Grill repair: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What grill repair is

Grill repair fixes gas grills that will not light, burn unevenly or have rusted or cracked parts. A pro cleans or replaces burners, igniters, regulators, valves and heat shields, and checks the gas connection. People usually call when a burner stays dead, flames rise from the burner tubes, or the grill runs hot on one side.

Signs you need it

  • One burner will not light, or the igniter clicks without a flame
  • The flames are uneven, yellow, or lift off the burner tubes
  • A burner tube has rust holes, cracks or a split, and gas leaks from it
  • The grill runs hot on one side and cold on the other
  • The heat shields or the grease tray are rusted through or missing
  • The gas knob turns but the valve does not seem to open or close fully

What the pro does

  • Inspect the burner tubes, the ports and the venturi for blockage, rust and insect nests
  • Test the igniter and the electrode gap, and check the spark path
  • Check the gas valves, the regulator and the hose for leaks and damage
  • Replace the failed part, such as a burner tube, igniter, valve, regulator or heat shield
  • Clean the grease tray, the flavorizer bars and the grates to restore airflow
  • Light each burner, check the flame pattern on high and low, and test each gas joint for leaks

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Which part failed, since a cleaning or igniter is simpler than a valve or a burner tube
  • Number of burners and whether the whole burner set needs replacing
  • Brand and model, and whether replacement parts are stocked
  • Rust damage that spreads to the firebox or the cart
  • Whether gas line work is needed, which often requires a licensed gas trade
  • Whether a part must be ordered, which can mean another visit

What a written quote should spell out

  • Grill make, model and serial number, and the gas type
  • Each failed part by name and the test that confirmed it
  • Whether the gas valve, regulator or hose is replaced, and the leak test result
  • Whether heat shields, grates or flavorizer bars are included
  • Warranty on the parts and the labor, in writing

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Did you clean the burner ports and the venturi before ordering parts?
  • Which burner tube is failing, and how did you confirm it?
  • Do you carry the burner, igniter or valve for my model?
  • Will you test every gas joint for leaks before you leave?
  • Does the warranty cover the part and the labor?
  • Is the firebox rusted through, and is it worth replacing the grill?
  • Will you show me the flame on each burner before you leave?

Red flags

  • A burner tube replaced without cleaning the ports and checking the venturi
  • Gas joints left without a leak test after a valve or regulator change
  • A quote for a valve replacement with no test of the regulator and hose
  • Heat shields and grates left out of the quote when they are rusted
  • No flame check on every burner before the pro leaves

What you can do yourself

With the grill cool, you can clear grease from the tray, replace the grates and the flavorizer bars, and wipe down the outside and the lid. Do not touch the burner tubes, ports, igniter, valves, regulator or gas line, since those are gas parts. If you smell gas, leave the area and call your gas utility from outside, then call a pro for any burner, igniter, gas part or crack in a burner tube.

Licenses and permits

Grill repair often needs no trade license for cleaning and simple part swaps, but gas valve, regulator and line work often requires a licensed gas trade, depending on where you live. Check with your state or local licensing agency before hiring or doing gas work.

Grill repair questions

Why does my grill click but the burner will not light?

The igniter may be dirty or misaligned, the burner ports may be blocked, or the gas flow may be low. Stop trying to light it if you smell gas. A pro can clean the ports, check the igniter gap and test the gas parts.

Is a rusted burner tube safe to keep using?

No. A burner tube with holes or cracks can leak gas or cause flare-ups. Stop using the burner and have it replaced.

How does infinibell work?

You describe the job and pick the pros you want by name. Only the pros you pick get your request, and your contact details go only to a pro you connect with. It is free for customers.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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