WARNING SIGNS FOR BURNER REPLACEMENT: TIME TO REPLACE OR REPAIR?

Having your BBQ grill in good working condition is essential, and it all begins with a good maintenance program and yearly inspection. Begin your grill season with an inspection of the cooking system, check the fuel lines for cracks or leaks. Work your way towards the main cooking area of your grill - the burners. Before igniting the grill for the first time check and make sure that spiders or small insects haven't made the opening of the burner their new home.

After examining everything, you are ready for the big moment, you turn the burner knob and the first thing you notice is that the burner flame doesn't look right or that it isn't igniting at all.

Here are some of the most common indicators that may be causing the problem that you are seeing and signs that your grill burner may be in need of repair or replacement:

Burner won’t light - rust

Low flame - Burner holes are clogged

Hear Gas leaking - Cracks in the burner

Uniform holes surrounding the burner have merged into larger holes causing a large flame

Yellow or orange flame

Uneven heating

Low temperature

Severe grease and debris buildup

Severe exterior damage

Other weak points in the material of the burner

If your grill is experiencing any of these problems — or if you find anything else that impedes its performance — your next step should be to evaluate the damage. And before beginning any further examination it is very important that you turn off the gas valve to your BBQ and allow it to cool before you begin.

Now for some easy tips to help solve some of your burner problems!

1. Did you hear a popping sound when you tried to light the burners - this could indicate that you have spiders or other small insects that have set up their home in the burner opening. You can easily remedy this problem by taking a small venturi brush and cleaning the opening of the burner.
2. No flame or low flame - begin by cleaning any rust that may be blocking the small holes around the burner, if they look plugged find a small object like a paperclip or drill bit and begin by inserting it into every outside burner hole to remove built-up grease or debris. Did you hear the igniter spark when the burner knob was turned on?
3. Low flame problems may be caused by some of the problems mentioned above or by cracks or leaks in the burner - examine the burner for cracks, especially around rusted areas. Replace the burner immediately if you find cracks or small rust holes.
4. Have a professional assess the problem to determine if the burner needs to be replaced or if other gas problems are preventing the grill from igniting.

Do regular maintenance throughout the grilling season to help prevent some of these problems. You can prevent wear and tear by cleaning it before and after each cooking session, keeping it safe from the elements, and replacing broken parts as needed.