Why does the propane gas in the line to the fireplace vanish between seasons?

Question

My mom has gas logs in her fireplace and I light the pilot every year around November and then turn it off in late March.  Every year in order to get the pilot lit I have to disconnect the gas line at the logs and open the valve a bit until gas flows and can be smelled.  This can take a minute or so.  Then the pilot lights just fine when all is reconnected.

The tank outside is about 50 feet away and 8-10 feet lower than the logs.  Does the propane in the line fall back to the tank over the months it's not in use and get displaced by air or what?  I've had to light her logs this way for at least the last 5 years and it works fine but seems crazy.

I have gas logs in my home with the tank about the same distance away but on about the same level as my logs.  Mine light easily every fall and I don't have to disconnect the line or do much of anything other than turn it to pilot and press the spark button.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks!

DelK · Accepted Answer

The relative level of the tank and fireplace has nothing whatever to do with the loss of gas over the warm period.  There is a small leak somewhere in the line between the burner and the tank.  It may be difficult to find but one could try an electronic sniffer or soapy water in a sprayer applied to all the connections.  You just look for bubbles.  One that small might take patience to find.  The problem might even be the solenoid operated valve at the burner.  That would be tough to find although a guy with a good nose might find it.

princess pounder · Answer

I think the first answer may be wrong about a leak. I also have a propane logset burner that sits unused for 8 months or more, and it seems to lose it's flammability, or at least the gas in the pipeline does. I know it's not a leak because the pipeline will still have pressure, even with the tank valve off. So it seems the gas in the pipeline does become inert or nonflammable.

Why does the propane gas in the line to the fireplace vanish between seasons?

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