TOOLS AND MATERIALS NEEDED
Burner Hisses or Sputters
Gas Burner Does Not Work
| TOOLS | Screwdriver, toothpick, metal rod |
| MATERIALS | Replacement igniter, replacement burner switch |
Gas burners my hiss or sputter or cease to work at all. Here is some helpful information on how to repair and maintain gas burners.
Burner Hisses or Sputters
If your gas burner is hissing, sputtering, or burning a yellow flame, it is not operating efficiently. The problem is caused by too much or too little air being supplied to the flame. Here is how to make an adjustment:
Wait to perform your repair until the stovetop surface is cool. Make sure all controls are turned off. Take the grates off the surface of the stove, and then lift up the cooktop. Use the metal rod found inside to prop the cooktop open.
Locate the faulty burner’s air shutter. This is often near the front of the appliance. Unscrew the shutter’s setscrew, until it is loose but not off. Turn the burner on high. If a noisy flame is your problem, slightly close the shutter until the flame burns quietly. If a yellow flame is your issue, open the shutter until the flame burns blue. Retighten the shutter’s setscrew, close up the cooktop, and replace the grates.
Gas Burner Does Not Work
Most problems with gas ranges have to do with the flame—either it isn’t quite right or it’s nonexistent. Many new gas ranges have “electronic ignition,” a spark igniter that starts the flame as gas flows through the burners.
If, when you turn on one burner, it fails to spark but you hear sparking at other burners, food or cleaners may have clogged the burner ports. Be sure the burner is cool, then remove it and wash it thoroughly. Insert a toothpick in the orifices around its perimeter to remove any debris or clogs.
If this doesn’t do the job, the igniter or the burner switch may need replacement by an appliance repair person.
If none of the burners work, be sure the pilot light is lit if your cooktop has one.
Be aware that gas cooktops rely on electrical power for their ignition systems. Be sure the unit is plugged into its receptacle. You’ll typically find the receptacle behind a freestanding range or at the back of the cabinet below a built-in cooktop.
Also make sure that the circuit breaker serving the appliance is in the “On” position or that its fuse has not blown.
Check both the main electrical panel and any secondary subpanels that supply power to the appliance.
If necessary, reset the circuit breaker or replace the fuse.
If the circuit blows again, there is probably a short in the electrical system. Call an electrician.
How to Repair Gas Cooktop Burners FAQs
- Why is my gas burner hissing or sputtering?
If your gas burner is hissing, sputtering, or burning with a yellow flame, it indicates an imbalance in the air supply to the flame. This issue occurs due to either too much or too little air being supplied to the burner.
- How do I adjust the air shutter on a gas burner?
To adjust the air shutter, first ensure the stovetop is cool and all controls are off. Remove the grates and lift up the cooktop using the metal rod to prop it open. Locate the air shutter near the faulty burner, loosen the setscrew, and adjust the shutter. Close the shutter for a noisy flame or open it for a yellow flame until it burns blue. Retighten the setscrew, close the cooktop, and replace the grates.
- What should I do if my gas burner does not work?
If a gas burner fails to work, it may be due to clogged burner ports. Clean the cool burner thoroughly, using a toothpick to remove debris from the orifices. If the issue persists, the igniter or burner switch may need to be replaced by a professional.
- How do I clean a clogged gas burner?
To clean a clogged gas burner, ensure it is cool before removing it. Wash the burner thoroughly and use a toothpick to clear debris from the orifices around its perimeter. This should restore proper functionality.
- What should I check if none of my gas burners are working?
If none of the gas burners are working, check if the pilot light is lit (if applicable). Ensure the unit is plugged into its receptacle and check the circuit breaker or fuse in the electrical panel. Reset the circuit breaker or replace the fuse if needed. If the circuit blows again, there may be an electrical short, and you should call an electrician.
