Gas stove burner not lighting: the checklist before you call

A burner that will not light is usually one of a few simple things. Run through these in order; most people find it by step three.

First: do you smell gas?

If yes, stop here. Do not press the ignition again, do not switch any electrical appliance on or off, open the windows, turn the regulator knob to off, and step out. Call from outside. A burner that will not light plus a gas smell is a leak, not an ignition problem.

If there is no smell

• Cylinder: is it empty? Rock it gently — an empty one is light and silent. On PNG, check the meter valve is open.
• Regulator: is the knob fully on? On some models the on position is a quarter turn, not a half.
• Burner cap: lift it and set it back down squarely. A cap sitting crooked blocks the ports on one side.
• Wet ports: after a boil-over, water in the burner holes stops gas reaching the spark. Dry it and wait ten minutes.
• Ignition: does it click? No click means the battery (on battery ignition) or the module. A click with no flame means gas is not arriving.

Only one burner?

If the others light, the problem is at that burner — clogged jet, wet ports or a misplaced cap. If none light, it is upstream: cylinder, regulator or pipe.

Do not use a lighter to test a burner that has been failing to light. If gas has been building in the burner body, a naked flame lights all of it at once.

When to call

If the checklist did not find it, or if the jet needs clearing — that involves the gas path and is a technician's job. It is usually a short visit.