Expert: James Ball - 7/19/2010

Question
I have an outdoor fire pit that was filled with lava rocks.  When I turn on the gas the rock pop out of the pit.  Yes, they actually pop out and hit us.  I've tried to find out why.  I've been told that there may be moisture in them and once they dry they shouldn't do that.  It's been run enough that the problem should have stopped but hasn't.  I was also told maybe we have manufactured lava rock and not the real thing.  I love the look but we can't use it as it is.  Have you heard about this problem before?  I want to buy lava rock from another source but don't want to end up with the same problem.  Thanks for your info!

Answer
Hello Barbara, maybe the rocks get wet every time it rains or from the moisture in the air (dew) over night?
where they installed correctly? are they the right rocks for your unit? you could try drying them out and then replacing them and see if it happens again.
James