Gas Hob Burner Won't Ignite? Here's How to Fix It
When your gas hob burner won’t ignite, it can quickly throw your day into chaos. Whether you’re trying to cook breakfast for the family or prepare dinner after a long day, having a burner that won’t spark is beyond frustrating. Luckily, this is a common hob issue — and the good news is that it’s often easy to fix.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of a gas burner that refuses to ignite, how to troubleshoot the problem safely, and when it’s time to call a professional.
Common Causes of a Non-Igniting Gas Burner
Before diving into a fix, it’s helpful to understand what might be causing the issue. Here are the usual suspects:
- Food or grease blocking the ignition ports
- Moisture or water in the burner assembly
- Burner parts misaligned
- Faulty ignition switch or igniter
- Loose electrical connection or wiring fault
- Gas supply issue
Now, let’s break down how to identify and resolve the issue.
Step 1: Check for Food Debris or Grease Build-Up
One of the most common reasons your gas burner won’t light is due to clogged pores. Spills and splatters from cooking can block the small holes where gas escapes, preventing ignition from occurring.
DIY Solution: Clean the Burner
- Turn everything off
- Safety first! Ensure the hob is off and the oven is down to a low temperature. If your hob has an electric ignition, unplug it or switch off the circuit breaker.
- Remove burner components
- Carefully lift off the burner grate, cap, and head. Please keep track of their placement for easy reassembly.
- Clean thoroughly
- Soak the burner head and cap in warm, soapy water for 15–20 minutes. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub off any grime. Pay special attention to the small gas ports—use a toothpick, safety pin, or compressed air to clear any blockages.
- Dry completely
- Let everything air dry thoroughly. Any lingering moisture can stop the burner from lighting properly.
- Reassemble and test
- Reassemble the parts in the correct order and attempt to ignite the burner again. If it lights up—problem solved!
Step 2: Check Burner Cap Placement
It might sound simple, but if the burner cap isn’t sitting properly, it can prevent the gas from distributing correctly, which stops ignition.
Double-check that the burner cap is aligned correctly and sitting flat on the burner. If it wobbles or appears off-center, reposition it until it fits securely in place.
Step 3: Listen for the Click — Is the Igniter Working?
When you turn the knob, you should hear a fast-clicking sound — that’s the igniter at work. If you don’t hear anything or hear clicking without ignition, the issue could lie with the igniter itself. This could indicate a faulty ignition switch, a damaged spark module, or a loose or disconnected wire. Unless you’re confident with electrical repairs, this is a job best left to a professional gas appliance engineer.
Step 4: Is the Igniter Sparking, But No Flame Appears?
If you can hear the clicking but there’s no flame, the igniter might be weak or misfiring.
DIY Check (Visual)
Turn off the lights in your kitchen and try to ignite the burner. You should see a strong, bright spark. If the spark is faint or erratic, the igniter may need to be replaced.
Step 5: Check the Gas Supply, if gas hob burner won't ignite
If none of your burners are working, and you don’t smell any gas, you may have a supply issue.
How to Check Safely:
- Make sure the gas valve is open.
- Sometimes, the main valve (usually located behind or below the cooker) gets knocked or turned off.
- Try another gas appliance.
- If you have another gas-powered appliance (like a boiler or gas fire), see if that’s working. If not, your supply may be interrupted.
If you suspect a gas leak or smell gas, do not attempt any repairs yourself. Open all windows, switch off the gas at the meter, and leave the property.
Step 6: Is It Time to Call in a Professional?
If you’ve cleaned the burner, checked the igniter, ensured proper assembly, and ruled out a gas supply issue — and the hob still won’t ignite — it’s best to bring in a qualified engineer.
At Applance Kitchen Appliance Repairs, our Gas Safe-registered engineers are fully trained to diagnose and repair a wide range of gas hob issues. Whether it’s a faulty igniter, damaged wiring, or a more complex gas control issue, our expert team will have your hob working safely and efficiently in no time.
Book Your Repair with Applanco Today
Don’t let a faulty burner disrupt your daily routine. Whether you’re dealing with ignition problems, gas flow issues, or anything in between, Applanco Kitchen Appliance Repairs offers fast, affordable, and reliable repair services across the UK.
- Fixed transparent pricing
- Gas Safe certified engineers
- Same-day and next-day bookings available
- Friendly customer service
