Are you facing Mr Heater regulator problems? As frustrating as they are, they’re quite common. It’s common for regulators to get stuck in one position during the cold weather.
Apart from that, the heater may also keep shutting off due to a faulty regulator. I’ll talk about the most common issues caused by regulators in this guide, along with the right solutions. So, let’s dive in!
Mr. Heater Regulator Problems [Fully Solved]
The regulator in Mr. Heater’s portable heater plays a key role as it ensures that the gas is supplied to the heater at the right pressure. If something goes wrong with it, you shouldn’t take it lightly, as it could create potential risks.
If the gas pressure is too high, it could lead to accidents. In severe cases, excessive pressure can also lead to explosions. If the gas pressure is too low, the heater will not perform to its maximum ability.
So, in either case, you should deal with a faulty Mr. Heater regulator seriously. Hopefully, that is very clear to you by now. With that said, let’s look at the most common problem caused by regulators along with the right solutions:
1. Heater Keeps Shutting Off
A defective regulator can be the reason why your heater keeps shutting off. That’s because a faulty regulator won’t be able to regulate the gas flowing into the heater properly.
In some cases, a faulty regulator can also keep the heater from igniting. Mr. heater not getting propane is the main reason behind it, and it could be due to a clogged regulator.
Solution:
First, check if the regulator is clogged. If you find traces of dirt, remove them using a brush or compressed air. If that gets your heater to work again properly, you’re done. But if the regulator is defective, you’d have to replace it with a new one.
That’s how you can solve the Mr heater flame problem by replacing the regulator. If the regulator is fine, try replacing the Mr. Heater thermocouple as it’s also a common culprit that makes the heater shut off.
2. Regulator Stuck In One Position
If your heater was inactive for a long period, it could be stuck in a position and it’d be very hard to move it. The reason is that the moisture inside the gas can freeze up and cause the regulator to get stuck in the winter.
Solution:
You have to make sure that the regulator gets warm before you use it again. Place it in a warm environment and wait for a while until it becomes okay to use again.
If it’s taking too long, you can put it right next to an active heat source like a stove, and that should do the trick. Keep in mind that you’re dealing with a part that regulates gas. So, be careful when you’re at it.
As a preventive measure, I’d suggest covering the regulator with an insulative material when you don’t plan on using it for a long period. Also, store it in an area where the chances of it being frozen are fairly low.
How To Replace The Mr. Heater Regulator.
I have replaced a few Mr. Heater regulators, including some of my friends. They do get bad from time to time. Honestly, replacing the regulator is an easy process, and I believe that anyone can do it. You’ll need the following things to get started with the replacement process:
- A compatible regulator for your heater.
- An adjustable wrench.
- Teflon tape.
Once you have your hands on these things, you’re ready to replace the regulator in your Mr. Heater. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps. Follow along, and you’ll complete a perfect regulator replacement job in a very short period.
Step 01 – Remove The Old Regulator
Shut off the gas supply to the heater and make sure that it’s at room temperature. Close the propane tank’s valve or turn off the natural gas supply. Locate the area where the regulator attaches to the propane tank or gas line. Use the wrench to loosen that connection.
If the regulator is attached to a hose that goes to the heater, you should also disconnect and loosen the hose connection. Inspect the hose and the connecting points and see if anything is damaged. If needed, clean the connections so that the new regulator can stay clean.
Step 02 – Attach The New Regulator
Apply a small piece of Teflon tape to the new regulator’s threads to guarantee a tight, leak-free fit. Attach the new regulator to the propane tank or gas line. Turn it clockwise and tighten it securely with a wrench.
Connect the hose to the outlet side of the regulator to make sure that it’s a tight fit. Make sure that you tighten it enough so that it’s secure but not enough that makes it overtightened.
Step 03 – Check For Gas Leaks & Finishing Touches
Do a leak test on the heater before using it. Slowly open the gas valve after cleaning the connections with a soap and water solution. If bubbles start to appear, it means there is a leak.
Tighten the connections or reapply Teflon tape if bubbles appear. Turn on the heater after you’ve made sure there are no leaks. Make sure the new regulator is installed and that it lights and runs properly.
That’s how easy it is to replace the heater regulator on your own. After replacement, inspect the connections and regulator from time to time. Make sure that they are kept leak-free and in good working order by doing routine inspections.
3. Gas Leaks
The worst problem that could come from a faulty regulator is a gas leak. As it’s a big safety concern, you shouldn’t take this issue lightly. The regulator itself can be leaky or the leak may also originate from a weak connection.
The most obvious sign of a gas leak is that you’d be able to smell it. However, you may also hear a louder sound when there’s a leak. Normally, you’d hear a very faint sound when gas is filling up the heater when turning on the pilot.
But when there’s a leak, the sound can be extremely loud. That’s another sign that you should be on the lookout for if you’re suspecting a leak. Then, you can spray some soapy water on the connection points and the regulator to locate the leak source.
Solution:
If loose connections lead to a gas leak, all you need to do is tighten them. That’ll solve the issue. However, if the regulator itself turns out to be broken and the leak source, you need to replace it.
After you’re done replacing the regulator, check it again for gas leaks. Make sure to inspect the connections as well. As it’s a serious matter, you want to be 100% sure that your heater is now leak-free. With all that done, all there’s left to do is enjoy and use your heater.
FAQs:
How do you make sure the regulator is properly tightened?
Apply a mixture of soapy water to the area of the cylinder where it connects to the regulator. If you see the formation of bubbles, there’s a leak you need to fix. Otherwise, you’re good.
How long should you hold down the knob after the pilot lights up?
You should hold down the knob for at least one minute, even after the pilot lights up. Then, you can let it go and change it to your desired temp.
How do you place the regulator correctly for easy tank installation?
You have to swivel the regulator in the outward direction. Doing that will make the tank installation a whole lot easier.
Is it okay to use a Mr. buddy heater without a regulator?
No, the regulator should always be installed whenever you’re using the Mr Buddy heater. Not having it in place may lead to unfortunate accidents.
Conclusion:
Dealing with Mr. Heater regulator problems can be frustrating. But I hope this guide has been helpful and given you a sense of direction about what you should do. Pinpoint the exact issue you’re facing and take corrective action to solve that issue.
Hopefully, you’ll fix your problem in no time. Another common issue people face with their Mr. Heater unit is that the pilot lights but the main burner fails to ignite. Check out my guide about this topic to learn how you can solve it.
