How to Maintain and Clean your Grill Valves

Valve knobs

  • Valve knobs should depress, turn and pop up freely
  • If they are a bit sluggish, remove knobs and carefully spray a small amount of WD40 or similar lubricant onto the valve stem area (Fig. 1)

  • Work knobs a few times to distribute the lubricant
    – Valves that bind severely should be replaced

Valves:
Spiders have a habit of spinning webs inside the gas jets (also called orifices) which will restrict gas flow. Debris in the lines may also clog these tiny holes. Here are some guidelines to maintain your valves.

  • Check the hose connection at the valve for tightness (Fig 2). This can be checked with a soapy solution if needed

  • Remove the hex head from the gas jets (orifices) with the appropriate size wrench, and make sure the hole is completely clean
  • Check the inner portion of the valve from where the gas jets (orifices) was removed.
  • Webs can be removed with a small piece of wire or toothpick (Fig. 3)

  • Reinstall the gas jets (orifices) and tighten

July 11th, 2010

Posted In: BBQ Maintenance