Gas Burner Failure: Common Causes and How to Fix It

When your gas burner, a component that ignites natural gas or propane to produce heat for cooking. Also known as a gas hob, it’s one of the most used parts in your kitchen stops working, it’s not always a sign your whole stove is broken. More often, it’s something simple—like clogged ports, a faulty igniter, or dirty burners—that’s stopping the flame. Gas burner failure doesn’t mean you need a new appliance. It usually means you need a quick clean, a reset, or a part swap. Many homeowners panic when the burner won’t light, but 80% of these issues are fixable without calling a technician.

Related problems often show up together. A gas oven, a cooking appliance that uses gas flames for baking and roasting might not heat properly if the burner is clogged or the thermocouple is worn. The gas stove, a kitchen appliance with one or more gas burners and often an oven might make clicking noises but never ignite—that’s usually the igniter failing. Or maybe the flame is weak, yellow, or uneven. That’s a sign of dirt buildup or low gas pressure. These aren’t mysterious failures. They’re predictable wear points. Most gas burners last 10–15 years, but without regular cleaning, they can start failing after just 3–5. You don’t need special tools to fix most of these. A toothbrush, baking soda, and a needle are often all you need.

Before you assume the gas line is leaking or the valve is broken, check the easy stuff first. Is the burner cap seated right? Is food debris blocking the gas ports? Is the igniter sparking at all? These are the questions that save people hundreds of dollars. If the burner lights but goes out after a few seconds, that’s usually the thermocouple—not the gas supply. If none of the burners work, it might be the main gas valve or the control knob. And if you smell gas? Turn it off, open windows, and call a pro—no exceptions.

Below, you’ll find real fixes from actual repairs done in homes across the UK. No fluff. No theory. Just what works when your gas burner won’t light, sputters, or won’t stay lit. Whether you’re trying to get dinner on the table tonight or just want to avoid a costly service call, the solutions here are practical, tested, and clear.