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Is your gas oven refusing to light, and you’re not sure why?
You’re not alone! In fact, several homeowners all over the world face the same issue daily and are left nothing short of confused.
I know how annoying it can be to have your gas oven not light, whether it’s the actual oven burner or the burner on the range – it’s inconvenient, to say the least.
But don’t worry; you’ve come to the right place for answers. Below, you’ll find a list including one of the 2 main causes behind this situation and what you can do to address it.
When your gas oven won’t light, it’s typically because the burners at the oven or on the range are dirty or obstructed by some kind of debris.
Keep reading to get your gas oven light back on!
Why trust us? This article was written by Craig Anderson and James Blackford.
Craig has helped thousands of other homeowners repair their appliances since 2016.
James is one of our resident appliance experts with over 16 years of experience. He currently works as a Master Technician for SquareTrade, and runs his own appliance repair business.
Why Your Gas Oven Won’t Light
Just like any other appliance, ovens need constant cleaning to work normally and deliver the results you expect from them. While your oven doesn’t need to be cleaned as frequently as, say, an HVAC filter, letting several months or years pass without caring for the appliance can cause many issues.
To help save you time and money, here’s simple advice I’ve found can solve most burner-related issues.
#1 Clean the Oven
In my experience, cleaning your oven at least once every 2 months is a good practice every homeowner must implement into their daily routine. By ensuring that you give the burners and the oven compartment a good, thorough cleaning, you’ll prevent several potential problems.
Solution: Before cleaning your oven, you must ensure it’s completely cool. Once you’re certain the appliance’s temperature is safe, follow the steps below:
- Unplug the oven from the wall outlet or, alternatively, cut the power to your kitchen from your circuit breakers. Then, shut off the gas valve supply.
- Once you’re certain both the power and the gas supply are off, carefully clean the burners of your range and oven and remove any stubborn grease stains. If you’re struggling to remove the grease spots, you can use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar that will make them easier to scrub off and disinfect the area.
#2 Remove Debris
If cleaning the area doesn’t work and your gas oven still won’t light, you can also try looking for signs of stuck food residue and other debris that might be getting in the way.
As time passes, it’s possible that food and other objects fall into your oven and affect the way the burners work. In my experience, oftentimes cleaning alone won’t do the job, as grease buildup is only part of the problem.
Solution: When the oven is fully cool, and the gas and power are shut off, look carefully at your oven’s burners and try to spot anything out of the ordinary, whether it is a piece of food, metal, or even parchment paper.
If you spot anything, remove the obstruction and test the burners again to see if your gas oven lights.
Other Things to Check
Once you’ve ensured that your gas oven’s burners are clean and unobstructed, let’s consider some additional measures you can take to stay safe and know 100% that you’ve addressed the issue.
- Check for gas leaks: Sometimes, when an oven gas won’t light, it can also be due to a gas leak between the gas supply line and the oven. A gas leak won’t only cause your gas bills to be much higher than normal but also put you and your family at risk of a fire or suffocation. If you suspect there’s a gas leak in your home, please call a professional immediately.
- Remove cleaning products completely: While oven and range cleaning products are great for keeping your appliance clean, they can also prevent the flame from lighting if you apply too much and don’t let them dry. If you just applied a cleaning product to your gas oven, wait a couple of hours before using it or remove any excess product from the burners.
Note: A simple way to check for gas leaks in your home is by using a spray bottle or atomizer. Fill the atomizer with water and soap and spray the soapy water in the gas valve connection and across the gas line (the tube or hose connecting your gas supply to your oven). If you notice bubbling, you have a gas leak that must be addressed immediately.
Please never check for gas leaks using a lighter or another flammable substance.
Addressing a Gas Oven That Won’t Light
When your gas oven won’t light, no matter what you try, it’s natural to feel frustrated and concerned about the cause of the problem.
Luckily, as I hope this piece has helped you better understand, addressing the most common causes behind a gas oven that won’t light is easy and quick. More often than not, something as simple as cleaning the burner and removing any excess cleaning solution will do the trick.
Thanks for reading. If this article was useful and answered your most burning questions, please check out our other resources and free guides below and consider subscribing to our newsletter.
Have a wonderful week!
-Craig.
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