How to Troubleshoot a Gas Barbecue Grill

Keep your barbecue in top shape to avoid accidents or ruined meals.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spray Bottles
• Dish Soap
• Gas Grills
• Pipe Cleaners
• Pipe cleaners

1. Familiarize yourself with your grill's owner's manual.

2. Be sure the gas is turned off at the grill and the tank before doing maintenance on your barbecue.

3. Clean briquettes by burning them dirty side down for 20 to 30 minutes on high heat.

4. Check the connection if the ignition button isn't working. If the connection seems fine, clean the contacts. Replace it if it still isn't functioning.

5. Check the gas connectors if the flames are too low or you seem to be going through gas too quickly.

6. Test the gas fittings that run from the tank to the barbecue for leaks: Mix 1 tbsp. dishwashing liquid in 1 c. water. Keep the barbecue gas valve off and turn on the valve on the propane tank. Spray the soapy water over all of the connections, fittings and hoses. Bubbles indicate a leak. Turn off the gas and tighten or replace the leaking parts.

7. Unclog the venturi tubes (the larger tubes that feed gas into the burners) with a pipe cleaner.

8. Squirt water into the venturi tubes to determine which (if any) burner ports are clogged. These smaller holes along the edges of the burner are where you'd normally see flames. Clear debris from the holes by poking a wire into them.

Tips & Warnings

• When you're done grilling, turn the burners on high and close the lid for 10 minutes, then shut everything off. This will burn all of the food off the briquettes, making it easier to clean them.
• Never check for leaks with the grill lit.
• Avoid cleaning the burner ports with a toothpick or similar items that can break off in the holes.