Here is how to winterize a gas fire pit in one pass: shut off the gas at the appliance valve and at the supply, disconnect the propane tank and store it outdoors upright, let the burner cool, clear out debris and water, deal with the ignition batteries or power, then cover the burner and the whole unit. Before any of that, decide whether you really need to shut it down. Some gas fire tables are rated for year-round use, and a few cold-weather habits may be all you need.
Keep using it or shut it down for winter?
Outdoor GreatRoom says its gas fire tables can be used all year, with a protective cover whenever they are not in use. Its winter prep is for owners who will not use the table for a long stretch. Your manual decides for your model.
| Your situation | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You use it on mild winter evenings | Keep it running, cover it after every use once it is cool, check for water before lighting | HPC says to keep the fire pit covered when not in use and to confirm there is no water or debris before start-up |
| Snow and freezing for weeks, no plans to use it | Full shutdown (steps below) | Standing water, snow load and insects do the most damage while the unit sits |
| Propane tank in a table base | Disconnect the tank and store it outside, away from the table | HPC says a cylinder not connected for use should not be stored near the appliance |
| Any part has been under water | Do not light it; have a qualified technician inspect it | HPC manual warning |
How to winterize a gas fire pit: shutdown steps
- Turn off the gas at the appliance. Close the burner or key valve on the fire pit.
- Turn off the supply. Close the propane tank valve, or the natural gas shutoff on the line feeding the fire pit. If there is no dedicated shutoff, call a licensed gas fitter.
- Let it cool completely. HPC’s shutdown sequence is valve off, then cover once cooled.
- Clear debris such as leaves, pine needles and dirt from the burner.
- Dry it, pull the battery, cover it (sections below).
Propane tank: disconnect and store it outside
Disconnect the tank and keep its valve closed. The HPC push button manual’s cylinder label says not to use or store the cylinder in a building, garage or enclosed area. The San Francisco Fire Department also says to store propane cylinders outdoors in an upright position, not in a garage or shed, and to cover disconnected hose-end fittings with plastic bags or protective caps to keep them clean. Enclosure sizing and venting are covered in our fire table propane tank storage guide.
Drain and dry the pan and media
Water sits in the burner pan, soaks into lava rock, freezes and thaws, and rusts steel parts. HPC’s installation requirements call for an enclosure that drains, at least 2 inches of space under the valve box, and side vents that can double as drains. Before you cover the unit:
- Make sure drain holes and low vents are open, not packed with leaves or media.
- If water is standing in the pan, remove the media and let the pan dry out.
- Outdoor GreatRoom suggests removing fire glass or media and storing it indoors for winter, and storing glass wind guards inside too.
Lava rock holds water. HPC says that if lava rock is wet, run the fire pit for 45 minutes before anyone comes within 15 feet. HPC also warns against using gravel, pebbles or river rock in a burner at all, because trapped moisture can boil and crack them.
Electronic ignition: batteries and power
Push button spark igniters run on a battery. On HPC push button models the AA battery sits in a screw cap on the spark igniter in the valve box, so it is easy to pull for winter before it can leak. For hardwired electronic ignition, follow your manual on switching off or unplugging power, and keep the control box dry.
Fire pit cover for winter
Cover types and measuring are in our fire pit cover guide. The winter-specific points:
- Never cover a warm burner. Wait until it is fully cool.
- Two layers work best. Outdoor GreatRoom’s winter steps put a burner cover over the burner and then a protective cover over the whole table.
- Snow load. Brush heavy snow off a vinyl cover so it does not sag and pool water.
- Secure it. Winter wind can lift a loose cover. Use the elastic band or drawstring the cover comes with and snug it at the base.
- Do not block enclosure vents on a built-in pit.
Winter cover options we sell
Listed prices as of this writing; prices can change.
| Product | Type | Size | Winter detail from the listing | Listed at |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPC Vinyl Fire Pit Cover, 53″ Round | Full weather cover | 53″ round | Black vinyl, elastic band at the bottom | $141.55 |
| HPC Vinyl Fire Pit Cover, 48″ x 48″ | Full weather cover | 48″ x 48″ | Pull string cord to tighten | $193.80 |
| HPC Vinyl Fire Pit Cover, 78″ x 40″ | Full weather cover | 78″ x 40″ | Pull string cord, sized for long tables | $236.55 |
| Warming Trends Aluminum Square Cover, 32″ | Hard burner cover | 32″ square | 1/8 to 3/16 inch tempered aluminum, handles | $504.00 |
| HPC Stainless Steel Rectangle Cover, 42″ | Hard burner cover | 46″ x 18″ x 1″, for pits up to 42″ | Stainless steel, handles | $590.90 |
| HPC Linear Trough Stainless Burner Cover | Hard burner cover | 40″ x 9.5″ | Stainless steel, listed to protect from moisture and debris | $361.00 |
| Arteflame 40″ Fire Pit Cover | Steel lid (wood burning pit) | Fits 40″ Arteflame | Corten steel, 40 lbs, designed to stay outside year-round | $325.00 |
The Arteflame lid is for a wood burning pit, not a gas burner. More HPC options are on our HPC Fire brand page.
Fire pit winter storage: what comes inside and what stays out
- Bring inside: glass wind guards, fire glass or media if you removed it, and ignition batteries.
- Stays outside: the propane tank (upright, valve closed, away from the pit) and the covered fire table.
Spring restart
- Check for insects. HPC warns that spiders and insects can nest in the venturi holes of the air mixer on propane units, which can let gas fill the fire feature cavity. It calls for periodic inspection by a qualified technician and yearly burner brushing.
- Leak test. Reconnect, apply soapy water to the connections and open the valve. If bubbles appear, close it and have the leak repaired. Never test with a flame.
- First light. Confirm the pan is free of water, then follow your manual. If it will not stay lit, our gas fire pit troubleshooting guide can help.
HPC recommends annual service by an NFI certified gas specialist. A licensed pro and your local code have the final word on gas work.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave my gas fire pit outside in winter?
Usually yes. Outdoor GreatRoom says its gas fire tables can stay outdoors in winter under a protective cover. Shut the gas off and store the propane tank outside on its own.
Do I need a fire pit cover for winter?
HPC’s manuals say to keep it covered whenever it is not in use. A hard burner cover under a vinyl weather cover handles snow and water.
Where should I keep the propane tank for fire pit winter storage?
Outdoors, upright, with the valve closed. HPC’s cylinder label and the San Francisco Fire Department both say not to store it in a garage or enclosed space.
What should I check before lighting it again in spring?
Check the venturi for insect nests, clear water, do a soapy water leak test, then light it per the manual.
For more on choosing a fire feature, see our fire pit buying guide. Need help matching a cover to your burner size? Call us at 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM PST. Returns follow our return and refund policy.
Sources: HPC Fire MLFPK fire pit insert manual and PBFS push button manual; San Francisco Fire Department, outdoor grill, fire pit and heater safety; Outdoor GreatRoom, Winterize Your Outdoor Fire Pit.
