Conventional wisdom should tell you that water and fire pits don’t mix. When a fire pit fills with water, it mixes with any leftover ash to create a sludge-like mess. Not only is this unattractive, but it can also make it difficult to start a fire. So, what steps can you take to keep your fire pit from filling with water?
Choose the Right Type of Fire Pit
If your fire pit is stationary (e.g. built into the ground), you may have trouble keeping rainwater out of it. On the other hand, if your fire pit is a S&S Fire Pit, you’ll have an easier time keeping it dry by simply placing on of our snuffers lids on the pit and as well we have a built in drain hole.
Cover it with a Tarp
You can protect your fire pit from rain by covering it with a tarp. You can use a special tarp designed for fire pits, or you can use one designed for grills. Either way, a heavy-duty tarp made of a strong synthetic material should protect your fire pit from the elements.
When using a tarp, however, you should wait until your fire pit has completely cooled off. Throwing a tarp over a recently lit fire pit may result in damage. The heat from the fire pit will literally melt the tarp, creating a large hole through water can flow. And when your tarp is melted, it’s not going to offer much protection from the rain or elements.
Store it Under a Covered Area
Of course, you can store it under a covered area. Whether it’s in the garage, basem*nt, storage shed, etc., storing your fire pit under a covered area is a sure-fire way to protect it from water.
Again, it’s important to note that you should only store a fire pit under a covered area once it has fully cooled off. A fire pit can remain hot enough to reignite for up to 24 hours. To prevent property damage and injury, wait until your fire pit has cooled off before attempting to move it.
If you have any questions regarding how an S&S Fire Pit can enhance your outdoor living space; We can help. https://ssfirepits.com/contact/
FAQs
You can protect your fire pit from rain by covering it with a tarp. You can use a special tarp designed for fire pits, or you can use one designed for grills. Either way, a heavy-duty tarp made of a strong synthetic material should protect your fire pit from the elements.
How to stop fire pit filling with water? ›
You keep water from pooling in a fire pit by having a cover for it and or installing a drain hole.
How to prevent a fire pit from flooding? ›
Always use a fire pit cover when not in use. This will keep out rain or snow.
How do I keep my fire pit dry? ›
Cover the Fire Pit
Cover your fire pit when it's not in use to keep it dry. Some fire pits come with a cover that protects from the elements. You can find fire pit companies online that offer custom fire pit covers. A fire pit cover should fit well and be able to handle your local weather.
How to keep rain out of a fire pit? ›
One of the easiest ways to keep rainwater from building up in your fire pit is to invest in a relatively inexpensive vinyl cover for your unit. These covers are a great way to keep debris out as well, ensuring your fire pit is ready to use whenever you'd like.
Should I put anything in the bottom of my fire pit? ›
Since different fire pits can be made in different sizes, some fire pits may require a little more sand than others. However, an inch or two of sand in the bottom of the fire pit is usually acceptable. Most of the recommendations you'll see from manufacturers use an inch or two of sand as a barrier.
What do you line the bottom of a fire pit with? ›
An inch of sand at the bottom of a metal fire pit can help to protect the bowl from the intense heat of the fire.
Will water ruin a fire pit? ›
Water that's left sitting in a metal pit will cause it to rust, so it's best to avoid using water with this type of fire pit.
Should I cover my fire pit from rain? ›
If you're not using your fire pit, be sure to cover it with a protective cover. This will help keep rain and snow out of the pit and protect the surface from damage. There are a variety of covers available on the market, so be sure to choose one that fits your pit size and style.
What is the best thing to put a fire pit on? ›
Set your fire pit on stone, brick, gravel or on a slab on decking (it will develop rust as it ages which can mark stone surfaces). If putting your fire pit on grass, be aware it may get scorched underneath. Ensure a spark will not reach anything flammable.
Put drain in bottom and pipe to daylight. Cover drain with filter fabric. Cover with coarse gravel and sand. Make sure drain is deep enough to not melt pipe, fabric etc.
How do you keep a fire dry in the rain? ›
A few sticks laid side-by-side or a large piece of bark can both work to create a dry barrier. As far as fire styles go, everyone has their favorite. We like teepee-style fires because they help keep your fire off the wet ground. Log-cabin-style fires work well for this, too.
How do you put out a fire without getting it wet? ›
Stir and make sure everything is wet and they are cold to the touch 7. If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix enough dirt or sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cool.
How to stop water from flooding a patio? ›
You can install a swale or French drain, which channels the water away from the site to an area where it won't cause problems. You can divert water to another spot on your property but not to the neighbor's yard, so if you can't shift the water to a good location, you'll have to run a French drain to a dry well.
How to get water out of a fire pit? ›
Put drain in bottom and pipe to daylight. Cover drain with filter fabric. Cover with coarse gravel and sand. Make sure drain is deep enough to not melt pipe, fabric etc.
Should fire pits have a drainage hole? ›
The sole reason for proper drainage is to avoid water/moisture accumulating in the fire pit enclosure. When you are selecting your fire pit inserts there are two things that HPC highly recommends as well: The pan and burner installed in your enclosure should have weep holes.
Conventional wisdom should tell you that water and fire pits don’t mix. When a fire pit fills with water, it mixes with any leftover ash to create a sludge-like mess. Not only is this unattractive, but it can also make it difficult to start a fire. So, what steps can you take to keep your fire pit from filling with water?