Spiders in Your Grill Burner Tubes? What Baldwin County Owners Need to Check

You lift the lid on a warm Baldwin County evening. You turn the knob. The igniter clicks, and flames pop out the front of the grill, near the knobs, instead of across the burners.

That is not a bad igniter. That is usually a spider.

Every Gulf Coast grill owner should know this one. The warm, humid weather keeps spiders and mud daubers active most of the year. Your burner tubes are a dry, hidden, tube-shaped home. A web or nest in the wrong spot blocks the gas on its way to the burner. The gas finds another way out, and that way is not where you want a flame.

Why do spiders get inside a grill burner?

Each burner has a tube that runs from the control valve to the burner. Air and gas mix inside it. The opening where the air comes in is small, dark, and sheltered. Spiders and wasps see a perfect nest site.

Many grills have a mesh screen over that opening to keep them out. Screens bend, rust, or fall off. Salt air and humidity are hard on thin metal. Once the screen is gone, bugs walk right in.

Blaze, a common built-in brand, puts it plainly in its owner's manual: burner tubes must be inspected and cleaned before each use. You can read the manual here. Other makers say much the same thing in their own manuals. Check yours.

What are the signs of a blocked burner tube?

Look and listen for these:

• Flames coming out the front of the burner, near the knobs, or under the grill.
• One burner that will not light, or lights weak and yellow.
• A flame that only burns on part of the burner.
• A gas smell right after you light the grill.
• A grill that used to work and now runs hot in one spot.

Any one of these is a reason to stop and look before you cook. A blocked tube pushes gas back toward the control panel. That is why a grease or gas flame can show up where it should not.

How do you check and clear the tubes yourself?

This is smart DIY. Take your time and keep the gas off.

1. Shut off the gas at the tank or the shutoff valve. Let the grill cool all the way.
2. Remove the grates, heat plates, and burners. Your manual shows how. Most lift out after a screw or two.
3. Look into the tube opening. Shine a flashlight in. You are looking for webs, mud, or bits of leaves.
4. Clear it. A long flexible brush or a pipe cleaner works. Many owners also use a vacuum with a thin hose. Pull the debris out instead of pushing it deeper.
5. Check the burner ports. Poke any blocked hole clear with a small metal pick. Do not enlarge the hole.
6. Reinstall everything. Make sure each burner sits fully on its valve before you light it.

Do a quick check every month in warm weather. A grill that sits under a cover for a few weeks gives spiders plenty of time to move in.

Can you stop spiders from coming back?

You can slow them down. You cannot stop them forever. A few things help:

• Make sure the insect screens are in place and not rusted through.
• Keep the grill covered when not in use, and keep the area around it free of leaves and clutter.
• Light the grill and let it burn for a few minutes before you cook, so the heat clears out stray debris.
• Rinse off salt film and wipe down the stainless to slow rust on thin parts.

Skip homemade tricks like spraying bug killer or oils into the tubes. Chemicals in a gas line are a bad idea. Clean it out and keep it dry.

DIY stops here

You can clear webs. You should not fix everything else. Call a pro if you see any of these:

• Burners or tubes that are rusted through, cracked, or flaking.
• An insect screen that is missing or gone, and no replacement part you can find.
• A gas smell you cannot trace.
• Burn marks or melted parts near the control panel or knobs.
• A hose or regulator that looks cracked or worn.

Gas parts are not a place to guess. Our BBQ grill cleaning and repair service takes the grill apart, clears every tube and port, checks the hose and fittings, and puts it back right. A grill deep clean starts at $239. Repairs and parts are quoted after we look, because a clogged tube and a rusted-out burner are two very different jobs. Every job carries our 1-year workmanship warranty.

We serve homeowners all over the Gulf Coast. See our Baldwin County location page for the towns we cover. You can also read the NFPA grilling safety page for general grill safety rules, including keeping a grill clean and checking for gas leaks.

Frequently asked questions

Can spiders really make a gas grill catch fire?

They can cause the problem that leads to it. A web in a burner tube blocks the gas flow. Gas can then burn at the wrong spot, near the knobs or under the grill. If you see flames in the wrong place, shut off the gas and let the grill cool before you look.

How often should I check my grill burner tubes?

Blaze's manual says to inspect and clean the tubes before each use. Many owners check at least monthly in warm weather and any time the grill has sat unused for a while.

Why is my grill flame coming out the front of the burner?

The most common cause is a blocked burner tube. A spider web, a nest, or debris stops the gas from reaching the burner, and it burns near the knobs instead. Turn it off and inspect the tubes. If the tubes are clear, call a pro.

Is it safe to clean burner tubes myself?

Yes, if the gas is off and the grill is cool. Clear the tubes with a long brush or a vacuum. Do not use chemicals. If you find damage or smell gas, stop and call us.

How much does grill cleaning cost in Baldwin County?

A grill deep clean starts at $239. Repairs depend on the parts needed, so we quote those after an inspection.

Book your grill check in Baldwin County

1st Choice Residential is veteran-owned and has served homeowners since 2009. We are licensed, insured, and 5-star rated by hundreds of customers. Book online or call (251) 272-1990.