SPIDERS AND INSECTS LIKE TO NEST IN THE VENTURI TUBES OF THE BURNER!
This is a problem common to all barbecues and gas appliances!
How and Why
Natural gas and propane have an odour like rotten eggs. This odour is added as a safety precaution, it makes it easy to detect in the event of a leak. This odour also attracts insects. They will nest in and around the venturi tubes. They enter through the air intake on the venturi tubes. Their nests or webs can cause a full or partial blockage of the venturi tube
causing the gas to flow back out of the venturi tube and ignite around the valve area. The fire may appear to be at the valve, venturi tubes or control knobs.
This “Flashback” or “Control Panel” fire can cause serious damage.
CLEAN THE VENTURI TUBES OFTEN AND WHEN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS
OCCUR:
- You smell gas.
- You notice that one or both sides of the burner
have a yellow flame. (Ideally the burner flame should be blue).
- As burners get older, rustier and dirtier, flame colour will not be perfect. The trick here is to
notice a dramatic change in flame colour or height since last use.
- Your barbecue does not reach temperature.
- Your barbecue heats unevenly.
- Your burner makes popping noises.
TO CLEAN VENTURI TUBES
- Turn off the gas at the source. (For propane - At the tank. For natural gas - On the supply line.)
- Remove burner to expose venturi tubes. Different manufacturers will use different methods to hold burner in place in the barbecue. Usually there will be one, two or four screws or clips holding the burner in place from the underside. Some will use a clip or spring that holds the venturi tube over the valve.
- Visually inspect venturi tube openings for signs of webs no matter how small. Insert flexible venturi brush one inch at a time, remove, inspect brush head and re-insert one inch into venturi tube. Keep repeating until at the end of the tube. By doing this, you will visually confirm there is a blockage problem rather than pushing the delicate web into the end of the venturi tube.
- VENTURI TUBES MUST BE ABSOLUTELY CLEAR AND CLEAN!
- Replace burner in barbecue making sure venturi tubes are seated over the orifice and the burneris resting flat and level.
SPIDERS AND INSECTS LIKE TO NEST IN THE VENTURI TUBES OF THE BURNER!
Prevention
Most manufacturers now install “Spider Guards”, or small screens on the air intakes to reduce this problem, BUT IT WILL NOT ELIMINATE IT!
We have seen spiders clog the tiny hole on the orifice many times. Remember: spiders and insects don’t care if your barbecue is brand new. Spiders and insects don’t know that you JUST CLEANED your barbecue and can come back the very next day!