Making a gas stove repair yourself is completely doable. With just a little confidence, you can save yourself a lot of money by doing the fixes yourself.
See, most repairs just require a little “TLC” after some initial investigation on what’s going wrong.
This article will help you diagnose common problems and give you the steps to tackle them.
Common Gas Stove Top Problems
If you cook every day, then having all your gas stove parts in working order is important. If they aren’t, you’re likely to face a break down somewhere.
There are a lot things that are going on when you cook on a gas range.
First gas is brought up and through your home, to where it’s burned off just right to create an even heat ideal for cooking.
Then, the shear fact that food and water can so easily spill into the inner workings, it’s no wonder more problems don’t arise on your stove to gum up the works.
If your gas stove isn’t working correctly, you probably have a complaint about one of the follow.
Click for more details on how to fix your gas range:
Gas Burner Won’t Light
It’s pretty frustrating when you’re standing there, pan ready, and your stove’s gas burner won’t come on.
You try and try, but either nothing is happening or you hear things attempting to light, but no flame.
Here’s how to fix:
For pilot light stove tops
If you have an older range, then follow these steps and tips.
Check…
Check that your pilot light is actually going. Lift up your grates and check it under the range top.
You’ll either see one main pilot or one for each burner.
Is pilot out?
If pilot(s) is out, light a match and hold it next to it to light it. If it doesn’t relight, adjust the pilot screw.
You’ll see this somewhere along the tube that brings gas to the pilot.
Turn the screw while you hold a match flame near the pilot.
Clean the pilot parts
If this adjustment doesn’t work, try to unclog the pilot orifice. Gunk may have gotten trapped there. (A common solution for gas stove repair!).
Use a small wire or pipe cleaner tool. A needle works well for the orifice.
If still nothing, then there may not be gas getting to your cooktop. It’s best to call for a professional to investigate further.
For electronic ignition stove tops
Newer model stove tops will be this type. This is the kind with the ‘clicking’ sound just before it lights.
Check the power
Make sure that your stove is plugged in securely to the outlet and that the circuit breaker isn’t tripped.
Check the gas
If a match won’t light the burner, then there is no gas getting to where it needs to be.
Check that the gas shut-off valve is in the open position – under the stovetop – handle must be in line with the pipe.
You can try loosening the gas connection to the stove very slowly and carefully.
You should hear the slightest hiss and even smell the familiar gas odor. If so, close it immediately – you know there is gas being supplied.
If not, then you’ll need to contact the gas company to help you with your gas stove repair.
Check the ignitor
If the burner lights with a match, the igniter might be to blame.
This would be true if you don’t hear clicking or see sparks when lighting the stove. If not, replace the igniter.
Otherwise, it may just need cleaning. Try using a cloth or small brush for cleaning.
One Burner Won’t Light
This happens a lot – your favorite burner won’t light on your gas stove!
Try the following:
First, remove the grates and range top. Check that the tube going from pilot to burner is in line and not knocked off center.
Align it by carefully tapping it into place. Glance at the others for reference.
Also, see that there are no obstructions creating blockage in this tube. Use a degreaser to help you get it flowing again.
If moving or cleaning the supply tube, then there may be a faulty control valve (yes, yet another gas stove part in the mix!).
A technician may have to replace this part, but you can contact the manufacturer and let them know your model and what you suspect the problem is, and the part you need.
Gas Range Pilot Light Goes Out
In this case, the pilot light itself is probably too low.
You’ll need to turn the gas supply adjustment screw. It’s along the gas supply tube, and most likely under the stovetop and up near your knobs.
Turning this screw will change the height of the flame and should fix your problem.
You can also check for moving air or drafts that are interfering with the height of the flame.
Check for open windows and doors, or an exhaust fan in your kitchen may not have a backdraft preventer, causing air to flow near your stove.
Weak or Uneven Flame
Another classic gas stove repair issue.
The leading culprit is usually clogging by food or grease. You’ll need to wash your burner’s top cap (remove, if possible).
Use hot, soapy water or degreaser. Dry immediately. Ensure no grease is left behind.
If that doesn’t do the trick, it may be time for a new part – the control valve.
Repair Gas Stove Not Getting Hot Enough
When this happens, first clean all the burners for any grease or other small obstructions.
Check the burner’s flames. If they are steady, blue in color and taper up then they are good.
Anything else such as short or flat or yellow/orange in color, or making a “roaring” sound, then there is in imbalance of air and gas mixture.
You can adjust what’s called an air-shutter (another important part to check when repairing a gas stove), on each burner.
Loosen the shutter retaining screw and move the shutter open and close until the flame’s shape changes and remains steady overall with a mostly blue tone.
Stove Top Knobs Are Hard to Turn
This is a common occurrence, and usually means grease or residue from food spills has made the knobs and valves gummy.
A thorough cleaning is necessary for this gas range repair.
Clean the control knobs
Pull the knobs straight up (they should slide or even pop softly away). Soak the knobs in hot water with an extra-strength grease cutting soap.
Before putting knobs back on your stove, spray all the parts of the valve, including the stem, with a no-rinse cleaner.
You can remove it with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Just get it clean and dry.
You may have to clean the actual valves more carefully if necessary.
Clean the gas valves
To do this, turn off the gas and unplug your range altogether.
Diassemble valves using a couple of wrenches and get them clean using steel wool and mineral spirits.
Lubricate these parts with a strong, long-term lubricant (not WD-40, but something like Tri-Flow).
Final Words…
Whenever in doubt about safety during a gas stove repair, don’t hesitate to call in a professional technician.
At least you can let them know what you think the problem is, but that you thought it best they make the repair if you’re worried about excessive gas leaking out, or that you’re getting all the stove parts back together correctly.
All in all, you’ll usually find that you can just check the basics and get things clean to complete a successful fix.