Gas stoves are the pride and joy of any dedicated home chef. Their consistent heat output and high power make them the perfect option for anyone who takes cooking seriously.
If you have a gas stove in your kitchen, you're probably accustomed to hearing "click, click, click" when you turn the burner knob. This is the sound of the electric igniter. Once the flame is going, the clicking should stop.
If your gas stove keeps clicking even after the burner is lit — or the stove won't light — there's likely a problem with the burner cap, knobs, or spark mechanisms. This can easily put a damper on your dinner plans. But before you schedule a stove repair or diagnosis with one of our appliance service professionals, follow these troubleshooting tips from Mr. Appliance®.
How to Fix a Clicking Gas Stove
First, don't worry. A clicking gas stove igniter is usually not dangerous. Sometimes, a gas stove won't stop clicking when turned off. In this case, the gas is probably not flowing. However, if you smell gas or suspect a leak for another reason, shut off the gas supply, exit your home, and call your utility provider.
If there's no sign of a gas leak, continue reading to figure out the problem.
Realign the Burner Cap
One of the most common reasons a gas stove keeps clicking even after it's lit is an improperly aligned burner cap. Once the cooktop is completely cool, remove the burner grate to access the cap beneath it. Remove the cap and re-center it on the base. Try lighting the burner again.
Dry the Burner
Why is your gas stove clicking but not lighting? There may be excess moisture in the burner. This can occur when a pot boils over, after grease spills, or post-cleaning.
To dry everything thoroughly, remove the burner cap and let it air out. To speed up the process, turn all the burners off and wipe the top of the range with a towel. You can also aim a fan at the burner in question or turn on the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes to warm up and dry out the burner from the underside. This should help to evaporate any liquid in the burner.
When dealing with this issue, ensure the burner is not full of oil. If you spill a large amount of oil onto the burner while cooking, shut off the burners and soak up the oil using paper towels.
Remove Food Debris
If drying and realigning the burner caps didn't fix your problem, look for burned-on food or debris that might obstruct the igniter. Use a metal pin or paper clip to clear the debris away from the burner. Avoid using a toothpick for this task because a small piece could break off and become lodged inside, causing even more trouble.
Clicking Gas Stove FAQs
How do you fix a gas stove that won't stop clicking?
If your gas stove keeps clicking even when it's off, it can be pretty annoying. Thankfully, it's rarely a harmful issue unless you smell gas. If you smell gas while your stove is clicking, turn off the gas, unplug the stove top, evacuate your home, and contact your utility provider.
To fix your gas stove, you must first identify the issue at hand. The most common issues include something blocking the igniter (causing it to click endlessly) or an unaligned burner cap.
You can fix a blocked igniter by using a small item like a metal pin or a needle to dig the blockage out. An unaligned burner cap should be removed and replaced so that it sits squarely in the middle of the burner. Contact an appliance repair professional if these strategies don't resolve the issue.
If Your Gas Stove Keeps Clicking, Consider a Repair
If the gas stove keeps clicking despite your efforts, you may need to replace the spark module, spark ignition switch, or igniter. It may be possible to order replacement parts from the manufacturer. However, the most efficient solution is calling a professional repair service. Mr. Appliance has experienced service professionals for the job! Connect with your local team or schedule an appointment online today.
