Gas stove won't light: what to do?
A gas stove that won't light can be a simple fix or a sign of a dangerous gas leak. Learn the safe steps to take before you try again.
Quick answer
4 steps — read this before anything else
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1
If you smell gas, do not operate any switches or flames: leave the building and call your gas emergency service from outside.
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2
If there is no smell, check that the gas supply valve is open and the burner parts are clean and dry.
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3
Turn off the burner knob and wait a few minutes before trying again.
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4
If the stove still won't light, stop trying and call a qualified gas appliance technician.
Warning
If you smell gas, do not operate electrical switches or use flames. Leave the building and call your gas emergency service from outside.
Important — please read
This content is general educational and informational only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical care because of something you read here. In an emergency or life-threatening situation, call your local emergency services (police, fire or ambulance) immediately.
A gas stove that won't light can be frustrating, but it can also be a warning sign of a gas leak or a faulty appliance. Your first priority is to rule out danger before you try to fix anything.
What is happening
Gas stoves light either by a standing pilot light or an electronic igniter. If the burner does not light, the cause could be a closed gas valve, a dirty or wet burner, a blocked jet, a faulty igniter, or a problem with the gas supply. In some cases, unburned gas may be escaping into the room, which is a serious hazard.
Emergency warning
If you smell gas, hear a hissing sound, or feel dizzy or nauseous, treat it as an emergency. Do not turn any electrical switches on or off, do not use a phone inside the building, and do not light a flame. Leave the building immediately and call your local gas emergency service or emergency services from a safe distance. Do not re-enter until you are told it is safe.
What to do first (if you do not smell gas)
- Turn off the burner. Make sure the knob is in the off position.
- Check the gas supply. Confirm that the main gas valve to the stove is open. If you have a gas cylinder, check that it is not empty.
- Wait a few minutes. Let any unburned gas dissipate before trying again.
- Clean and dry the burner. Remove the burner cap and head. Check for food debris, moisture, or blockages in the gas ports. Dry thoroughly before reassembling.
- Try to light it again. If your stove has a pilot light, follow the manufacturer's instructions to relight it. For electronic ignition, turn the knob and listen for the clicking sound.
What NOT to do
- Do not keep trying to light the burner repeatedly. If it does not light after a couple of attempts, stop. Repeated attempts can release unburned gas into the room.
- Do not use a match or lighter to light a burner that is not designed for manual lighting. Follow the manufacturer's instructions only.
- Do not ignore a gas smell. Even a faint smell should be treated seriously.
- Do not attempt to repair the stove yourself beyond basic cleaning and checking the gas supply. Gas appliances should be serviced by a qualified technician.
When to call for help
Call a qualified gas appliance technician if:
- The stove still won't light after basic checks.
- You notice a gas smell at any time.
- The igniter does not click or spark.
- The flame is weak, yellow, or uneven.
- You suspect a blocked jet or a faulty gas valve.
If you smell gas, call your gas emergency service immediately, not a technician.
What to monitor
After a successful lighting, check that the flame is blue and steady. A yellow or orange flame may indicate incomplete combustion or a dirty burner. If the flame is uneven or noisy, turn off the burner and clean the ports. If the problem persists, call a technician.
How to prevent it
- Clean the burners regularly to prevent blockages.
- Keep the burner area dry.
- Have your gas stove serviced periodically by a qualified technician.
- Install a gas detector if you rely on gas appliances.
This is general information and not a substitute for professional advice. In an emergency, call your local emergency services.
Sources & references
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