In Part 1 of this series, our experts reviewed the warning signs that indicate gas pressure or gas flow problems in a fire feature. Weak flames, delayed ignition, flame dropout, unusual burner noise, and changes in performance while other gas appliances are operating can all be indicative of a gas supply issue. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step—but finding the source of the problem is just as important.
Gas pressure and flow issues can originate at several points within the gas delivery system, including the gas source, piping, regulator, or fire feature itself. For this reason, effective troubleshooting should evaluate the complete system rather than immediately assuming the burner or ignition components require replacement.
In Part 2 of this series, our experts will take a closer look at the diagnostic process—from recognizing the symptoms and identifying where a gas pressure problem originates to determining the appropriate solution. The process begins with the fundamentals: confirming that the fire feature is configured for the correct fuel and that its gas supply meets the appliance’s requirements. Establishing these basics provides a critical foundation before moving on to pressure and flow testing.
At HPC Fire Inspired, we believe knowledge is power. Through industry expertise, education, and innovative technical resources, our team is committed to helping homeowners and professionals better understand and troubleshoot their fire features. For convenient, step-by-step troubleshooting support, download the HPC Fire One App, available for Apple and Android devices. The app’s HITS feature provides guided assistance for diagnosing common fire feature issues.
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Start With the Basics: Fuel and Appliance Requirements
Before testing gas pressure or flow, a qualified technician should first verify that the fire feature is properly configured for its intended fuel type. Natural gas and propane operate at different pressures and require specific appliance configurations and components. An incorrect fuel configuration or improper component selection can lead to poor flame performance and, in some cases, unsafe operating conditions.
Once the fuel type and appliance configuration have been confirmed, review the manufacturer’s installation documentation to establish the required gas pressure and BTU input for the specific fire feature. HPC documentation outlines different supply-pressure requirements for natural gas and LP applications, with requirements varying based on the appliance and configuration.
Establishing these specifications creates the baseline needed for accurate troubleshooting. Before determining what the appliance is actually receiving, it is essential to understand what it is designed to receive. This simple step helps ensure that subsequent pressure and flow measurements can be evaluated against the correct requirements
Measure the Pressure—Don’t Guess
Flame appearance can provide valuable clues, but it cannot tell you the actual gas pressure.
A qualified gas professional uses a manometer to measure gas pressure in inches of water column (WC). HPC recommends verifying pressure at the appliance during installation and troubleshooting. This measurement can help determine whether the fire feature is receiving the pressure required for proper operation.
Static vs. Operating Gas Pressure
An important part of evaluating gas supply performance is understanding the difference between pressure when the appliance is idle and pressure while it is operating. A system may show acceptable pressure when there is little or no gas demand, yet experience a significant pressure drop once the burner is operating and gas flow increases.
For this reason, a qualified technician may evaluate both:
• Static pressure — the gas pressure measured with the appliance off. This measurement helps establish the pressure available to the appliance before gas demand is introduced.
• Operating or dynamic pressure — the gas pressure measured while the appliance is operating and gas is flowing. This measurement shows whether the gas supply can maintain the pressure the appliance requires under actual operating conditions.
Both measurements are important because they provide different pieces of the diagnostic picture. Static pressure can help identify whether the supply pressure is adequate before the appliance places a demand on the system. Operating pressure then reveals how the system responds to that demand. Comparing the two measurements can help identify a pressure drop that may otherwise go unnoticed.
A significant drop in pressure during operation may indicate issues such as undersized gas piping, restrictions in the system, inadequate regulator capacity, or excessive demand from other gas appliances. In these cases, the static pressure alone may appear acceptable even though the system cannot consistently deliver the pressure required when the fire feature is operating.
HPC Fire Inspired Technical Insight: Gas pressure should be evaluated at the appliance under both static and operating conditions. Looking at both measurements provides a more complete understanding of the gas supply and can help distinguish between an adequate supply at rest and a system that can actually maintain the required pressure during operation.
Check the Gas Line
If pressure measured at the appliance is below the manufacturer’s specified requirements, the next step is to figure out why the gas supply is not delivering the required pressure and flow. Evaluating the gas piping system is a good place to start.
Proper gas line sizing must account for several factors, including:
• Total BTU demand
• Gas line length
• Pipe diameter
• Fuel type
• Other appliances connected to the system
Long pipe runs, undersized piping, excessive fittings, or other restrictions can increase pressure loss and limit the amount of gas available at the appliance. This becomes particularly important when a fire feature shares a gas supply with other high-BTU appliances.
A fire feature may operate normally when running alone but experience reduced flame height, delayed ignition, or other performance issues when other gas appliances operate simultaneously. This can indicate that the gas system lacks sufficient capacity to meet the combined demand.
Look for Hidden Restrictions
Properly sized gas piping does not eliminate every potential supply issue. Restrictions anywhere in the gas delivery system can limit gas flow and reduce pressure at the appliance.
Potential sources of restriction include:
• Excessive elbows or fittings
• Undersized or improperly selected flexible connectors
• Improperly rated or restricted valves
• Partially closed valves
• Debris, sediment, or moisture in the gas line
• Restricted, damaged, or improperly sized regulators
Even when the overall piping is correctly sized, these conditions can reduce gas delivery and affect fire feature performance. Identifying and correcting the restriction is an important step in determining the true cause of the problem.
HPC Fire Inspired Technical Insight: If a fire feature is not receiving adequate gas pressure or flow, replacing the burner may not solve the problem. When the gas supply is restricted or undersized, a replacement burner will experience the same limitation. Diagnosing the gas delivery system first helps ensure the underlying issue is identified and corrected.
Evaluate the Regulator
The regulator is a critical component of the gas delivery system and should be evaluated as part of the diagnostic process. It must be properly selected for the fuel type and sized to support the total BTU demand of the system, not just the fire feature. An improperly sized, damaged, contaminated, or moisture-affected regulator can restrict gas delivery and contribute to performance issues.
HPC recommends verifying that regulator capacity is appropriate for the total system demand and using a manometer to confirm inlet and outlet pressure.
HPC Performance Callout: The regulator, gas piping, burner, and appliance controls function as an integrated system. A problem with any one component can affect the performance of components downstream.
Don’t Forget the Burner
Once the gas supply has been verified, the burner should be evaluated for conditions that could affect flame performance.
Blocked ports, debris, corrosion, water, or physical damage can restrict gas flow through the burner and result in an uneven or incomplete flame pattern—even when gas pressure is within specification. The fire media should also be inspected. Excessive media or improper placement can interfere with flame distribution and burner operation.
The key diagnostic principle is simple: Verify the gas supply before assuming that the burner is at fault.
Verify the Orifice
The burner orifice is a critical component of the gas delivery system. It controls the amount of gas entering the burner and must be properly sized for the fuel type, gas pressure, burner size, BTU rating, and intended application.
An incorrect orifice can produce symptoms that mimic a gas pressure or flow problem. If the appliance has been converted, relocated, modified, or serviced, a qualified technician should verify that the orifice and appliance configuration match the specified fuel and operating requirements.
What the Diagnostic Process Should Tell You
A systematic diagnostic process should help narrow the issue to one of several key areas:
Gas Supply:
The gas source or upstream system is not providing the required pressure or flow.
Gas Piping:
The piping is undersized, excessively long, or creating excessive pressure loss.
Regulator:
The regulator is improperly sized, malfunctioning, or not maintaining the required pressure.
Restriction:
A valve, connector, fitting, debris, moisture, or other obstruction is limiting gas flow.
Appliance Configuration:
The fuel type, orifice, or other components do not match the appliance’s specified requirements.
Burner:
The burner is blocked, damaged, contaminated, or otherwise unable to distribute gas properly.
Following this process helps isolate the source of the problem, avoid unnecessary component replacement, and ensure that corrective action addresses the underlying cause.
When Professional Diagnosis Is Necessary
Gas pressure troubleshooting involves fuel-gas systems and should be performed by a qualified professional. Professional evaluation is especially important when troubleshooting involves:
• Measuring or adjusting gas pressure
• Modifying gas piping
• Replacing or adjusting regulators
• Changing fuel configuration
• Inspecting or servicing gas valves
• Verifying burner orifice sizing
• Pressure testing the gas system
• Identifying or repairing gas leaks
All installation and service work should comply with applicable HPC installation instructions, fuel-gas codes, and local requirements. HPC product documentation directs installers to follow manufacturer instructions as well as applicable codes and recommends qualified professional service when troubleshooting or repairs are required.
From Symptoms to Solutions
A gas pressure or flow problem does not necessarily indicate a problem with the fire feature itself. The source may be located anywhere within the gas delivery system, potentially well upstream of the appliance.
Effective troubleshooting therefore evaluates the complete system:
Fuel → Gas Supply → Piping → Regulator → Pressure → Orifice → Burner → Flame
Each component plays a role in gas delivery, and an issue at any point can affect the final flame. At HPC Fire Inspired, we view gas delivery as an integral part of overall fire feature performance. Proper line sizing, pressure verification, component selection, burner engineering, and installation all contribute to consistent flame performance and reliable operation.
HPC Engineering Insight: A precision-engineered burner can perform as designed only when it receives the correct fuel, pressure, and flow. The flame is the final result of the entire gas delivery system working together.
The Bottom Line
HPC Fire Inspired approaches gas delivery as an integral part of the complete fire feature system. Proper line sizing, pressure verification, component selection, burner engineering, and installation are essential to consistent flame performance and reliable operation.
When an outdoor fire feature develops weak flames, inconsistent ignition, flame dropout, or unusual burner behavior, diagnose the system first—not just the component.
Confirm the fuel and appliance requirements. Verify operating pressure. Check line sizing, restrictions, and regulator performance. Then evaluate the burner and orifice.
Understanding the relationship between gas supply and flame performance is essential to effective troubleshooting and to ensuring the fire feature performs as engineered. A systematic approach helps identify the true source of the problem, avoid unnecessary repairs, and restore the system to proper performance.
From system design and engineering to troubleshooting and installation support, HPC Fire Inspired is your partner for complete outdoor fire feature solutions—helping ensure every system performs as designed.
