Top 10 Most Common Gas Stove Repair Questions Answered

1. Why won’t my gas stove ignite or light properly?

If your gas stove won’t light, start with the simplest checks. Make sure the burner cap is seated correctly and the stove is connected to gas and power (for electronic ignition models). Turn the knob and listen for a clicking sound. If you hear clicking but no flame, the burner ports may be clogged with food or grease. Clean them with a toothbrush or pin (gently).

If you smell gas but no flame, turn everything off, ventilate the room, and avoid sparks or flames. This can indicate a gas supply or ignition issue. ❗Call a professional immediately if the smell persists, the igniter is cracked, or multiple burners won’t light even after cleaning.

2. Why does my gas stove keep clicking but not lighting?

Constant clicking usually means the electronic ignition system is struggling to ignite the gas. Common causes include moisture after a spill, misaligned burner caps, or food debris around the igniter. Try these steps:

1. Unplug the stove or turn off power.
2. Remove burner caps and wipe everything dry.
3. Clean around the igniter with a soft brush.
4. Reassemble carefully and test again.

If one burner clicks but others work fine, that specific igniter or switch may be failing. If all burners click constantly even when off, there may be a shorted ignition switch or water in the system after a big spill. In that case, contact a technician, especially if the clicking continues after drying overnight.

3. Why is my gas stove flame yellow or orange instead of blue?

A healthy gas flame should be steady and blue. Yellow or orange tips usually signal incomplete combustion, often caused by dirty burner ports, misaligned burner caps, or incorrect air–gas mixture. Try cleaning the burner thoroughly and making sure the cap sits flat.

Environmental factors like dust, grease vapor, or using certain pans can temporarily color the flame, but persistent yellow flames require attention.

If you also notice soot on cookware or a gas odor, stop using the stove and call a licensed gas technician. Poor combustion can produce dangerous carbon monoxide.

4. Why does my gas burner flame go out or keep flickering?

A flickering or unstable flame suggests a problem with gas flow or air supply. First, check that burner parts are assembled correctly and the cap is centered. Clean the burner ports with a soft brush in case they’re partially blocked. Also ensure windows, range hoods, or fans aren’t creating strong drafts that blow the flame.

If the flame shrinks when other appliances run (like a furnace or water heater), there may be a broader gas supply issue. Low gas pressure, a faulty regulator, or damaged gas line can all cause intermittent flames. If multiple burners are weak or go out, or you suspect a supply issue, call your gas provider or an appliance technician rather than trying to adjust the regulator yourself.

5. Why is my gas stove burner flame so weak or uneven?

Weak or uneven flames typically come from restricted gas flow or dirty burners. Remove grates and burner caps, then clean the burner head thoroughly. Use a pin or paper clip to gently clear clogged holes—but don’t widen them. Make sure the burner cap sits level after cleaning.

If only one burner is weak, focus on that burner assembly. If all burners seem low:

• Verify the gas valve is fully open.
• Confirm the stove is connected correctly to natural gas or propane (wrong orifices can cause low flames).
• Check if other gas appliances seem weak too.

Propane users should also verify the tank isn’t near empty. If cleaning doesn’t help and other gas appliances work fine, a faulty regulator or internal stove valve could be to blame, which should be inspected by a professional.

6. Why does my gas stove smell like gas when it’s off?

You should never ignore a persistent gas smell. A brief odor right as a burner lights can be normal, but smelling gas when the stove is off can signal a leak.

1. Ensure all knobs are fully in the OFF position.
2. Do not light matches, smoke, or turn on electrical switches.
3. Open windows and doors for ventilation.
4. If the smell is strong or widespread, leave the home and call your gas company’s emergency number or 911 from outside.

Sometimes, a faint odor near older stoves can come from pilot lights (if equipped) or residual gas during ignition, but continuous or strong smells are serious. Avoid DIY leak tests with open flames; professionals use proper leak-detection tools and can safely repair or replace faulty valves, connectors, or lines.

7. Why won’t my gas oven heat even though the stovetop works?

When the burners work but the gas oven doesn’t heat, the gas supply is usually fine; the problem is inside the oven system. Common culprits:

• Faulty igniter: The glow-bar igniter may light but not get hot enough to open the gas valve.
• Bad temperature sensor/thermostat: The oven may think it’s already at temperature.
• Control board or safety valve issues.

Basic checks you can do:

1. Confirm the oven is set to “bake” and not “timed” or “delay start.”
2. Observe whether the igniter glows when you turn the oven on.
3. Listen for the gas valve opening and a “whoosh” of ignition.

If the igniter glows weakly or not at all, or you smell gas but no flame, turn the oven off and call a technician. Oven components are not safe for untrained DIY replacement.

8. Why won’t my gas stove igniter stop clicking even after the burner is lit?

If the igniter continues clicking even after the flame is on, the flame sensor inside the ignition system may not be detecting the flame correctly, or there may be moisture or grease around the igniter. Try:

1. Turning off power to the stove.
2. Cleaning around the igniter and burner cap with a dry cloth and soft brush.
3. Letting the area dry completely, especially after spills.

Misaligned burner caps can also cause the flame not to hit the sensing area properly. Re-seat the cap and test again. If multiple burners do this, the spark module or switch harness may be failing. Continuous clicking can damage components and be annoying, so if cleaning and drying don’t help within a day, schedule professional service.

9. Why does my gas stove make popping, hissing, or roaring noises?

Some sound is normal, but loud or unusual noises can point to issues:

First, check that the burner cap is centered and the burner head is clean and dry. Moisture after cleaning can cause popping until it burns off. If the flame looks very large and noisy, the air shutter or orifice may be misadjusted—this is especially common after new installations or gas conversions (natural gas ↔ propane).

Avoid trying to adjust internal gas components yourself. If the noise is strong, the flame is lifting off the burner, or you smell gas, shut off the burner and call a qualified technician.

10. Why is one of my gas stove burners not working while others are fine?

When only one burner fails, the issue is usually local to that burner rather than the whole stove. Remove the grate and burner cap, then:

1. Inspect for spills or heavy residue.
2. Clean the burner ports with a brush and a pin (gently).
3. Check the igniter tip for cracks or heavy buildup.
4. Make sure the cap is not warped or damaged.

If the burner still won’t light but you can light it with a match, the igniter or its wiring is likely bad. If it won’t light at all and you don’t smell gas, the valve or orifice for that burner may be blocked or faulty. Electrical tests, valve replacements, and gas line checks should be left to a licensed appliance repair technician for safety.

Helpful Tips for Keeping Your Gas Stove Running Smoothly

• Clean burners regularly: Wipe spills promptly and deep-clean burner heads and caps monthly to prevent clogs and ignition problems.
• Use the right cookware: Flat-bottomed pans that fully cover the flame reduce soot buildup and improve efficiency.
• Check flame color often: Aim for a steady blue flame; investigate and address persistent yellow or orange flames.
• Avoid harsh chemicals on igniters: Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner around burner parts to prevent damage to ignition components.
• Schedule periodic professional service: Have a pro inspect gas connections, regulators, and ignition systems every few years or after any major issue.
• Keep the area ventilated: Use the range hood while cooking to reduce grease, moisture, and combustion byproducts that can affect performance and safety.