What To Do If Only One Burner Is Working On Your Gas Stove

Some 38% of homes in the United States find that gas stoves are a key ingredient to delicious eats, and the appliance may actually boost your home value. But, there are moments it's simply not firing on all cylinders. If none of the burners are flickering on, that's a sign that the gas has been switched off, the stove is unplugged, or a breaker has been tripped. Once you've checked all the necessary switches and outlets, make sure the gas is on. When you look at the supply valve behind the stove, the handle should be parallel to the gas pipe.

Other potential issues that would affect all of the burners include the pilot light being out (you'll want to reset the breaker and then try lighting a burner) or a malfunctioning spark module, which will likely require a pro to come fix. But, if just one of the cook zones is acting up, it can point to a multitude of other problems. To get things cooking, you may need to check the individual igniter, ensure the gas line is feeding that particular burner, or clean it out.

To find the right recipe to fix your malfunctioning cooktop, first perform a few system checks. Make sure the gas valve is open and that there aren't any interruptions in the line. You can test this by spraying soapy water onto each of the connections. If bubbles form, that indicates a leak that needs to be checked. To determine if the ignitor is the culprit, turn the knob and listen for the clicking sound. If you don't hear anything, you'll likely need professional help.

Another common problem is a clogged burner. If you're not regularly cleaning your gas stovetop, leftover food debris and grease can gunk things up. (A flame that flickers orange instead of the requisite blue could also indicate a clog, meaning less gas is flowing in.) Once you've made sure everything is off and cooled, remove the burner cap and base and gently clean the gas tube opening underneath using a dampened cloth. Next, try this simple fix: Use a straightened paper clip, needle, or pin to clean out any burner holes. Just be sure to move slowly so you don't cause any damage. Once you've put everything back together and all parts are fully dried, double check that the burner cap is properly aligned, as that could also cause it not to light. If after all of that, you're still not cooking with gas, it's time to call in the pros.