Gas Hob Won’t Light
If you’ve ever been in the middle of preparing a meal and your gas hob refuses to light, you know how frustrating it can be. But don’t worry, this guide is here to help you troubleshoot and fix the issue. We’ll cover the most common reasons why a gas hob won’t light and provide step-by-step instructions on how to resolve each one.
1. Hob Won’t Light: Igniter is Clogged with Debris
One of the most common reasons a gas hob won’t light is that the igniter is clogged with debris. Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate on the igniter and prevent it from sparking.
How to Clean an Igniter
- Before checking the igniter, make sure your hob isn’t hot.
- Remove the burner caps.
- Carefully use a wire brush to clean off all of the debris on the igniter. Be sure not to damage it in any way.
- Once it’s clean, reattach the burner caps and try turning on the burners to see if they light now.
If the igniter is still clogged after cleaning it, you may need to replace it. Replacements can be found on Amazon here!
2. Hob Won’t Light: Igniter Has Too Much Moisture
Another common reason a gas hob won’t light is that the igniter has too much moisture. When the igniter is wet, it can’t create a spark to light the gas.
How to Fix an Igniter with Too Much Moisture
- If the igniter has too much moisture, you’ll need to dry it off.
- Remove the burner caps.
- Use a hairdryer to dry off the igniter. Be sure to get all of the moisture out, otherwise, it will just cause problems later on.
- Reattach the burner caps and try turning on the burners to see if they light now.
If the igniter is still wet after drying it off, you may need to replace it. Replacements can be found on Amazon here!
3. Hob Won’t Light: Loose Connection
Another common reason gas hobs won’t light is because of a loose connection. When the connections are loose, they can’t create a spark to ignite the gas.
How to Fix a Loose Connection
- If the connections are loose, you can try tightening them.
- Remove the burner caps.
- Use a screwdriver to tighten all of the connections. Be sure not to over-tighten them or you may damage them.
- Reattach the burner caps and try turning on the burners to see if they light now.
If the connections are still loose, you may need to replace them. Replacements can be found on Amazon here!
4. Hob Won’t Light: Gas Supply is Not Working
The next fix to apply is to check that the gas supply is working correctly. If the gas supply line gets accidentally turned off or becomes obstructed, your gas hob won’t ignite because the gas flow will have stopped or become impeded.
How to Check the Gas Supply
- Make sure the burner unit isn’t hot.
- Remove the burner caps.
- At the back of the burner, you should find a small hole that the gas goes through. Use a small toothpick or needle to make sure the hole is clear. If anything is blocking the hole, remove it.
- Try to ignite your burner. Check if you can smell gas coming out of it. If you can smell gas, move on to the next fix. If you don’t smell gas, make sure all of the valves are turned on. If any of the valves have been switched off, turn them on. Once you ensure that all the valves are on, check if gas now comes out of the burner. If gas still doesn’t come out of the burner, you’ll need to get a technician to come and inspect your gas supply line.
5. Hob Won’t Light: Check the Spark Igniter Connections
The spark igniter helps ignite the gas. Sometimes the connections on the spark igniter become defective, which mean your hob won’t light.
How to Check the Spark Igniter Connections
- Switch the power off to your gas hob.
- Switch the gas supply off to your gas hob.
- Remove the burner head.
- Check the wires that are connected to the burner head for any signs of damage. If the wires are frayed or damaged in any other way, they need to be replaced.
- If the wiring is fine, make sure the connections to the spark igniter aren’t frayed, damaged, or loose. If they are, they need to be repaired or replaced.
6. Hob Won’t Light: Replace the Igniter Unit
The final fix is to replace the entire igniter unit. The igniter provides the spark for your gas hob to light up. When it becomes defective, your gas hob will fail to ignite.
How to Replace the Igniter
- Switch the power off.
- Switch the gas supply off.
- Remove the burner head from your hob.
- Locate the igniter unit and disconnect the wiring.
- Remove the igniter by taking out the screws that hold it in place.
- Once removed, attach the new igniter unit and reattach the screws to secure it in place.
- Reattach the wires to the igniter unit.
- Reattach the burner head.
- Attempt to ignite your gas hob. If it still doesn’t light, you’ll need to get a technician to come and inspect your gas hob.
We hope this guide helps you get your gas hob working again!
For more tips and guides, check out our other blog posts:
- Comprehensive Guide to Fixing a Washing Machine That Won’t Start
- How to Troubleshoot and Fix a Cooker Hood That’s Not Extracting
- Maintenance Tips for Your Electric Hob
Remember, regular maintenance can prevent many common appliance issues. Stay tuned for more appliance repair and maintenance tips from Yorkshire Appliances.
Hob Won’t Light? Help From From Yorkshire Appliances
In conclusion, understanding common hob issues and how to troubleshoot them can save you time and money. Regular maintenance can also prevent many of these problems from occurring in the first place. For more information on appliance repairs and maintenance, check out our other blog posts on Yorkshire Appliances. If you need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Note: Always remember to disconnect the power before attempting any repairs or maintenance on your appliances. If you’re unsure about any of the steps outlined above, it’s best to seek professional help.
Check Out Our Other Hob troubleshooting & Maintenance Guides…
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