:

🔍 Inspect Components

• Check for damage, rust, or debris on all fire pit parts.
• Inspect the burner, control valve, and gas lines for wear or leaks.
• Test fittings with a soap-and-water solution to spot leaks (bubbles = leak).
• Examine the gas supply line for cracks or damage.

🪨 Clean Lava Rocks / Fire Glass

• Remove and clean rocks or glass to clear away soot and debris.
• Wipe down the burner area to prevent blockages.

🕷️ Watch for Spiders & Insects

• Before reassembly, insert a pipe cleaner or small brush into burner ports and openings to remove any spider webs or insect nests.
• If you hear or smell gas but the burner won’t ignite, shut the gas off immediately and recheck for blockages.

🧹 Clear the Base

• Remove leaves, dirt, or debris from the fire pit base.
• Use a vacuum, broom, or brush. Large debris can create a fire hazard.

🔋 Ignitor Battery

• If equipped, inspect the ignitor battery regularly.
• Replace as needed to prevent leakage, which can damage the ignitor.

☀️ Protect & Preserve

• Always keep your fire pit dry. Use a weather-resistant cover or store it in a sheltered area when not in use.
• Clean your fire pit at least twice a year to maintain appearance and performance.

⚠️ Fire Pit Safety Reminder

• Only use fire-rated materials such as lava rock or fire glass.
• Always keep your fire pit dry before lighting to prevent cracking or flare-ups.
• Operate outdoors in a well-ventilated area and never lean directly over the burner while lighting.
• If you smell gas, turn everything off immediately and check for leaks or blockages before relighting.

1. My fire pit won’t stay lit. What should I do?

A: The most common cause is an issue with the thermocouple, especially if it’s not a windy day.

• Keep the gas control knob pressed in for at least 10 seconds after the burner ignites to allow the thermocouple to warm up. On colder days, it may take longer.
• If the flame still won’t stay lit after holding the knob for up to 1 minute, try:
• Tighten the thermocouple connection to the gas valve with a wrench (finger-tight is not enough).
• Clear any small rocks or fire media away from the ignition box next to the burner rod or ring.

2. What kind of rocks or glass can I use in my fire pit?

A: Use only lava rock or fire-rated glass designed for fire pits. These materials withstand high heat without sparking.
⚠️ Even lava rock can crack or split if moisture is trapped inside. Always ensure your fire pit is completely dry, especially after rain.

3. My ignitor no longer works. Can I light my fire pit manually?

A: Yes. Follow the normal lighting procedure but instead of pressing the ignitor button:

• Use a long-stem BBQ lighter or long match and hold the flame near the burner while turning the control knob to the LIGHT/IGNITE position.
• Once the burner ignites, carefully remove the lighter or match from the flame.

4. What is the battery for?

A: The battery powers the ignitor. To replace it:

• Twist the ignitor button cap counter-clockwise and remove it.
• Insert a new battery with the positive (+) end facing outward.
• Replace the button cap by twisting it back on.

⚠️ Replace the battery annually to prevent leakage, which can damage the ignitor.

5. Gas flow seems low or there’s little/no gas coming out. What should I do?

A: Low gas flow is often caused by propane tank valve issues, especially with exchange tanks that have seen heavy use.

• Try using a different propane tank.
• Ensure the fire pit hose/regulator is securely attached to the propane tank — hand-tight only, no tools.

6. I smell gas or notice a leak at the regulator. What should I do?

A: Gas leaks often result from propane tank valve damage or imperfections, particularly on heavily used exchange tanks.

• Try using a different propane tank.
• Make sure the fire pit hose/regulator is securely attached — hand-tight only, no tools.
• If the leak persists, do not use the fire pit and have the tank or regulator inspected or replaced.

Problem: Difficulty lighting or keeping your rectangular fire pit lit may be due to an assembly issue with the control panel.

Solution:

1. Check the control panel position on your fire pit.

• If it is positioned as shown on the left in the reference image, you may not be able to fully depress the valve knob, preventing proper engagement of the valve assembly.

2. Correct the panel position:

• Turn OFF and disconnect the propane tank.
• Loosen the 4 bolts securing the tabletop to the base.
• Carefully lift the tabletop and reposition the control panel so it matches the orientation shown on the right in the reference image.
• Retighten the tabletop bolts securely.

Once the control panel is correctly positioned, you should be able to fully engage the valve knob and light your fire pit without issues.

Mainstays 28" Fire Pit – Won’t Stay Lit

Problem: Your fire pit won’t stay lit. This can be caused by a couple of different issues.
Solution:

1. Check the Valve Knob

• Remove the black valve knob next to the ignitor.
• Attempt to start the fire pit by depressing and turning the valve stem with your fingers.
• If this works, it means the knob is hitting the side panel before the stem is fully depressed.

Fix:

• Roll a small piece of paper into a pea-sized ball.
• Insert it into the hole in the plastic knob, then replace the knob on the stem.
• This prevents the knob from sliding too far down and hitting the side panel.

2. Check the Ignition Housing

Sometimes the ignition housing partially blocks the flame from reaching the thermocouple.

Remove the two screws securing the ignition housing to the burner pan and lift it off.

Start the fire pit as usual, keeping the area around the thermocouple clear of rocks or debris.

Note:

If this resolves the issue, the fire pit can operate without the ignition housing. Its main function is to protect the thermocouple and ignitor components.

This comprehensive guide covers general FAQs, safety, and troubleshooting for specific fire pit models, giving clear instructions for lighting, operation, and resolving common issues.