What Constant Clicking On Your Gas Stove Is Trying To Tell You

You and your gas stove are a match made in heaven. Thanks to its versatility and ability to precisely control cooking temperatures, the gas stove is your kitchen's secret weapon. But lately, your stove is constantly clicking, and sometimes, it's not even the burner you're trying to turn on. Your stove isn't broken; it's trying to tell you that it can't ignite properly.

Most gas stoves have a master ignition system, so when you turn on one burner, it activates all burners' igniters. When your stove is working normally, only the burner you turn on ignites. But if one burner is faulty, it impacts the others, creating that characteristic clicking sound. 

The good news is this is a fault you can most likely fix yourself in just a few minutes. Before you get started, disconnect your stove from both gas and electricity and make sure it's completely cool before handling the components. If you're concerned about safety or think you may have a gas leak at any time during the procedure, call emergency services immediately.

There are five common causes behind a stove's clicking: moisture, off-center burner caps, plugged burner ports, debris on the igniter, and component damage. The first four are easily things you can try to troubleshoot at home before calling in professional help. First, check for moisture. Liquids can make it hard for the burner to ignite, which is why it's important to avoid using this ingredient to clean gas burners. If you've recently spilled sauce or other liquid on your burners, wipe it up thoroughly. Use a dry cloth or a blow dryer on its lowest setting to dry any leftover moisture. Next, look at your burner caps. If askew, these flat metal discs can block the igniter and cause clicking. Make sure each one sits in its groove properly.

If the clicking sound continues, your stove may be telling you that the burner ports are obstructed or the ignitor is clogged with leftover food or residue. Take the burner cap off and use a soft brush to remove any debris from the ignitor and cap. If there's stubborn residue, dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol and use it to clean the burner thoroughly. For a simple fix for blocked burner holes, unfold a paperclip and use it to clean out the ports.

If you've gone through all the steps and your stove is still clicking, the appliance may need a new spark module, ignition switch, or other part. Call a professional for help with this stage. After, make sure to clean your gas stove burners every three months or so to keep them in top shape.