A gas stove that won’t light can be a frustrating problem for any homeowner. But with a few simple troubleshooting steps, you can often get your stove lighting again quickly and easily. This guide will walk you through the most common reasons a gas stove won’t ignite and show you step-by-step how to fix it.
Check if the Burners Are Getting Gas
To troubleshoot why your gas stove won’t light, the first thing to check is if the burners are actually getting gas. Start by removing any grates or caps from the burners. Then turn the stove knob for that burner to the “Lite” position. You should hear the igniter clicking. Next, listen and look closely at the burner itself. If you hear a very soft whispering sound and see a faint blue glow at the burner, then gas is coming through. If not, then there is a problem with the gas supply to the burner.
Some things to look for:
- No sound/glow at all: This means no gas is reaching the burner. There is likely a shut-off valve closed, a clogged line, or an issue with the regulator.
- Very faint sound/glow: Some gas is getting through, but likely not enough. There may be a partial blockage or low gas pressure.
- Loud hissing but no glow: Gas is flowing but not lighting. This points to a problem with the igniter or clogged burner ports.
Check Shut-Off Valves
If you confirmed that no or very little gas is reaching the burner, the next thing to check is the shut-off valves. Gas stoves have shut-off valves to stop gas flow when not in use. There is usually one located behind the stove and another under the sink or near the gas line entrance. Verify that both valves are turned to the open position (parallel with the pipe).
Make sure the shut-off valve is fully open
Check for Clogged Gas Lines
If the shut-off valves are open but gas isn’t flowing, the problem may be a clogged gas line. Turn the stove knobs back to the off position. Then disconnect the flexible gas line from the stove inlet. Be sure to turn the shut-off valve off first and use caution, as some gas may still release.
Examine the gas line for any blockages at both ends. Lint, dirt, food debris or even insects/nests can sometimes accumulate inside. If you find a clog, try clearing it with a pipe cleaner. You can also blow compressed air through the line to dislodge any debris. Once clear, reconnect the line and test for gas flow again.
In some cases, the flexible gas connector hose itself may be cracked or damaged. Replace it with a new stainless steel connector line if inspection reveals any wear or corrosion.
Check the Gas Pressure
Problems with gas pressure can also prevent a stove from lighting properly. Pressure that is too high or too low will affect burner ignition and flames. Use a manometer to test the incoming gas line pressure. On natural gas systems, look for pressure between 4-10 inches of water column. Propane systems should show 8-13 inches of water column.
If pressure is too low, the regulator likely needs adjustment or replacement. Contact the gas provider for inspection. For high pressure, there may be a problem with the regulator or a leak in the system. Turn off the main gas line and call the gas company immediately.
Inspect the Igniter and Burner
If the stove burners are getting gas but not igniting, the issue lies with the spark igniter or burner itself. Start by examining the igniter visually. Look for:
- Broken or cracked ceramic insulator tip
- Gap between electrode tip and burner
- Accumulated dirt, grease or corrosion
Clean the assembly with rubbing alcohol and inspect for any corrosion or damage. Check that the electrode tip sits flush with the burner surface. Adjust as needed to get firm contact.
A good igniter will spark at the electrode tip.
Next, turn the burner knob to “Lite” and watch the electrode tip. A healthy igniter will produce a bright, sparking arc. No spark indicates a bad igniter that needs replacement. Just a weak glow means the igniter may be dirty or wet.
If the igniter checks out, the burner ports are likely clogged and not allowing the gas to ignite. This usually occurs from food spills, grease build-up, or insect nests. Clean the burners according to the steps below:
Remove Burner Grates and Caps
Start by removing any grates, caps, heads or diffusers from the stove burners. This exposes the burner base and ports for inspection and cleaning. On sealed burners, a screwdriver will be needed to pry off the outer cap.
Taking off the outer burner caps allows access to the ports.
Clean Burner Ports and Base
Examine the inner burner closely under a flashlight. Clogged or blocked ports will not allow proper gas flow. Use a straightened paper clip, needle or wire brush to clear any debris clogging the burner holes. Cleaning kits are also available.
For tough build-up, mix a paste of equal parts vinegar and baking soda. Apply and let sit to dissolve grease, then scrub with a brush. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning. Be sure all ports are free of blockages. Allow burners to fully dry before reassembling.
Reattach Burner Components
Once clean, replace any caps, burner heads or diffusers. Check that they sit flat and align properly with the gas flow. Damaged or cracked pieces may need replacement for proper functioning.
Set the grates back in place, taking care to seat them correctly over the burners. Now retry lighting the stove. If the burners still won’t ignite, the igniter itself may need replacing.
When to Call for Service
While many lighting issues can be fixed with simple home maintenance, some gas stove problems do require a trained technician. Call for professional service if:
- You smell a possible gas leak from the stove or line
- Adjusting the regulator does not resolve improper gas pressure
- The stove burners have faulty valves, pipes or internal parts
- The oven will not light and the igniter cannot be replaced by the owner
- You are uncomfortable working on gas appliances
Serious leaks, faulty appliances and other hazardous conditions should always be handled by qualified professionals. Contact an authorized service company or the gas utility provider if needed.
How to Light a Gas Stove Manually
If your gas stove won’t ignite after troubleshooting, you can still light it manually as a temporary fix. This allows you to use the burners until the igniter can be repaired. However, extreme care should be taken when manually lighting a stove.
What You Need:
- Lighter or lit match
- Wooden chopstick, skewer or specialty lighter wand
Directions:
- Turn the stove knob to “Lite” and listen for gas flow. Give it a few seconds to start.
- Light your match or lighter and position the flame near the burner.
- Use your lighting wand to reach over and insert the flame inside the burner tube.
- Keep holding the flame inside for 5-10 seconds until the burner lights and stays lit after removing the wand.
- Repeat to manually light additional burners as needed.
Use caution when manually igniting stove burners.
This method should only be used as an emergency backup. Make lighting your stove manually a priority repair, as it poses safety risks if done incorrectly.
Gas Stove Won’t Light FAQs
Q: Why does my stove smell like gas but won’t light?
A: If you can smell gas coming from the stove but it won’t ignite, this indicates a dangerous leak. Shut off the gas line immediately. Don’t try to light appliances and avoid sparks or flames. Ventilate the area and call a technician to locate and fix the gas leak.
Q: Why does my gas stove make a clicking sound but won’t light?
A: A clicking sound without ignition typically means an issue with the igniter or gas flow. Check that the burners are receiving gas. Clean the igniter assembly and make sure the electrode isn’t damaged. If the igniter still won’t spark, replacement may be needed.
Q: What if my gas stove lights but the flame is low?
A: Low, lazy flames that won’t sustain indicate insufficient gas flow. Make sure shut-off valves are fully open. Clean burner ports for obstructions. Have the gas pressure tested, as inadequate supply will cause poor flames.
Q: Why does my stove light with yellow or orange flames?
A: Yellow, orange, or uneven flames are abnormal. They signify incomplete combustion from low gas pressure, clogged ports or too much air in the line. Do not use the stove in this state, as dangerous levels of carbon monoxide could result.
Q: My stove burners won’t light after running the self-cleaning cycle. Why?
A: High temperatures from the self-cleaning cycle can damage the electronic ignition. The igniter may need replacement. Clean the burners thoroughly of any ash or debris before attempting to light manually.
Q: My stove stopped working after a power outage. What should I check?
A: Some gas stoves use electrical ignition and require 120 volt power to operate. Ensure the range is correctly plugged in and check circuit breakers or fuses. The outage may have tripped its internal fuse, which can be reset.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting why your gas stove won’t ignite requires carefully checking each component, from the gas line to the burners. Start with the basics of confirming gas supply and flow. Inspect the condition of the igniter and clean any blocked burner ports. Adjusting gas pressure or fixing leaks may also be required. Some repairs will call for replacement parts or professional assistance. But in many cases, a few simple maintenance steps can get your stove lighting properly again.
Thoroughly vet any handymen to work on gas appliances and always turn off the main gas line before servicing. With the right precautions, even major stove issues like damaged valves or inadequate vents can be addressed safely. Follow these tips to diagnose why your gas range won’t light, and you’ll soon be cooking meals with ease again.