A gas patio heater (also called a mushroom or umbrella heater) is a radiant heating appliance for generating thermal radiation for outdoor use.

If at any moment when inspecting gas fireplace the area smells tremendously like gas, and you don't know where it is coming from, then you need to leave the area and get help immediately.

Patio Heater Won't Stay Lit: 
One common issue that patio heater owners face is keeping their patio heater lit. The typical cause for this is that the pilot light flame has become too far away from the thermocouple. Thus, the thermocouple will turn off the patio heater as it tricks the gas value in to thinking that the pilot light is out. Other potential causes are not having enough gas pressure or the pilot light/orifices are more restricted due to corrosion.

Pilot Light is Getting Blown Out By the Wind: 
Another simple cause is that a breeze is blowing just right and is blowing out the pilot light. There is a way to fix this problem. Making sure the patio heater is "off", sure a pair of pliers to gently squeeze the pilot light and the thermocouple a bit closer. To squeeze the pilot light and sensor bulb together, remove the top of the heater and the front control panel that covers the pilot light and control knob. Then remove the bracket that holds the pilot light and thermocouple together to that you will get the best access. You may not need to disassemble it as much as you think, but you need to disassemble and very gently squeeze the pilot and thermocouple making sure not to crush it. Now, the pilot light will be very close to the sensor bulb and the patio heater will no longer shut off after a few minutes.

Your Thermocouple Might Be Dirty: 
Another reason that your patio heater won't stay lit also has to do with the thermocouple. Sometimes the thermocouple gets coated with carbon from the propane. Sometimes using a small tooth file and lightly sanding the thermocouple will help to remove the carbon build up.

Problems with your Propane Tank: 
If the issue is not with the thermocouple the cause of the problem could be a numbers of things. It may be as simple as the gas valve on the propane tank being turned off. Simply turn the gas tank on. Additionally, the propane tank may be empty. A full propane tank is much heavier than an empty propane tank. Take your tank and get it refilled.

The Gas Valve Orifice Might Be Blocked: 
Yet another reason your patio will not stay lit is that the gas valve orifice is blocked. You should clean the orifice or have it replaced. Sometimes there is air in the gas line which is blocking propane from getting to the heater head unit. The solution for this is to purge the gas line. Open the gas line by turning the knob on the propane tank to fully open. Then depress the control knob for two to three minutes. Make sure all gas has cleared before attempted to ignite the patio heater.

Reposted From: shop.firesense.com