Gas Pressure Basics for your Fire Pit (2024)

FAQs

Gas Pressure Basics for your Fire Pit? ›

Cover the fire pit when not in use to avoid water build up. Here are the proper pressures for most fire pit burners; Natural Gas: 7-10″wc, Propane: 11-13″wc.

However, the gas line presumably fuels your home too, so it's already been regulated for common household appliances - typically between 8" - 11" Water Column (almost 1/2 PSI) - which is what our fire pit kits call for, so the only thing your gas plumber needs to ensure is that you have sufficient BTU to supply your ...

Manufacturers supply a range of pressures for the appliance to function and operate safely. This range is 7″ WC maximum inlet for Natural Gas with a minimum 5.5″ WC. Propane Gas is maximum 14″ WC inlet pressure and a minimum pressure of 10″WC.

Fire pit pressure

On the other hand, too low a pressure will cause very small flames, shrink pilot flames, which cause dropouts. If the natural gas pressure or propane is too high a regulator must be installed before the fire feature for proper operation of the unit.

While the Propane system operates at a true 1/2 lb or 14” WC, natural gas on the other hand actually operates at ¼” lb or 7” WC, but is still referred to as 1/2 lb. Natural Gas Nominal Operating Pressure: 3.5” WC (minimum) to 7” WC (maximum) 6” WC recommended for optimal operation.

The short answer is – yes, you will need one. But there is a lot to consider and that's why we're going to take an in-depth look at gas regulators for fire pits in this article.

Use Proper Ventilation

For propane fire pits you need 18 square inches of ventilation on the opposing side. Opposing vents help create cross ventilation. In this case, the propane had a place to escape.

Typically, if the gas line loses approximately 2 psi from a test of 20 psi on the line, the lines are acceptable. Conversely, if the line loses more than 10% of the pressure, it may have a leak. This can be true after a 30 minute or even a 24 hour test. Environmental factors also affect gas line fluctuations.

Gas at pressures that are too high can likely leak or cause fire hazards, which is something you never want happening in your home. By investing in maintenance service, you can combat these kinds of outcomes and have a professional with you to make the necessary adjustments.

Is a 20 lb propane tank high or low pressure? ›

For example, a standard 20-pound propane tank at 70 degrees will have 145 psi internal pressure. That same tank on a 100-degree day will have 172 psi of pressure. Propane pressure levels exceeding 200 psi are likely to trigger a release from the safety relief valve commonly installed on propane storage tanks.

For instance the lack of a raised up and strategically placed weep holes make their valve vulnerable to water. Water will get into the valve and then into the gas line causing a gurgling noise to occur.

Low pressure in the natural gas industry is defined as any pressure below one pound per square inch (PSI). However, instead of saying 'low pressure', industry experts use the term 'inches of water column'. This refers to the amount of pressure it takes to raise a column of water by one inch.

Generally, a gas behaves more like an ideal gas at higher temperature and lower pressure, as the potential energy due to intermolecular forces becomes less significant compared with the particles' kinetic energy, and the size of the molecules becomes less significant compared to the empty space between them.

Use a flathead screwdriver to turn the screw. Rotating it clockwise raises the gas pressure, while rotating it counterclockwise reduces the pressure. If your furnace only has one pressure valve, you can remove the manometer and cover the outlet port.

If nearby trees and plants are bending over in the wind, then consider rescheduling your fire pit to keep you and your guests safe. The recommended wind speeds for building a fire pit range from 5 mph to 40 mph. With wind speed greater than this, consider waiting for a better weather forecast.

In order to create the safest, most functional ventilation system for your fire pit, install cross ventilation. To do this, place two vents on opposite sides of the fire pit to allow various exit points for heat and gas. Without multiple vents, gas can still get trapped on one side due to poor airflow.