Why a few webs matter
The venturi is the open tube at the front of each burner, where it slides over the gas orifice. Gas shoots out of the orifice into the tube and pulls air in with it through openings in the tube. The mix travels down the burner and out the ports. Block that tube with webs, egg sacs or a mud dauber nest and the gas can't mix properly, or can't get through at all.
The worst case is a flashback. Gas backs up and burns at the front of the burner, outside the firebox, behind the control panel. That can melt knobs, cook wiring and valves, and start a fire under the grill. Grill makers warn about it in their manuals, and it's one of the reasons we pull burners on every cleaning.
Signs of a blockage
- A burner that won't light, or lights weakly, especially after the grill has sat for a few weeks.
- Yellow, floppy flames instead of crisp blue ones.
- Flame coming out around the knobs or under the control panel.
- A popping or roaring sound near the front of the grill.
- One burner noticeably weaker than the others.
- Melted or scorched knobs and discoloration on the control panel.
What we find in burner tubes
Most common first.
Spider webs and egg sacs
By far the most common. Some species seem drawn to the odorant in gas. Webs show up even on grills used weekly.
Mud dauber and wasp nests
Solid mud tubes that can fully block an opening, common on grills that sit for a season.
Rodent nesting material
Mice and rats pack burner areas and cabinets with debris.
Learn moreRust flakes and debris
Rust from the burner itself or from parts above it falls into the tube.
Grease and food
Less common in the venturi, but it happens when burners sit under clogged heat plates.
What you can safely do
With the grill off, cool, and the gas closed, you can pull burners on most grills and clear the tubes. Remove the grates and heat plates, take out the clip, pin or screw holding each burner, and lift it out. Shine a flashlight into the open end. A venturi brush (a long, flexible bottle-style brush) is the best tool. A straightened wire hanger works in a pinch, but be gentle so you don't damage the tube. Tap the burner to knock debris out of the ports.
When you reinstall each burner, the open end must slide fully over its gas orifice. Look from below or behind with a flashlight to confirm. A burner sitting next to its orifice is a fire hazard. Our spiders in burner tubes guide has more detail.
If you see heat damage behind the control panel, or the burners won't come out without force, leave the rest to us.
How we clear blockages
- 1
Pull every burner
Every burner comes out, including side, sear and rotisserie burners.
- 2
Clear the tubes
Venturis are brushed and blown out, and burner ports cleared.
- 3
Check orifices
Insects sometimes get into the orifice itself. We inspect and clean or replace them.
- 4
Inspect for heat damage
If there's been a flashback, we check the valves, wiring and knobs behind the control panel.
- 5
Reinstall and light
Burners go back on their orifices, and each one is lit and checked for a clean blue flame.
Spider and insect questions
Do spiders really like gas grills?
Yes. Some species seem drawn to the mercaptan odorant in propane and natural gas, and burner tubes are dark and sheltered. Several grill makers warn about it in their owner's manuals.
How often should burner tubes be cleared?
At least once a year, and any time the grill has sat unused for more than a few weeks. In LA, that often means before the first big cook of spring.
Can I spray insecticide into the burner?
We wouldn't. Residue can clog ports and burn off into your food. Mechanical cleaning is the right fix.
My knobs melted. Was it spiders?
Possibly. Flashback from a blocked venturi is a common cause of melted knobs. Have the grill checked before using it again.
How much does it cost to clear the burners?
It's usually part of a cleaning visit. Pricing depends on the grill's size, brand and condition. Call or text for a quote.
Related guides
BBQ Grill Repair
On-site repair for gas grills: ignition, burners, valves, regulators, gas leaks and the hardware that wears out, with common parts carried on the truck.
TroubleshootingSpiders in Burner Tubes
Spider webs in burner venturi tubes are a common cause of weak flames and flashback fires. Here's how to spot it, clean it and prevent it.
TroubleshootingYellow Flame on a Gas Grill
What a yellow flame on a gas grill means, when a little yellow is normal, and how to clear the blockages that usually cause it.
Care & how-toOff-Season Grill Care in Los Angeles
How to look after a grill through LA's slower months, in regular use or sitting idle, including rain, marine layer, pests and Santa Ana season.
Care & how-toGetting Your Grill Ready for Summer
A practical pre-summer checklist for gas grills and outdoor kitchens: what to inspect, clean and test before the season's first big cookout.
Weak or yellow flames after a long break?
Call or text us. We'll pull the burners, clear them, and get your flames back to blue.