Your stove is one of the most essential appliances in your home, yet it’s easy to take for granted—until something goes wrong. Suddenly, cooking meals becomes a challenge, and frustration sets in. But while a malfunctioning stove can feel like a disaster, not every issue means the end of the world.
Here are some of the more common issues you might encounter—and how you can fix them.
01 Your Burners Won’t Ignite
If you turn on a burner and nothing happens—no gas sound, no flame—the simplest explanation is often the right one: the gas has been turned off. Before pulling out the stove or calling a repair service, check to make sure no one accidentally turned off the gas. This can save you a lot of hassle, especially if you’ve just moved into a new place, where previous tenants or owners may have switched everything off before they left.
To check, locate the gas shut-off valve. It’s usually a lever on the gas pipe near the stove. If the lever is sticking out to the side, the gas is off. Turn it so it lines up with the pipe to turn the gas back on.
If the gas is on and the burner still won’t light, check that all burner caps are properly in place. If one is out of line, the burner won’t ignite. Simply realign the cap. Since burner caps can move during cleaning, always double-check that they’re in the right position after cleaning to avoid this issue.
02 You get a Yellow Flame on the burner.
A gas burner should produce a blue flame. If it’s yellow or orange, that’s a sign of a problem. Yellow or orange flames generate less heat and indicate incomplete combustion, which could mean carbon monoxide is escaping—a serious safety hazard.
A clogged burner often causes this issue. To fix it, remove the burner covers and clean everything thoroughly. Warm, soapy water is usually enough, but if you’ve just moved into a new apartment and find a lot of buildup, a degreaser may be needed to tackle the tough spots. You should see that nice, safe blue flame once the debris is cleared and the gas flows freely again.
03 Ignition Problems
If the ignition system fails, you can use an electronic lighter to temporarily start the burner. However, this is just a quick fix. If you don’t hear the usual clicking sound and there’s no spark to ignite the gas, the spark module is likely broken.
The spark module can be replaced, but it’s best to rely on the expertise of professionals. At 911 Service Today, we’re Charleston’s trusted stove and oven repair specialists, ready to provide fast and reliable service.
Other potential causes of ignition problems include a wet igniter, which can often be fixed by removing the burner cover and letting everything dry out. Since electronic igniters still require power, check if the stove is receiving power and look for a tripped breaker to see if the plug appears fine.
04 Gas Won’t Stay Lit
If the gas ignites as usual but goes out as soon as you stop the igniter, the issue may be a defective thermocouple. This component detects whether there is a flame and shuts off the gas if it doesn’t sense one. While it’s an important safety feature, it can cause problems if it malfunctions. Replacing this vital part requires a professional.
If the flame goes out after lighting, it could be an issue with the vent system. Try adjusting the blower settings, as this often solves the problem.
If the issue persists, our team at 911 Service Today is ready to help. We can quickly diagnose and resolve the problem, getting your stove back to normal safely and efficiently.
05 Electric Burner Doesn’t Get Hot
Electric burners can have issues just like gas burners. If your electric burner isn’t getting hot, turn on the other burners. If none of them are working, the problem is likely with the stove’s electric supply, and you’ll need a professional stove repair service to resolve it.
If it’s just the one burner, you can take a few steps yourself. First, check that the burner coil is properly connected to the stove. If it’s loose, push it in securely, which might fix the issue. If not, unplug the coil and try swapping it with one that’s working on another burner. If the swapped coil works, the original coil is faulty and needs replacing. If the swapped coil doesn’t work in the same spot, it’s likely a connection issue, and you’ll need a professional to assess it.
06 Induction Burner Issues
Induction burners can be tricky, especially for first-time users. One of the most common issues is turning up the heat only to find that your pans and food aren’t warming up. While this can feel like a disaster, it’s usually an easy fix.
Unlike traditional burners, induction hobs don’t heat up the burner itself—instead, they heat the pan directly. For this to work properly, you need pans that are compatible with induction cooking. Induction burners require ferromagnetic pans, so if you’re using a new stove or moving into a place with induction burners, make sure you’re using the right cookware.
Conclusion
Not every issue requires a professional—some can be fixed without tools. But if you’re ever unsure whether it’s something you can handle yourself, it’s always best to call in a professional.
Never attempt gas appliance repairs on the gas supply. It’s dangerous, and our team at 911 Service Today is ready to help with these types of issues. Our skilled technicians are experienced and certified to handle all stove and oven repairs safely and efficiently.
