As the heat of summer fades, it’s time to think about getting your fire pit ready for the fall season. After all, there’s nothing quite as lovely as watching an Arizona sunset by a fire on a cold fall evening. Mesquite Landscaping can help you get your outdoor unit ready for the colder temperatures and increased rainfall. Here are some things to consider to make sure your fire pit is ready for roasting marshmallows.
Start With a Thorough Cleanup
The first order of business is a thorough cleanup. Not only does this improve the appearance of the pit, but it also makes for safer operation. You want to get rid of debris such as leaves, rocks, or tree branches accumulated through the summer. Then use an angled broom or a sturdy brush to sweep away smaller particles. Sweep in just one direction so that you don’t just move the debris around the pit instead of getting it out. If you have a garden, try using the ashes as a fertilizer to enrich the Arizona soil.
Don’t limit your cleanup to just the pit itself. Clear the area around it and remove sticks, grass, and anything else flammable for at least 10 feet. If your fire pit is made from concrete paver stones, check them for signs of erosion, a common issue due to the exposure to the elements. You may need to reapply a coat of stone sealant. Talk with the professionals at Mesquite Landscaping about choosing the right sealant made for outdoor use that can handle the heat.
A few more helpful things to have on hand when you clean are an ash scoop, a metal can, a poker, and a spark screen. For safety, you also want to keep a fire extinguisher, a bucket of sand, and a garden hose near the pit anytime you are using it.
Perform A Brief Inspection of Your Gas Fire Pit
Once the cleanup is complete, you can visually inspect the parts of your fire pit see if any of them are damaged or rusted and need replacement. If your fire pit uses lava rocks or glass, you want to take those out to check out what’s underneath. Here are a few things to look for in a gas fire pit.
- Look for signs that the burner surface is breaking down or damaged.
- Inspect the unit for damage to gas lines, such as cuts or scrapes that could interfere with the pit’s safe operation.
- Evaluate the control valve and the connection to the burner for any obstruction.
- Check the burner orifice, burner manifold, and air shutter for rust or damage.
- Use a pipe cleaner to clear portholes and other openings of insects or debris.
If you see any damage to your fire pit, you should call in the professionals from Mesquite Landscaping. Never try to use a damaged pit; it’s dangerous to you, your family, and your property. A trained technician can evaluate the components and give you your options for repair or discuss a replacement with you. Gas fire pits need professional service at least every three years, so you might consider setting up a routine maintenance plan to avoid unpleasant surprises from year to year.
Perform a Brief Inspection of Your Wood-Burning Fire Pit
Wood-burning fireplaces have trouble spots of their own. The maintenance routine depends on the material used to construct the pit.
- For the interior of stone or masonry pits, scrub with a solution of one part muriatic acid to nine parts water. Rinse with clean water and let it dry for at least 48 hours.
- For steel or metal grates, a hose and soapy water are usually sufficient. Once it’s clean, turn the bowl upside down and let it dry.
- Clean a cast-iron pit by scrubbing it with steel wool. Rinse and wipe it dry with a soft cloth.
- For copper pits, use a garden hose, soap, and water.
Once you’ve completed your inspection, protecting your fire pit with a weather-resistant cover keeps it clean until you are ready to light it up. A waterproof vinyl tarp weighed down with heavy stones works well if you don’t want to buy a dedicated covering.
Finding Help With Your Fire Pit
While fire pits are beautiful additions to your home and make your outdoor space fun and exciting, they can be dangerous. Please don’t take a chance on maintaining or repair your pit yourself, whether it’s gas or wood-burning. Call in the professionals from Mesquite Landscaping and let our professional and experienced team help you get your fire pit ready for safe operation all through the fall.
Image Credit: Shutterstock/ WoodysPhotos