BACKFEB 23, 2026
Turning the knob on your gas stove and hearing that rhythmic click-click-click without a flame appearing is a classic kitchen frustration. It usually happens right when you’re ready to start dinner, adding stress to an already busy evening.
Looking for more guidance? Take a look at our Repairs overview.
The good news is that a burner failing to light is rarely a sign of a catastrophic failure. In most cases, the culprit is something minor: a misaligned cap, a bit of spilled sauce blocking a port, or a simple power issue. Gas stoves are relatively simple machines, and with a few careful checks, you can often get them working again without waiting for a repair technician.
This guide will walk you through a safe, logical process to diagnose the problem and get your kitchen back up and running.
Before we start, let's address the most important question: safety.
Working with gas appliances requires caution. If you smell a strong, persistent odor of gas (like rotten eggs) that doesn't go away, or if you hear a hissing sound when all knobs are off, stop immediately. Leave your home and call your gas utility provider from a safe distance.
However, if there is no strong smell of gas and you're just dealing with a burner that refuses to catch a spark, it is generally safe to investigate using the steps below.
We will break this down into two main paths: if all your burners are failing, or if just one burner is giving you trouble.
Time: 5 minutes
Before taking anything apart, do a quick environment check.
If none of the burners are working, the issue is likely with the gas supply or the main power source, rather than the burners themselves.
1. Check the Gas Supply Pull the stove forward gently just enough to see the gas line behind it. There is a shut-off valve on the supply pipe. The handle should be parallel to the pipe (open). If it’s perpendicular (forming a "T"), the gas is off.
2. Reset the Ignition System Sometimes the electronic ignition module gets confused.
3. Check the Circuit Breaker If you don't hear any clicking at all, check your home’s electrical panel. If the breaker labeled "Kitchen" or "Range" has tripped, flip it back to ON.
If three burners work but one is stubborn, the issue is almost certainly a clog or a misalignment. This is the most common scenario homeowners face.
1. Clean the Burner Ports Food spills are the enemy of gas stoves. Even a tiny crumb can block the gas flow or the spark.
2. Check the Igniter and Cap Alignment
3. Test for Spark Turn the knob to "Light." If you see a spark and hear a click but get no flame, you might still have a moisture issue or a deep clog. If you see no spark on just that one burner, the igniter itself may need replacement.
While many stove issues are DIY-friendly, gas is not something to gamble with. You should call a licensed technician if:
DIY Fixes (Cleaning, Re-seating caps, Checking plugs):
Replacing an Igniter or Control Module (DIY):
Professional Repair:
A stove that won't light is usually trying to tell you it's dirty or unplugged, rather than broken.
Keeping track of when you last serviced your appliances—even just a deep clean—can help you stay ahead of these annoyances. Casa can help you organize your home maintenance schedule so you aren't surprised by these issues right before a dinner party.
If you’ve gone through this checklist and still can’t get the flame to catch, don’t force it. Download the Casa app today. We can help you troubleshoot further or connect you with a top-rated appliance professional to handle the repair safely.
