With the right care and maintenance, a gas stove can last for many years and provide years of trouble-free service, but even so things can and do go wrong. When your gas stove or oven stops working, you may be tempted to call in a professional repair person, but that option can be a costly one. The better solution would be to gain the knowledge you need to troubleshoot and resolve common problems on your own.

Burners Will Not Light

One of the most common--and most frustrating--problems gas stove owners may encounter is a burner that simply refuses to light. When this happens, it is important to carefully troubleshoot the problem and determine where the issue lies. The most common problem is that the pilot light has become blocked, generally by food particles or other debris that has fallen through the top of the stove and blocked the light. In order to resolve this problem, simply remove the cover on the pilot light and use a stiff brush to remove any accumulated food particles, dirt and debris. Then, replace the pilot light cover, and try to light the burner again.

The Smell of Gas

Although it is normal to detect a faint gas odor when you first start your gas stove, if you continue to smell gas, or if the smell is stronger than normal, it is important to immediately turn off the stove. After the stove has been turned off, go outside and call the gas company immediately. The smell of gas could indicate a leak, and that leak could mean you are in danger. Contact the gas company right away if you suspect a gas leak.

The Stove Will Not Bake

If the burners on the top of your gas stove are working but the oven will not bake, it is important to check the bake igniter. If the bake igniter is weak, the oven will bake unevenly or the temperature may be lower than normal. If the igniter is burned out completely, the oven may not come on at all. To check the condition of the igniter, you must first find the device. The igniter is the tube through which the gas flows before reaching the oven--you can recognize it by the holes in the side that let the gas in. The igniter should glow red and heat up if it is working properly. If it glows but does not heat properly, the igniter is weak. If it does not light up at all, it is worn out and needs to be replaced.

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Gas Stove Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Your Stove